Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this inaugural Coffee Breaks segment—a new partnership with Salem Reporter—Jacob Espinoza and Rachel Alexander deliver a quick 10-minute update on local news and community developments. This week's episode covers:

• Christian Ambury's unanimous appointment as Salem's official city manager (no longer interim).
• The ongoing state ethics investigation involving Mayor Julie Hoy and five city councilors regarding the former city manager's departure.
• $680,000 approved for safety and livability programs, including expanded homeless services and crisis response teams.
• New police homeless service team expansion from four to seven days a week.
• The civilian SOS (Safety Outreach Services) team also expanding to seven days.
• Launch of the CARE team—a new fire department partnership with mental health professionals.
• Commercial air service recruitment efforts with redirected airport funds.

And much more!

This is a new weekly series in partnership with Salem Reporter, bringing you the latest local news in just 10 minutes. Support quality local journalism by subscribing to Salem Reporter at https://www.salemreporter.com/

Timestamps:

00:01 - Welcome to Coffee Breaks

00:14 - Introduction with Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter's managing editor

00:38 - City council meeting overview

01:04 - Christian Ambury: From interim to official city manager

01:29 - Ethics investigation and former city manager controversy

05:14 - $680,000 for safety and livability programs

05:36 - Homeless service team expansion details

06:18 - SOS team expansion and encampment response

07:11 - New CARE team with mental health professionals

09:09 - Commercial air service and airport funding decision

10:42 - Wrapping up the first Coffee Breaks episode