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’S AT STAKE: How Salem city council races could impact local homeless policy
Every candidate for city council and mayor is pledging to address homelessness, which Salem residents for years have listed as a top issue in the community. As progressives and conservatives diverge on how to respond to public camping, proposed solutions will likely run up against budget constraints at the local, state and federal level.
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Surveillance video shows federal agents arresting 2 inside Marion County Courthouse
Courthouse footage released Friday by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office shows two immigration arrests in the hallway of the Marion County Courthouse on Thursday, March 26. Sheriff’s deputies are seen observing the first arrest from a close distance, with one escorting the federal agents and the man arrested into a public elevator.
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5 exhibits to see at Salem’s galleries, museums in April
This month, a new paper arts fair will debut in downtown Salem. Exhibits at local galleries will share work by young artists and local colored pencil experts.
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UPDATE: Federal agents arrest 2 at downtown Salem courthouse
Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Thursday, March 26, assisted federal agents in arresting a man who had a warrant signed by a federal judge, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Witnesses described the arrests as immigration-related, which the sheriff’s office would not confirm.
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CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors approve short-term rental fee
Rentals through Airbnb, VRBO and similar platforms will have an added 2% city fee on bookings beginning May 1. The money will largely go to Travel Salem to fund tourism promotion.
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CITY MEETING: City to evaluate drug use resources, consider Airbnb fees
The Salem City Council will meet Monday, March 23, at 6 p.m. to hear updates on staff efforts to evaluate existing resources for preventing, addressing and enforcing drug use, and will consider applying to federal grants to repave an airport taxiway.
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Capital Manor residents tackle first theatrical production with enthusiasm
Residents of Capital Manor, a retirement community in West Salem, have been rehearsing “Fiddler on the Roof” for months ahead of a series of performances for friends and family. “We can sing, we can remember lines and we can move around on the stage. But not all three together,” said actor Jane Billings.
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One year after opening, Salem resource center for homeless families reports hundreds of visits
Since opening last February, The ARCHES Family First resource center has seen 580 in-person visits from families nearing or experiencing homelessness. The most common reason for visiting is an inability to afford rent.
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State won’t seek Supreme Court review in DEA agent fatal crash
An earlier judge’s ruling to dismiss a negligent homicide charge against a federal agent in the death of Salem cyclist Marganne Allen will stand. The Oregon Department of Justice announced Friday it wouldn’t appeal the case further.
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Dozens of families moving in to new affordable northeast Salem apartments
The first phase of construction at the Gussie Belle Commons has added 120 affordable apartments with limited rent to a tight market in Salem.
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