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.
Cherriots to finalize $148 million budget in Thursday meeting
The Salem Area Mass Transit District board on Thursday is reviewing a security report showing that bus drivers and security officers reported eight instances of verbal threats from customers in January through March, a decrease from the previous quarter.
Southeast Salem Home Depot distribution center fined for mislabeling hazardous waste
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Southeast Salem’s Home Depot warehouse and distribution center over $25,000 for failing to determine whether it was generating hazardous waste over a three year period.
What’s getting cut, what got funding as Salem council votes on final budget
City-funded micro shelter sites will continue operating with state money next year, while Salem’s Center 50+ will close some Saturdays.
Ukrainian culture to take center stage at World Beat
Inna Kovtun fled war in her native Ukraine with a collection of folk songs she’s carefully preserved. She’s among the center stage performers at this year’s World Beat Festival, June 28-30 in Riverfront Park.
Salem punks expand from yearly music festival into “epic” outreach service for homeless youth
Salem nonprofit Punx With Purpose, known for its annual Punx in the Park festival, has gone mobile. At monthly pop-up events, teens and young adults can get clothes, connect with housing and build community.
On Juneteenth, Salem remembers history, celebrates freedom
Salemites participated in history walks, talked about the legacy of slavery, shared resources and donated blood in honor of Juneteenth.
Shane Matthews clinches Ward 3 council seat by 42 votes
Salem’s closest and spendiest city council race concluded Monday evening. Realtor Shane Matthews secured a close win, beating Nathan Soltz, a legislative chief of staff and member of the Morningside Neighborhood Association board.
Where to go for free Salem events in June
Make Music Day, passes to museums and Movies in the Park are among the free activities in Salem this summer.
City parks board advances plans for Spec Keene Stadium
After asking that Willamette University and the city meet annually to evaluate impacts, Salem’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend a city agreement which would further the university’s plan to bring a baseball league to the stadium adjacent to Bush’s Pasture Park.
Neighbors question public benefit, impact as Spec Keene Stadium plans advance
Willamette University and Salem Baseball LLC plan to bring a baseball league to the central Salem stadium. Some neighbors are asking the city to reconsider.