What’s making news in Salem you might have missed
Good morning…
Even for July, it’s hot.
The National Weather Service reports that high temperatures for Salem are about 10 degrees above average.
“The air mass remains warmer than normal, even for mid-July,” the agency said early Sunday in its forecast.
The high for Sunday is forecast to be 94. There is a chance a bit more marine air could push in to hold the temperature below 90 on Monday.
“If so, it would be the first time Salem Airport remained below 90 degrees since July 3 – ending an 11-day streak (assuming today reaches 90 degrees, which is highly likely),” the weather service said. “The longest streak of 90-plus degree highs on record for Salem was 13 days, ending on August 10, 2017. Records have been kept in Salem since 1892.”
If we don’t cool below 90 on Monday, that record could be broken – highs are otherwise forecast to be above 90 through Saturday.
Before we get to the week’s news, the team from Salem Reporter had a booth at the Saturday Market. We had a great time talking to many subscribers and appreciated the kind remarks. We’ll do it again later this summer.
Speaking of heat, Willamette University is facing criticism for its decision to eliminate its chaplaincy services. Managing Editor Rachel Alexander examines the change, what university officials are saying and how the faith community is reacting.
Reporter Madeleine Moore reports on the dog sport of flyball and a show going on at the state fairgrounds. If you’re looking for something to do, the competition continues on Sunday as part of the Marion County Fair.
And the community has responded to the dire financial circumstances facing a Salem entertainment venue, the Infinity Room. Rachel Alexander has the story.
Reporter Abbey McDonald shares details on a new exhibit at the Salem Art Association – “The Art of Drag.” As she writes, “The exhibit, showing at the gallery through Aug. 25, includes glittery dresses, portrait photography, testimonials, information on queer history and more.”
In local government news, reporter Joe Siess describes projects coming around Salem to improve parks and sidewalks. He also has the details on a new pay contract for Marion County employees. The two-year deal adds about $10 million a year in payroll costs.
Reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian has the account of a wild day on city streets as police chase motorcyclists who had fired shots as officers were executing a search warrant.
He also spent time with Marion County Circuit Judge Aubrey Broyles, who finds herself at odds with a powerful federal judge over treatment for the mentally ill. The judge was candid and open in interviews with Salem Reporter, hoping to call more attention to flaws in the system for getting help for those who are mentally ill. “These are the kinds of cases that keep me up at night,” she told Salem Reporter. This is an extraordinary piece worth your time.
As always, thank you for reading and feel free to reach out to me anytime at [email protected] with ideas, questions or concerns.
–Les Zaitz, CEO and editor, Salem Reporter
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