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.
Salem Health leader says Oregon needs to pay hospitals more for labor, delivery
Salem Health CEO Cheryl Wolfe said in a Wednesday press conference with The Hospital Association of Oregon that the provider spent $66 million more in the last year on patient care than what the Oregon Health Plan reimbursed.
Salem Health, Regence continue negotiations after patients lose in-network coverage
Salem patients insured through Regence say the end of in-network care at the city’s only hospital has put them in a bind.
Spring Valley Fire Department founder remembered for decades of volunteer service
Louis Fowler, who died at age 72 in December, was the founder of the Spring Valley Fire Department which served rural Polk County outside West Salem. His funeral on Friday, Jan. 10, included a procession of fire trucks.
New forecast shows smaller Salem budget deficit, but deep cuts still likely
Budget committee members and local business leaders recommended tweaks to the way Salem plans its budget. The result is the city has about $4 million less to cut this year to balance its books.
New Salem shelter to offer beds, resources to homeless families
The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency has renovated the former Tanner Project building into a family shelter, called ARCHES Nest. It is set to open in late January.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in January
New exhibits this month include a look at historical sports teams in Salem, impressionist paintings of birds and large-scale sculptures.
Salem man charged with sexual abuse, accused of posing as a teen online
Salem Police are seeking additional victims or people who have information about Jeramey Lee Braman, 24, who was arrested for several charges of sexual abuse on Dec. 31.
Thousands of Regence members to lose in-network care at Salem Health, insurer says
After months of stalled negotiations, insurance company Regence BlueCross BlueShield announced that effective Jan. 1, Salem Health providers and facilities will be out-of-network after a failure to reach a contract.
2024 TOP STORIES: Willamette River rescue, volunteer historians and big personalities
Reporter Abbey McDonald shares her favorite Salem stories from 2024.
After 2023 arson, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church celebrates another Christmas season in the gym
The main sanctuary at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church remains under construction after an August 2023 arson. Since the fire, the congregation has turned up for mass in the gymnasium and students have enjoyed an unusual school year.