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.
Salem Reporter to conduct Town Hall as city voters face measure on new wage tax
A Town Hall open and free to the public will explore issues around Salem's new wage tax. Salem Reporter is hosting the event Oct. 11 at the Elsinore Theatre. Voters will get a chance to decide whether the tax stays.
St. Joseph Catholic School plans to reopen Monday
A fire tore through the roof of the St. Joseph Catholic Church on Thursday, Aug. 31, delaying the start of school by a week.
ART: September’s artist exhibitions in Salem
This month in Salem, galleries will showcase work by Native American artist Lillian Pitt, celebrate zines from the community and display work from printmaking and weaving masters.
Salem man remains in intensive care after being struck by tree branch
Salemite Jim Arnold remains in intensive care with life threatening injuries after an oak tree branch fell on a food truck parked in the Grant area.
Lights of Hope to illuminate Capitol steps, advocate for cancer research
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Oregon State Capitol steps will be lit by hundreds of lights, each honoring a cancer survivor or a person who died from it. It's part of a nationwide effort to advocate for policies that reduce cancer and fund research.
St. Joseph’s congregation grieves, prays after arson damages Salem sanctuary
After an early morning five-alarm fire extensively damaged the St. Joseph church sanctuary, parishioners gathered in the rain outside for a noon mass Thursday. Police arrested a man on suspicion of arson.
Tree branch falls on food truck in Grant area, injuring three
A 7,000 pound tree branch fell on the Tin Roof Bistro By Sweet Treats food truck Tuesday afternoon, injuring three people, including two inside the truck.
UPDATE: City council approves expansions at airport
During their Monday, Aug. 28, meeting, the Salem City Council approved a property purchase to add 230 parking spaces at the Salem Municipal Airport, and rejected a repeal of the payroll tax.
Salem City Council rejects motion to repeal payroll tax
During Monday’s city council meeting, councilors voted 6-3 to reject a motion to repeal the tax, meaning it is still set to go to the November ballot. Both sides of the motion said they were voting in the best interest of rebuilding public trust.
UPDATE: Cherriots approves contracts for tech, community surveys
During its Aug. 24 meeting, Cherriots’ board of directors approved a $2.9 million project for systemwide communication and bus tracking, and a contract for community surveys.