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.
World Beat Festival to celebrate the vibrant cultures of the Pacific Islands
This year’s World Beat Festival, running Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, at Riverfront Park will feature fire dancers, dragon boat races and food from around the world. The festival has lower prices this year, and new food and vendors to explore.
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Hoy, business leaders pull out of effort to make it easier to sweep homeless encampments
A statewide petition led by Salem Mayor Julie Hoy sought to repeal a state law that requires cities and counties to be “objectively reasonable as to time, place and manner,” when clearing a homeless encampment from a public place. After state officials required the petition’s backers to change the ballot's title and description, they dropped the effort.
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East Salem church site to continue legacy of service through affordable housing, food pantry
Despite having a congregation that has dwindled to fewer than 20 people, the Trinity United Methodist Church in east Salem is known for running the busiest food bank in the city. Faced with imminent closure, the congregation turned to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. After selling the property to the agency, the church will stay open, the food bank will expand and Salem will get over 100 more affordable apartments.
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Man shot by Salem Police officer Thursday morning in stable condition
Salem police officer Sgt. Jason Donner shot Jose Luis Anguiano, 35, of Salem while responding to a 911 call about a woman being held hostage at Northeast Portland Road. Anguaino “was in possession of a weapon and was uncooperative,” ahead of the shooting, according to the Oregon State Police. He will be transferred to the Marion County Jail after his release from Salem Hospital.
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Heat advisory in effect starting Sunday in Salem
Temperatures may reach triple-digits in the coming days, prompting a heat advisory from the National Weather Service. It recommends hydrating and staying in air conditioning when possible. The ARCHES Day Center will provide a place for people and pets to cool down Sunday and Monday.
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Updates on commercial air service, robot security guards, Salem’s oldest tree
Here’s Salem Reporter’s monthly feature with the latest developments in recent news.
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UPDATE: Teen arrested for shooting threat at West Salem High School
The Salem Police Department arrested a West Salem High School student Thursday afternoon based on information from the FBI that the 16-year-old had been researching school shootings and had access to materials to manufacture firearms. The reported threat did not include specific plans to carry out a shooting, and there was no threat made to Thursday’s graduation ceremony.
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5 exhibits to see at Salem’s galleries, museums in June
This month, galleries and museums in Salem will be sharing art and history from the Pacific Islands, pottery from the 1950s and miniature paintings from local artists.
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CLASS OF 2026: Roberts grad and council president got teen parents involved, bridged divides
Kiara Bailey made the most of her time in the Roberts High School Teen Parent Program. As student council president, she broke through social divisions and helped her peers get involved in volunteer work.
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One year later, emotional wounds from UGM mass stabbing continue to heal
It has been one year since 12 people were injured in a mass stabbing at Salem’s Union Gospel Mission. After changes to security and city policy, the emotional toll remains the biggest challenge for shelter staff and guests.
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