Michael McHugh

1 week ago | salemnews.com | Michael McHugh

SALEM — Salem State University will soon begin construction on a project that seeks to relocate South Campus programs to North Campus, renovate the Horace Mann building, expand Meier Hall, and create a second geothermal wellfield to heat and cool the new spaces. The SSU BOLD project, which was first announced in 2019, will cost $84 million and is expected to begin construction this spring. It’s scheduled to finish in time for a fall 2027 opening, according to an SSU news release.

1 week ago | salemnews.com | Michael McHugh

SALEM — The School Committee is considering a proposed budget for fiscal 2026 that would cut the equivalent of 56.5 positions in the city’s schools to address a $4.9 million budget gap. District officials say the gap is primarily driven by federal funds for pandemic recovery expiring this year, Chapter 70 funding not increasing enough to address inflation coupled with major expenses such as rising out-of-district tuition or transportation.

1 week ago | salemnews.com | Michael McHugh

SALEM — The City Council unanimously voted Thursday night to approve a resolution to ensure the safety and protection of the transgender and nonbinary community, declaring itself a “sanctuary city” for the trans community. The resolution differs from the existing ordinance, “Sanctuary for Peace: A Human Rights Declaration,” that passed in 2017 and focused on protecting the rights of Salem’s immigrant community. kAmqJ 564=2C:?8 $2=6> 2 D2?4EF2CJ 4:EJ :? E96 ?6H 42A24:EJ[ E96 C6D@=FE:@?

2 weeks ago | salemnews.com | Michael McHugh

SALEM — The city of Salem is already deeply engaged in planning events to commemorate its 400th anniversary in 2026. Events include a weekend celebration of the city’s six signature parks, the return of the Heritage Day Parade, a kick-off volunteer marketplace along with frameworks for a variety of community activities. kAm“$2=6> c__Z :D 23@FE C64@8?:K:?8 E96 9:DE@CJ E92E 92D 3C@F89E FD E@ E9:D >@>6?E[ 2?5 2=D@ D92A:?8 E96 H2J 7@CH2C5 :?

2 weeks ago | salemnews.com | Michael McHugh

SALEM — The city of Salem is issuing a water use advisory banning all nonessential outdoor water use, including outdoor watering, until current drought conditions improve. Salem’s water supply is provided by the Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board (SBWSB). Under MassDEP’s Water Management Act, the city is required to “implement nonessential outdoor water use restrictions during times of drought.”kAm|2DDst! 92D 564=2C65 E96 }@CE962DE #68:@?