Abbey McDonald
Senior Reporter Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022, where she covers homelessness and housing. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery to host auction to help business stay open
On Sunday, Nov. 16, Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery will auction donated art, jewelry and more in a bid to keep its doors open until at least its 40 year anniversary in June. The business has seen financial challenges and supply cost increases since Covid.
New Marion County crisis center expands access, services
Anyone in a crisis can walk into the Marion County Behavioral Health Center and be seen by a mental health professional. A newly renovated building has expanded patient options, and has brought more services under one roof.
Council approves plan for Wallace Marine Park improvements as encampments in SE portion decrease
Salem city councilors voted to start developing a plan to pave a pathway through the southern part of the Wallace Marine Park natural area, which city leaders say has seen a decrease in encampments.
Our Place allows families to stay together as parents recover from addiction
Marion County’s newest residential addiction treatment program allows families to stay together as parents go through recovery and connect with supportive services.
What to do in Salem from Nov. 6-12: Veterans Day events, handmade goods, comic books
This week, events in Salem include concerts and ceremonies honoring Veterans Day, a punk-rock themed roller skating night and a guided kids’ walk through Minto-Brown Island Park to learn about nocturnal animals.
Hoy claims statewide petition to remove standards for homeless sweeps is about ‘local control,’ not criminalization
Over the course of an hour during a recent city council meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, over a dozen Salem residents questioned Mayor Julie Hoy’s decision to lead a statewide effort to repeal a state law that sets standards for when and how cities and counties can move homeless encampments. Hoy maintained that the petition doesn’t relate to encampment sweeps.
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.