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.
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.
Church at the Park will shelter fewer people, lay off staff due to state budget cuts
Church at the Park is reducing the amount of spots at its young adult shelter and laid off 16 people due to a $2 million budget cut from the state this year.
New Salem-based hospice opens with focus on nursing staff wellness
Solterra Hospice, which began accepting patients in November, is a new venture led by a Salem hospice nurse that limits the amount of patients per nurse to 10, far below what’s become the industry standard since Covid.
Faster permitting, zoning changes needed to speed new home building in Salem, speaker says
Salem does well compared to many Oregon cities in making housing easier to build, according to Michael Andersen of the Sightline Institute in a Monday presentation to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Andersen said faster housing development is a key part of reducing homelessness.
Electrical overload likely responsible for August fire that damaged south Salem mobile homes
The Salem Fire Department could not officially determine what caused a fire that damaged three homes on Southeast Cumberland Court on Aug. 10.
Cherriots to host series of open houses on new tax, service expansions
Cherriots is seeking community open houses about how to improve bus service in the Salem area using a new tax it plans to implement in 2027. The district announced four open houses throughout September and an online survey.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in September
New exhibitions in Salem this month include a world-class collection of African American art, paintings with vibrant color and texture and a celebration of local wineries. There will also be a chance to see work by over 200 artists at this year’s Salem Art Fair & Festival.
Pentacle announces 2026 lineup, releases season tickets
Pentacle Theatre’s upcoming season will bring twists and turns, laughs and romance to the Salem stage, with a lineup that includes ”Catch Me if You Can,” “Rumors” and “Something Rotten!”
Which Salem gardeners yielded the state’s biggest and best vegetables and flowers
Through hard work and honed skills, Salem gardeners grew dozens of blue-ribbon winning tomatoes, dahlias and more for the Oregon State Fair this year.