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.
Student-run West Salem Jazz Combo takes home first in state contest
The West Salem Jazz Combo, a small band with six student players, won first in state earlier this month after the program’s revival. Their winning set included two original pieces written by junior saxophonist Jack Parr.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Grassroots campaigns largely prevail over big money in Salem city races
Despite hundreds of thousands of dollars going to conservative candidates, anti-progressive messaging failed to sway voters. While Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke defeated Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and several other incumbents are poised to lose, the political balance on the council remains essentially the same.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
New vote results released for Salem mayor, city council races
With more ballots released Wednesday, Mayor Julie Hoy has conceded the race while Councilor Linda Nishioka and challengers Dave Inbody and Betsy Vega have leading margins.The Ward 8 race between incumbent Micki Varney and challenger Chris Cummings remains close.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Hoy concedes mayor’s race
Mayor Julie Hoy released a statement Wednesday afternoon conceding the race to challenger Vanessa Nordyke. The latest results show Nordyke holding around 56% of the votes.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Expert team of volunteers make organizing thousands of kids look easy at Awesome 3000
Around 2,100 kids are expected to race at this year’s Awesome 3000 fun run, which takes place throughout Bush’s Pasture Park. Its volunteers have event management down to a science.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
A dozen Salem-Keizer teachers, counselors and leaders take home Crystal Apple Awards
The 12 educators who took home Crystal Apple Awards on Thursday were nominated for their dedication to supporting students through major life challenges, overcoming barriers and thinking creatively to make learning fun.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Some south Salem voters to receive supplemental ballots after error
Twenty voters on Southeast Devon Avenue in Salem will be receiving supplemental ballots after an error led to their original ballots leaving out the chance to vote on three city races, the Marion County Clerk’s office announced Tuesday.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
At 7, she helped save Salem’s library. She’s just getting started
Salem third-grader Zoey Harper’s public speaking skills were instrumental to the effort to pass a tax measure that prevented deep library cuts in 2025. Now, she’s hosted a candidate forum and posed questions to elected officials. She has no plans of slowing down.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
5 exhibits to see at Salem’s galleries, museums in May
In May, exhibits in Salem will share work from local photographers and a first-of-its kind celebration of local Jewish painters, poets and performers.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Polk County Commissioner, position 3
There's a four-way race for Polk County Board of Commissioners Position 3 in the May primary. Incumbent Jeremy Gordon is running for reelection. His opponents include Dallas City Councilor Carlos Barrientos, Salem business owner Mark Gordon Adams and Polk County Treasurer Steve Milligan.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.