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 August
Eclectic portraits, local watercolor pieces and celebrations of nature are among the art showing in Salem’s galleries and museums this month.
Homeownership to become reality for dozens of Salem families as housing authority sells old properties
The Salem Housing Authority is selling decades-old rental homes at a discount, moving ahead with “a crazy opportunity” to expand affordable homeownership in the community.
Two top airport officials resign days after Avelo announces it will cease service in Salem
City officials say two veteran employees managing the Salem Airport are leaving but have provided no explanation for the departures. The announcement followed by days word that Avelo Airlines was canceling its service to Salem. City officials say they will handle airport duties with other employees.
Helping Hands Resources gets state boost to deliver more clothes, necessities to community
Thousands of people in Salem have gotten free clothes and a fresh start through Helping Hands Resources, a volunteer-run nonprofit which processes and distributes donations. They recently received a state grant bringing them closer to a larger, renovated facility.
3 accused of egging unsheltered people in downtown Salem
The Salem Police Department has cited three people for bias and disorderly conduct after reports that unsheltered people had been hit with eggs three nights in a row last week. Police found over 225 eggs in the suspects’ car. Homeless service providers said their clients are still struggling to process it.
With new location and owner, Harvest Music gives Salem a place to find vinyl and CD treasures
Harvest Music has reopened in West Salem, nearly two years after the death of longtime owner Brian Cossack. Its new owner, Ron Caton, hopes to make the new space a community gathering spot for music lovers.
Wanted: more Salem spots to host a shower truck
A truck offering one of the few dependable places for unsheltered people to shower in Salem currently only has two places to park. At the Kindness Closet, which hosts the truck on Tuesdays, volunteers and visitors shared the impact they’ve seen from the service.
Salem leaders and service providers found in violation of ethics law over inadequate meeting notices
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission issued letters of education to directors on Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance board for failing to give the public adequate notice about their meetings.
As businesses call for fixes to clean up downtown, some say the problem is more complex
In the wake of a mass stabbing at Salem’s largest homeless shelter, discussions over public safety downtown have transformed into complaints about the visible impacts of unsheltered homelessness and mental illness.
New coordinator for Salem area homeless services brings optimism, expertise to role
Misty Bolger is the new executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, which oversees the distribution of state and federal money to local homeless service providers. She hopes to improve efficiency and collaboration amid uncertain times for the agency.