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.
Police ask for public help in locating 2023 Northgate area shooting suspect
There is a warrant out for the arrest of Fermin Flores, who police suspect in a February 2023 shooting which killed one man and injured two others. On Monday, Salem Police said they’ve exhausted all efforts to locate him and are seeking the public’s help.
Unclaimed Salem veteran to be buried with full military honors
On Tuesday, Aug. 13, Keith Thomas Skiba will be buried with full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery. The service is open to the public, and funeral directors hope it will help establish a homeless veteran's burial program in Salem.
After sharing fine art downtown, Salem on the Edge to close
Salem on the Edge owner Melanie Weston is closing her downtown gallery to move to Southern California. Over the past four years, her gallery has highlighted local artists and welcomed newcomers to the art community.
BUILDING SALEM: Veterans housing opens in Grant Neighborhood
After a yearslong development effort, veterans experiencing homelessness will begin moving into new apartments at the historic Evergreen Church this month.
How to save on Oregon State Fair admission
Buying early, shopping at a Wilco and donating canned food are among the ways to save on admission to the Oregon State Fair this year.
Sheila’s Dream to provide homeless families place to find their footing
The first family has already moved into a new building expansion at St. Francis Family Housing, funded entirely by community donors. The expansion added five new apartments to help homeless families transition to stable housing.
This July was Salem’s hottest ever
Climate change fueled an early July heat wave leading to one of the worst fire seasons in the state, climate experts said.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in August
Exhibits in Salem this month include abstract paintings, portraits from Oaxaca and landscapes from local parks.
As Salem’s homeless services grow quickly, disagreements emerge on overhead spending
A regional government agency that oversees homeless services in Marion and Polk counties is hiring more employees with an influx of state and federal money, prompting discussions about what the future of the agency should look like.
Salem events from Aug. 1-7: Riverfront Family Fest, car shows
Events in Salem for the first week of August include a free family health clinic, local theater performances and a film festival of curated cat videos.