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.
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.
Turner Fire burns 30 acres of former prison farmland
A semi-truck ran through power lines on Southeast Gath Road, sparking a 30-acre fire that led to multiple evacuations along Turner Road in Salem and in the northeast corner of the city of Turner.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in July
This month, Salem’s galleries will show work by internationally recognized Afro-futurist artist Nikesha Breeze, take guests around the world through paintings and explore the life of Caralyn B. Shelton, who served as Oregon’s governor for three days in 1909.
Salem’s newest bookstore offers much more than something to read
Beauty, Beverages, and Books, a combination used book store and salon, recently opened on Northeast Broadway Street. Owner Andrea Randall’s effort to build a community space with unique offerings has created a haven for book lovers.
Willamette Art Center to move to southeast Salem
Salem’s longstanding community ceramics classroom has moved out of its home at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, and will reopen by early fall off of Southeast Fairview Industrial Drive.