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.
Fifth, sixth measles case confirmed in Marion County
The outbreak is the largest in Marion County in over a decade. All of those diagnosed so far have been unvaccinated against measles, health officials said.
Salem Health cancels some surgeries, but local impacts from global IT outage limited
Salem's fire and emergency dispatch center are operating normally Friday after a global IT outage affecting many Windows systems hit hospitals, emergency services and airlines nationwide.
Man charged with arson in fire at Washington Elementary School
Investigators say that Javier J. Venegas-Quinones, 27, lit a towel and placed it at the corner of the elementary school on July 9, causing thousands of dollars in damage to the building.
Health officials confirm fourth measles case in Marion County
An unvaccinated Marion County child was diagnosed with measles Tuesday, health officials said. There are no known public exposures to the virus or links to three other Marion County children recently confirmed to have measles.
Community gun violence meeting Friday to focus on impact to Salem’s homeless community
A public forum on Friday, July 19, will ask community members to share their concerns and experiences with gun violence in Salem. The event, part of the city’s Community Violence Reduction Initiative, will focus on how the issue impacts families and Salem’s unsheltered community.
Salem drag community celebrates art, history at new exhibit
“The Art of Drag,” exhibit at the Salem Art Association celebrates the work and history of local drag performers, who see the medium as a lifeline. The exhibit will be on display through August, and will have accompanying live performances.
Salem events from July 10-17: County fair, comedy, history tour
Events in Salem this week include a free outdoor showing of “Barbie” at Riverfront Park and comedy from Colin Jost of “Saturday Night Live” at Elsinore Theatre.
Record-breaking heat wave to last through Tuesday
Salem’s triple-digit highs have broken records set in 1945 and 1960. No suspected heat-related deaths have been reported in Marion County.
Volunteers breathe life into rural farmstead sharing three generations of Polk County history
Volunteers at the Brunk Farmstead have spent months meandering their way through a historical treasure hunt. Christy Short, the new head docent of the museum just outside West Salem, has lined up some of her favorite finds on the mantle…
Volunteers to paint new Grant neighborhood street murals over Fourth of July weekend
The Grant Neighborhood Association will be the first in the city to paint multiple street murals since the 2022 launch of Salem’s program.