Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: License Plate Tracking Debate Rages Across MA As Cities, Towns Turn Off Cameras

Also, don't miss Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood on the Salem Patch calendar

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Friday August 28th Patch AM
Friday August 28th Patch AM (Paul L.)

Hello Salem! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Salem rethinks license plate cameras amid privacy and policing concerns
  • How to grab a free seat at Salem's Longest Table
  • Thinking of playing tourist in your own haunted hometown?

Also on today's calendar: Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood and 12 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Paul L.!

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-shower, with a high of 79 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Saturday: Clouds and sun; less humid, temps: high: 75, low: 59.
  • Sunday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 84 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• License Plate Tracking Debate Rages Across MA As Cities, Towns Turn Off Cameras (patch.com) — Salem is at the heart of a growing statewide debate over automated license plate readers, as city officials end their contract with Flock over data control concerns while planning to keep using similar technology. Local leaders credit ALPRs with helping solve major Salem crimes, but residents and advocacy groups warn about privacy risks and potential mass surveillance, echoing controversies in nearby communities. The story highlights how Salem is trying to balance investigative benefits with stronger safeguards and public trust.
   

• Salem To Host Annual Longest Table Community Meal (patch.com) — Salem residents can share a free community meal at the Longest Table on Sept. 12, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., on Salem Street behind the Sarah Parker Remond School. Hosted by the Salem Food Policy Council, the event highlights food access, features local caterers, and includes tours of the Salem YMCA's GreenSpace garden at Palmer Cove Park. Advance registration is requested.
   

• Planning your visit to one of America's most haunted cities (cityscenecolumbus.com) — If you're hosting visitors or planning a staycation, this guide walks through how to spend a full day and night exploring Salem's haunted history, museums, waterfront, and walking tours. It highlights must-see spots like the Witch Trials Memorial, Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Peabody Essex Museum, and October's Haunted Happenings festival, plus ghost tours and psychic shops that lean into Salem's spooky reputation.
   

📸 Around Salem

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📸 Salem Arts Festival, Old Town Hall, Derby Square —Paul L. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My check engine light came on today.
    Any recommendations for a great mechanic/shop in Salem? Thanks in advance!! (Nextdoor Downtown Salem)
  • I'm looking for someone to remove a wall mounted microwave and replace it with a small hood vent that doesn't vent to the outside.
    I have the hood vent in my possession. Salem, MA (Nextdoor Downtown Salem)
  • PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Salem. Apply here.
  • Hamra Enterprises - Wendy's posted a job opening for Shift Supervisor in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

🗞 Nearby News

Marblehead

Swampscott

  • Swampscott Network Disruption Enters Second Week, But Election Operations Unaffected (swampscotttides.org)

Beverly

  • Beverly's Endicott College To Host Congressional General Election Debate (patch.com)

Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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