Today’s edition · Tues., Nov. 10

SchoolsTop story

Salem-Keizer leaders say the district will look to close middle schools in the next few years

If you've got kids in Salem-Keizer schools, here's the heads-up: the district is looking at more closures down the road. Chief Operations Officer Paul Odenthal told the Salem Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Nov.

The Daily Salem team · 1 min read · 2 sources

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Fewer kindergartners are coming than seniors are leaving

New kindergartners2,3002,300

Graduating seniors3,3003,300

Source: Salem Reporter

View as table

	Value
New kindergartners	2,300
Graduating seniors	3,300

Today in SalemTues., Nov. 10

62 degreesCloudyHigh 63° · Low 50°

TodayCloudy.High 63°Low 50°
WedPartly cloudy.High 65°Low 48°
ThuCloudy.High 59°Low 49°
FriRain.High 55°Low 49°76%
SatShowers.High 58°Low 51°32%

Sunrise 7:02 a.m.
Sunset 4:48 p.m.

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From Daily Salem’s editions this week

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HealthOregon wins another $197.3 million to expand rural healthcare accessOregon has been awarded about $197.3 million for the second year in a row for rural healthcare, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced. The money comes through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The Oregon Health Authority says the first round supported more than 300 organizations, including rural hospitals, health clinics and community mental health programs.Today’s editionRead City HallSalem and Marion County will appeal after a judge declines to stop the Detroit Lake drawdownA federal judge on Wed., Nov. 4 denied Salem's and Marion County's request to halt the Army Corps' deep drawdown of Detroit Lake. Judge Mustafa Kasubhai wrote that "possibility" is not "likelihood," and that the law requires showing harm is likely. Marion County will appeal right away to the Ninth Circuit, and the county and city have announced their plans.Sunday’s editionRead City HallSalem City Council holds a hearing Monday on whether city code bars AI data centersIf you've followed Salem's data center debate, Monday is the night to watch. The City Council will hold a public hearing before deciding whether the city's zoning code already excludes AI and hyperscale data centers, like the Oakline at Mill Creek project Verrus has planned for southeast Salem.Saturday’s editionRead BusinessSalem robot maker Agility goes public on the Nasdaq after raising about $465 millionAgility, the humanoid robotics company headquartered in Salem, began trading on the Nasdaq Nov. 5. The business combination and related financing raised approximately $465 million in gross capital before transaction expenses.Saturday’s editionRead Fire SeasonOregon's 2026 fire season is over after a record 2.5 million acres burnedIf you've got a burn pile in mind, check before you light it. All Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, ending the 2026 fire season. More than 2.5 million acres burned statewide across all jurisdictions, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. That tops the 2024 record of 1.9 million.Friday’s editionRead WaterA judge denied Salem and Marion County's bid to stop the Detroit Lake drawdownIf you live in the Mid-Willamette Valley, this one's about your water. A federal judge denied requests Wednesday from the city of Salem and Marion County to stop the deep drawdown of Detroit Lake. The reservoir could now drop to a level tied for its lowest on record as soon as this month.Thursday’s editionRead

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HomelessnessA new report from the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, released Monday, finds most people living homeless in Salem are locals.
A new report from the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, released Monday, finds most people living homeless in Salem are locals. It covers the experience of navigating homeless shelters and supportive resources in the Salem area.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Salem Reporter
Utility ratesSalem city officials are considering increases to water, wastewater and stormwater rates.
Salem city officials are considering increases to water, wastewater and stormwater rates. The City Council was scheduled to discuss the proposal at its Monday meeting, including whether to schedule a public hearing in December.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: 1430 KYKN
School boardThe Salem-Keizer School Board will vote on its 2027 legislative agenda Tuesday, Nov.
The Salem-Keizer School Board will vote on its 2027 legislative agenda Tuesday, Nov. 10, and hear public comment on closures. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 2575 Commercial Street SE and is livestreamed on YouTube in English and Spanish. The agenda focuses largely on school funding reform, and the district is staring down a $50 million budget deficit.
News Notes · Today’s editionSources: Salem Reporter, FM News 101 KXL
Bird fluODFW says reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza are increasing among ducks and geese migrating through Oregon, with most sick and dead birds in the Willamette Valley, and Cackling geese appear hardest hit.
ODFW says reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza are increasing among ducks and geese migrating through Oregon, with most sick and dead birds in the Willamette Valley, and Cackling geese appear hardest hit. The agency urges people to avoid sick birds, keep pets away and not try to capture them, since there's no cure or effective treatment. For a dead bird, ODFW recommends disposable gloves, a mask and double-bagging before it goes in the trash, and the CDC reports the risk to people is low. On the coast, there have been only a handful of cases in the last year and a half, and none reported since early January.
News Notes · Today’s editionSources: KTVZ, KDRV, FM News 101 KXL, KPTV, Oregon Coast Beach Connection
Burn managersThe Certified Burn Manager Advisory Committee meets Nov.
The Certified Burn Manager Advisory Committee meets Nov. 16 in Salem, with a virtual option and a public comment period. Updates on program rules and liability are on the agenda.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Corvallis Gazette-Times
State parksOregon State Parks says visitors logged 2.2 million camping nights in 2026.
Oregon State Parks says visitors logged 2.2 million camping nights in 2026. Starting Jan. 1, physical annual parking permits will be online-only and cost $10 more, while digital permits stay $60 for Oregon residents and $75 for non-residents.
Around Oregon · Today’s editionSource: KTVZ

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Topgolf is lowering prices at all of its U.S. locations.
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Parents and Keizer residents seeking to save Cummings Elementary School from closure have requested school district officials and board members reconsider their findings on traffic at the school.
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Daily Salemto me · Tues., Nov. 106:00 a.m.

Salem-Keizer leaders say more school closures are coming

Plus, Oregon wins another $197.3 million for rural healthcare and bird flu rises in the valley.

The TLDR

Salem-Keizer leaders say middle school closures are coming
Oregon wins another $197.3 million for rural healthcare
School board votes tonight on its 2027 legislative agenda

Read this edition