Outline:
Morning Salem! We’ve got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In Today’s Newsletter:
Why Salem Lawmakers Split Over a Major School Budget Cap Plan
A key school budget cap bill at the State House was killed after a dramatic floor fight, despite support from Salem Republican Rep. Joe Sweeney. Another Salem lawmaker, Rep. Lorie Ball, backed a last-minute amendment to cap administrative spending instead, but that change helped sink the entire proposal for this year.
How Salem’s Senator Says the New ‘Paint Tax’ Could Hurt Locals
A new statewide “paint tax” fee on paint and stain purchases is headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk, and Salem’s own Sen. Daryl Abbas is among those warning it could hurt small local hardware stores. Supporters say the PaintCare program would shift disposal costs off town budgets and onto paint buyers, potentially saving municipalities thousands on hazardous waste days while expanding recycling options.
How a Brown Shooting Suspect Ended Up Dead in Salem Storage
A man suspected in a deadly shooting at Brown University and a related homicide was later found dead in a Salem storage facility, drawing federal investigators into the case. Providence and state police racked up significant overtime costs during the intensive manhunt and campus search before the FBI took over the multistate investigation.
Today’s Riddle
What did one pirate say to the other?
Answer below!
Weather Forecast
Saturday:
Rather cloudy, afternoon rain, with a high of 43 and low of 35 degrees.
Sunday:
Rain and drizzle in the a.m., temps: high: 40, low: 24.
Monday:
Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high of 36 and low of 27 degrees.
News We’re Reading
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NH House kills school district budget cap bill in dramatic reversal
Salem residents may want to know that a key school budget cap bill at the State House was killed after a dramatic floor fight, despite support from Salem Republican Rep. Joe Sweeney. Another Salem lawmaker, Rep. Lorie Ball, backed a last-minute amendment to cap administrative spending instead, but that change helped sink the entire proposal for this year. -
‘Paint tax’ bill heads to Ayotte’s desk
A new statewide “paint tax” fee on paint and stain purchases is headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk, and Salem’s own Sen. Daryl Abbas is among those warning it could hurt small local hardware stores. Supporters say the PaintCare program would shift disposal costs off town budgets and onto paint buyers, potentially saving municipalities thousands on hazardous waste days while expanding recycling options. -
Providence police clocked over half a million in overtime costs after Brown shooting
A man suspected in a deadly shooting at Brown University and a related homicide was later found dead in a Salem storage facility, drawing federal investigators into the case. Providence and state police racked up significant overtime costs during the intensive manhunt and campus search before the FBI took over the multistate investigation.
Around Salem
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Upcoming Events in Salem
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
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Monday January 12
Town Council Meeting – Cancelled -
Tuesday January 13
Citizen Petition Deadline for 2026 Town Meeting (Need 25 Signatures of Registered Salem Voters) -
Wednesday January 14
Town Council Meeting
Budget Committee Meeting -
Thursday January 15
Town Manager Open Office Hours on January 15, 2026
Budget Committee Meeting -
Tuesday January 20
ERZ Public Information Session / Economic Development Committee Meeting
Salem Shout Outs!
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Click here to submit your Shout Out to AM!
It’s free!
Events Nearby
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Saturday January 10
The Build Zone (Ages 5+)
Enchanted Academy -
Monday January 12
Board of Selectmen Meeting -
Thursday January 15
Historic District / Heritage Commission
Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
McDonald’s posted a job opening for $18.50 Experienced Shift Manager in Salem. Apply here.
M.C. LLC posted a job opening for Crew Chief – No Experience Required in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.
Nearby News
Windham: Wanted rape suspect surrenders
Pelham: VIDEO: Road rage incident ends in knife attack in Pelham, New Hampshire
Derry: 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 AM!
— The AM Team
P.S. The answer to today’s riddle:
I sea you!
Got a good riddle for AM? Send it to us!
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