Abbey McDonald
Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
CLASS OF 2026: Roberts grad and council president got teen parents involved, bridged divides
Kiara Bailey made the most of her time in the Roberts High School Teen Parent Program. As student council president, she broke through social divisions and helped her peers get involved in volunteer work.
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One year later, emotional wounds from UGM mass stabbing continue to heal
It has been one year since 12 people were injured in a mass stabbing at Salem’s Union Gospel Mission. After changes to security and city policy, the emotional toll remains the biggest challenge for shelter staff and guests.
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CLASS OF 2026: McKay grad led school bands, choirs with quiet wisdom
Isaac Reynolds, a graduating senior, is a member of the top bands and choirs at McKay High School, where he holds multiple leadership positions. He’s known for his steady wisdom and ability to bring out the best in his fellow performers.
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Teen turns himself in after downtown Salem shooting
The Salem Police Department announced Tuesday that they arrested a 16-year-old in connection with a Wednesday, May 20, downtown shooting that sent another teenager to the hospital.
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Student-run West Salem Jazz Combo takes home first in state contest
The West Salem Jazz Combo, a small band with six student players, won first in state earlier this month after the program’s revival. Their winning set included two original pieces written by junior saxophonist Jack Parr.
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Grassroots campaigns largely prevail over big money in Salem city races
Despite hundreds of thousands of dollars going to conservative candidates, anti-progressive messaging failed to sway voters. While Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke defeated Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and several other incumbents are poised to lose, the political balance on the council remains essentially the same.
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New vote results released for Salem mayor, city council races
With more ballots released Wednesday, Mayor Julie Hoy has conceded the race while Councilor Linda Nishioka and challengers Dave Inbody and Betsy Vega have leading margins.The Ward 8 race between incumbent Micki Varney and challenger Chris Cummings remains close.
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Hoy concedes mayor’s race
Mayor Julie Hoy released a statement Wednesday afternoon conceding the race to challenger Vanessa Nordyke. The latest results show Nordyke holding around 56% of the votes.
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Expert team of volunteers make organizing thousands of kids look easy at Awesome 3000
Around 2,100 kids are expected to race at this year’s Awesome 3000 fun run, which takes place throughout Bush’s Pasture Park. Its volunteers have event management down to a science.
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A dozen Salem-Keizer teachers, counselors and leaders take home Crystal Apple Awards
The 12 educators who took home Crystal Apple Awards on Thursday were nominated for their dedication to supporting students through major life challenges, overcoming barriers and thinking creatively to make learning fun.
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