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

In this Coffee Talk edition—a new series in partnership with Salem Reporter—Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rachel Alexander from Salem Reporter to discuss:

• The upcoming Halloween weekend and growing Day of the Dead celebrations in Salem
• The impact of potential SNAP benefit interruptions on local food pantries and families
• How the community is stepping up to support neighbors in need
• The JCPenney building deal falling through and what it means for downtown Salem
• Why the downtown revitalization effort continues despite setbacks

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Timestamps:

00:02 - Welcome back and Halloween plans

01:54 - Day of the Dead celebrations coming to Salem

04:05 - Food insecurity concerns and SNAP benefits

05:23 - Food pantries preparing for increased demand

06:41 - Three ways the community can help

08:42 - The JCPenney building deal falls through

10:08 - Downtown Salem's future and local investment efforts

11:31 - Supporting the community, gosh darn it!