Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What we know about the Cabot Street killing in Salem

Also check out Standup Comedy at The Cellar (FREE) on the Salem Patch calendar

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Sunday September 13th Patch AM
Sunday September 13th Patch AM (Paul L.)

Morning Salem! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What we know about the Cabot Street killing in Salem
  • What does Salem's new 'Certified Welcoming' status actually mean?
  • How did Salem schools slash chronic absenteeism so dramatically?

Also on today's calendar: Standup Comedy at The Cellar (FREE) and 13 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Humid with rain, some heavy, with a high of 68 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Monday: Sunshine; warmer, less humid, temps: high: 74, low: 52.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 66 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Salem Victim Identified, Man Held Without Bail In Cabot Street Killing (patch.com) — Authorities have identified both the victim and suspect in a homicide at a Cabot Street home in Salem, with 50-year-old Paul Morey charged in the death of 42-year-old Patricia Donaldson. Morey was arrested in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and is being held without bail there on a fugitive charge, with a Salem District Court murder arraignment expected after New Hampshire proceedings conclude.
   

2. Salem Earns 'Welcoming America' Designation For Immigrant Inclusion (patch.com) — Salem has been officially recognized as a 3-star Certified Welcoming Community, highlighting city policies that support immigrant inclusion and belonging. Local departments and partners like the House of the Seven Gables and community coalitions contributed to the designation, which city leaders are tying to Salem's 400th anniversary and a renewed commitment to being a welcoming place for new residents.
   

3. Salem Schools Tout Gains In Battle Against Chronic Absenteeism (patch.com) — Salem Public Schools have sharply reduced chronic absenteeism, dropping from about a third of students in 2022–23 to under one-fifth in 2025–26, now beating the state average. District leaders credit closer family support and school engagement, with most Salem schools showing big gains and vulnerable student groups, including multilingual learners and economically disadvantaged students, seeing especially strong improvement.
   

4. $1 Million State Grant Salvages Salem Skipper Rideshare Service (patch.com) — Salem's Skipper rideshare service will keep running past Sept. 30 thanks to a new $1 million state grant, buying time while city leaders seek a permanent funding plan. Rides will remain heavily subsidized for residents, though officials warn the extension is limited and a new operating contract and long-term funding solution are still being worked out.
   

5. Salem Massachusetts Tourism Vibe Captured in September 2026 Video (news-usa.today) — Recent video from September 7 spotlights Salem's late-night, witch-trial-infused streetscape and the eerie charm that draws visitors as fall approaches. The piece underscores how the city's shift from maritime port to dark-tourism hub now underpins many local shops, museums, and hotels, even as residents manage the strain of heavy autumn crowds.
   

📸 Around Salem

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📸 Staging area for Pride Parade, Shetland Park, Salem —Paul L. Like

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Project Bread Taps SNAP Policy Veteran Alex Dery Snider as Chief Policy Officer —Diana Read on Patch
  • Remembering 9/11
    As a retired member of FDNY, I was not there on that tragic day. My company was 1st due on the 3rd alarm. Fortunately everyone survived and I… (Nextdoor Village at Vinnin)
  • I've had a lot of people tell me that they wish they do how to sew on buttons or him their pants.
    I teach sewing classes. And you're in luck. I have two classes right now going for Buttons and Hems. One is in Swampscott Rec and the other is… (Nextdoor Wharf)
  • Teledyne posted a job opening for Quality Inspector in Salem. Apply here.
  • AdviniaCare posted a job opening for Activities Assistant in Swampscott. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

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: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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