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.
What Salem is doing to fight homelessness
A city town hall on Tuesday discussed the reasons people can become homeless and highlighted ongoing efforts by local organizations to shelter people.
Salem plans to give housing developers more options, faster process
The Salem City Council will vote Monday on a set of housing code changes which would allow for more accessory dwelling units, more apartments over retail spaces and would speed up the permitting process.
Salem town hall to discuss ways to address homelessness
The Salem Human Rights Commission is hosting a town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 24, with city, Marion County and community providers sharing challenges and progress in addressing homelessness. They will answer written questions submitted by the community.
Salem librarians report patrons trashing, hiding LGBTQ+ books in past year
Books in Oregon libraries saw a record number of challenges and censorship efforts this year, according to a report from the Oregon State Library. In multiple Salem libraries, books about LGBTQ+ people and people of color were hidden on far away shelves and thrown in the trash.
United Way kickstarts expansion for senior affordable cottages
The new Cottages United community welcomed its first residents in June. United Way leaders hope to soon break ground on an expansion which would add 15 studios, more than doubling its capacity. Over 180 seniors are on the waitlist.
Salem Health accused of monopolizing heart care
The region’s largest independent heart health center is suing Salem Health for $15 million, claiming that the Salem organization used intimidation and misinformation against its competitor.
Mill Creek neighbors to launch restoration work
Over 900 feet of Mill Creek will be restored with native plants following an effort by a group of neighbors to secure grant funding.
Grace House to add more beds for homeless women
Women at the Well Grace House, a women’s shelter in south central Salem, will soon expand to add more beds and services for women transitioning out of homelessness and incarceration.
Cherriots reports increase in assaults against drivers, workers
Between April and June the number of reported assaults against transit operators in the Salem area more than doubled, to 22, compared to the prior quarter. The Cherriots Board will hear a security report at its Sept. 26 meeting.
ARCHES hopes new day center fence will help clients feel safer, deter after-hours gatherings
The ARCHES Day Center plans to install an iron fence around its downtown facility and the neighboring Coldwell Banker building. ARCHES leadership said they hope it will make the vulnerable unsheltered people who use its services feel safer.