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.
East Salem church site to continue legacy of service through affordable housing, food pantry
Despite having a congregation that has dwindled to fewer than 20 people, the Trinity United Methodist Church in east Salem is known for running the busiest food bank in the city. Faced with imminent closure, the congregation turned to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. After selling the property to the agency, the church will stay open, the food bank will expand and Salem will get over 100 more affordable apartments.
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Man shot by Salem Police officer Thursday morning in stable condition
Salem police officer Sgt. Jason Donner shot Jose Luis Anguiano, 35, of Salem while responding to a 911 call about a woman being held hostage at Northeast Portland Road. Anguaino “was in possession of a weapon and was uncooperative,” ahead of the shooting, according to the Oregon State Police. He will be transferred to the Marion County Jail after his release from Salem Hospital.
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Heat advisory in effect starting Sunday in Salem
Temperatures may reach triple-digits in the coming days, prompting a heat advisory from the National Weather Service. It recommends hydrating and staying in air conditioning when possible. The ARCHES Day Center will provide a place for people and pets to cool down Sunday and Monday.
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Updates on commercial air service, robot security guards, Salem’s oldest tree
Here’s Salem Reporter’s monthly feature with the latest developments in recent news.
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UPDATE: Teen arrested for shooting threat at West Salem High School
The Salem Police Department arrested a West Salem High School student Thursday afternoon based on information from the FBI that the 16-year-old had been researching school shootings and had access to materials to manufacture firearms. The reported threat did not include specific plans to carry out a shooting, and there was no threat made to Thursday’s graduation ceremony.
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5 exhibits to see at Salem’s galleries, museums in June
This month, galleries and museums in Salem will be sharing art and history from the Pacific Islands, pottery from the 1950s and miniature paintings from local artists.
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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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