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.
What to do in Salem from Oct. 16-22: Haunted parties, vintage shopping, scary movies
Events in Salem this week include a costume party at the Grand Theatre, the return of The Westminster Festival of Fine Art and a series of Halloween movies at Salem Cinema.
Salem’s 8th annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day event returns to Capitol
Rain or shine, the 8th annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration in Salem will meet at the Oregon State Capitol Mall to educate the community about ongoing issues, and celebrate the Indigenous community.
From the historic Capitol fire to Wii bowling, Salem resident recalls 101 years of life
Ina Van Lydegraf was born in Salem, and lived on Northeast Lancaster Road before it was paved. She celebrated her 101st birthday in September, sharing her thoughts on a century of life and what she’s looking forward to.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in October
This month, Salem’s galleries and museums will share poetry and landscapes featuring local scenery, free lectures on art history and vibrant portraits.
New clinic to expand addiction, mental health treatment access for Salem teens
Insight Northwest Recovery will soon open a clinic in Salem offering intensive outpatient treatment through group therapy for anyone ages 12 and up facing challenges with addiction, mental health or both.
REPORTER’S COLUMN: UGM conversation illuminates forgotten Salem backyard trolley
Reporter Abbey McDonald spent a few hours talking to people in the lobby of the Union Gospel Mission. Among them was a longtime Salem resident who once had a working trolley system in his backyard.
Community coalition hopes to preserve Salem’s Dome Building, open it to public use
The Dome Building, once part of the Oregon State Hospital, has been sitting vacant for years. A local group of nonprofits and elected officials believe it has potential as a home base for community services.
McNary grad brings free screening of sex ed comedy film to Salem Cinema
Kyle Kuhns, who was born and raised in Keizer and spent evenings in high school in the seats of Salem Cinema, executive produced the new comedy “DOIN’ IT.” The local theater is hosting two free showings of the movie this week.
A unique downtown medical clinic works to care for homeless patients’ long-term needs
Northwest Human Services has expanded its hours at a drop-in medical clinic in downtown Salem, and is seeing more people than ever before. Many of the incoming patients have injuries or illnesses caused by a lack of shelter or inadequate shoes.
Salem Clinic says it will stop taking most Medicaid patients starting Jan. 1
After failing to reach a new contract with PacificSource, Salem Clinic told Medicaid patients that they’ll need to find another provider in the new year. PacificSource maintains that negotiations are ongoing, but the clinic says it couldn’t wait any longer to inform patients and staff of the change.