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’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in November
Locally made ceramics, peaceful woodland scenes and dolls from around the world are among the art featured in Salem’s galleries this month.
What to do in Salem from Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Día de los Muertos, new Willamette University musical, harvest festivals
Events this week in Salem include several places to celebrate Día de los Muertos, community trick-or-treat events and live performances of music and theater.
Meet the ghosts of Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre
The Ghosts of the Grand haunted house this year asks attendees to step into the role of paranormal investigators, with ghosts hiding around every corner. This year, visitors can also conduct a real ghost hunt in the theatre and its basement alongside guides.
Mayor Julie Hoy leads effort to expand city, county ability to sweep homeless encampments
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and Oregon Business & Industry are leading a ballot initiative campaign to repeal a state law requiring that sweeps of people living in encampments be “objectively reasonable.” Local service providers say it would only harm homeless people and the city.
Most Salem residents satisfied with city services, survey shows
A city survey, taken amid a series of discussions with city and business leaders about public safety, showed a renewed interest in the city addressing crime, drugs and downtown business development.
REPORTER’S COLUMN: Reporting on the White House from Salem
Reporter Abbey McDonald spent last week in Washington D.C., where she and other local journalists had the opportunity to ask direct questions to longtime federal workers, former White House regulars and federal policy experts about how to report on the Trump administration. She wants to know what federal topics readers would like to see reported with a Salem focus.
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.