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.
Sentenced to the Sidewalk: 4 takeaways from our series
A lengthy investigation by Salem Reporter led to publication recently of a three-part series on flaws in Oregon’s civil commitment process. Here are the key findings.
Salem Hospital shares behind-the-scenes look at emergency care
Doctors and nurses in Salem Hospital’s emergency department shared stories about how Salem’s growing and aging population has changed the landscape of trauma care for the region during a Tuesday presentation to community leaders.
Longswords to clash at Salem tournament
Fighters from around the Pacific Northwest will journey to Salem this Saturday, April 26, for an all-day longsword tournament. The explosive medieval fighting style is a blend of fencing and wrestling, and the tournament is free for anyone to watch.
HUD funding delays threaten rent assistance for Salem domestic violence survivors
With $4 million in funding toward Salem-area homeless services in limbo, providers worry that changes in federal contracts indicate deeper cuts and more restrictions on care ahead.
At 104th birthday, Salem resident recalls lifetime of music and community
Nellie Watson, a 23-year resident of The Springs at Lancaster Village, celebrated her 104th birthday with neighbors, family and carrot cake on Friday, April 11.
Residents raise questions about long-term plans to fix city budget gap at town hall
A town hall hosted by Salem Reporter on Tuesday drew hundreds for a discussion about Salem’s proposed property levy, which aims to prevent cuts to services like the library and parks by taxing property owners.
SENTENCED TO THE SIDEWALK: Legislators sharpening focus on reforms to help troubled people
After years of inaction, lawmakers are turning their attention to key flaws in Oregon's civil commitment process. But needed space to treat people with severe mental illnesses still lags behind.
SENTENCED TO THE SIDEWALK: In ‘revolving door’ of Salem’s psychiatric unit, getting better is a matter of luck
Oregon has no functional system to compel psychiatric treatment for unsheltered people dying slowly from neglect. That leaves Salem Hospital as the only outlet for many of Salem’s most vulnerable.
SENTENCED TO THE SIDEWALK: One woman’s misery reveals flaws in Oregon commitments
Government officials considered whether Melinda Lou Kayser needed someone to care for her. They said no. She then died, nearly naked, on a Salem street.
What to do in Salem from April 10-16: Junk Hunt, ballet, live music
Events this week include a large vintage sale at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, the world premiere of a ballet, roller derby and the 2nd Friday Céilí.