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.
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.
Punx in the Park returns, bringing more resources to a new location
Salem’s home-grown punk rock music festival that helps connect youth with needed resources will be at Riverfront Park on Sunday, Aug. 31. It features a lineup voted on by local youth and access to free food and clothes.
Cherriots security report shows slight decrease in attacks on staff
Cherriots’ board will meet Thursday to consider new projects to support a transition to electric buses, and will review several reports on security, community outreach and ridership. There’s no action planned on the agency’s payroll tax proposal, which has led to significant local debate.
Salem-area children’s services brace for lack of federal, state money
CASA of Marion County and Liberty House serve vulnerable children who are in foster care or have experienced abuse in the Salem area. They face an uncertain future as state lawmakers didn't boost funding as much as hoped following federal cuts.
Salem extreme heat warning issued for Friday through Tuesday
An extreme heat warning is in place for the Salem area starting Friday morning, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 101 degrees Friday and Saturday. The hot weather brings an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Community gathers to honor life of West Salem student who died in crash
Elijah Jung’s funeral service brought over 300 people, including many friends who he helped guide through tough times. His parents are advocating for changes to make the rural road he crashed on safer, and plan to honor his life by supporting teen mentorship in the community.
City to continue work to beautify downtown sidewalks
On Monday, crews will begin work to replace sidewalks and improve landscaping on several blocks of downtown Salem. The work continues a project that began with open houses in 2017.