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.
VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Salem City Council Ward 2
Council President Linda Nishioka, a retired department director at Willamette Ear, Nose and Throat, is seeking a second term representing south central Salem. Her challenger is Manny Martinez, a political newcomer and small business owner.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Marion County officials suggest unsolved murders, buried victims mar Wallace Marine Park
Marion County officials pushed to shut down homeless camping in Wallace Marine Park by spooling out graphic accounts of crime. They cited an unknown witness to claim murder victims were buried in the park soil. A Salem Reporter investigation established the county can’t back up that claim.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Marion County Health & Human Services leaders abruptly depart under unclear circumstances
Ryan Matthews, Marion County’s Health & Human Services administrator, and Deputy Director Katrina Griffith are no longer working for the county as of Wednesday, April 22, according to an email to staff obtained by Salem Reporter. It did not clarify the circumstances of their departure.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Cherriots seeks community input on new east Salem transit hub
Along with an online survey, Cherriots is hosting an open house from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, to learn more about what the community wants from the planned east Salem transit center. The current center, by Chemeketa Community College, is the second most-used by riders in the district.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Railroad officials say trains won’t regularly block Minto-Brown crossing
Reports in recent days of trains blocking the sole entrance and exit to most of Minto-Brown Island Park for extended periods were due to a few unusually long shipments, railroad officials said.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
How Salem’s representative in Congress works with families impacted by ICE
Families impacted by federal immigration enforcement are often told to call their congressional representatives for help. Rep. Andrea Salinas and her deputy district director shared what happens in their office after they pick up the phone.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.