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.
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.
Man arrested after knife attack near Wallace Marine Park
A Salem man was walking near the entrance to Wallace Marine Park in West Salem last Sunday, Aug. 3, when he said a man struck him in the face with a knife, causing broken bones and lacerations, before stealing his belongings.
What to do in Salem from Aug. 14-20: Plays, cruise in and blood drive
Events in Salem this week include a blood drive competition between the Salem police and fire departments, the first showings of local theater productions and the return of zucchini racing at the Salem Saturday Market.
11-year-old Salem girl found safe after Tuesday evening kidnapping
Salem police have arrested 48-year-old Elijah Galaviz Arce, who investigators say lured an 11-year-old girl from her northeast Salem home. He has been charged with kidnapping, sexual abuse and giving methamphetamine to a minor. Salem police believe there may be more victims.
Church at the Park suggests new job program to clean up downtown
As discussions between the city and business owners continue to focus on the waste generated by unsheltered homelessness, Church at the Park has pitched a plan for a new cleanup team intended to build bridges between the communities while helping shelter residents gain job experience.