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.
CULTURE: June’s art, history and exhibitions
Salem’s art galleries and museums will open exhibits featuring tiny paintings, ceramic heads and new portraits of Black pioneers.
Progressives to hold slight majority on new Salem City Council
Even with the one council race undecided and another too close to call, Salem voters are keeping a progressive city council.
Seniors get a safe haven in Salem’s new affordable cottage community
On Thursday, United Way held a grand opening ceremony for phase one of its Cottages United development, which will rent one-bedroom cottages to seniors for $500 a month. The first residents will move in over the weekend.
Salem’s parks host affordable summer camps, activities for all ages
The city is seeing low registration for its summer parks and recreation programs, which this year feature new pickleball, learning camps and tree climbing options at Silver Falls.
Salem resident named Ms. Wheelchair Oregon
Anne Giffin spent much of her life homeless in Salem. She’s now sober, housed, a peer support specialist and the latest woman to be crowned Ms. Wheelchair Oregon.
Mayor-Elect Julie Hoy says she’s “building the ramp” to lead Salem
Mayor-Elect Julie Hoy said she plans to spend the next seven months getting a strategy together before she becomes mayor in January. Her Ward 6 council seat will be filled next year by special election.
Salem Soap Box Derby returns Memorial Day weekend
On Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, Bush’s Pasture Park will host the Salem Soap Box Derby for the first time in five years.
Julie Hoy holds commanding lead in bid to unseat Mayor Chris Hoy
Julie Hoy had about 56% of votes cast in the mayor's race after initial results released 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Vanessa Nordyke plans to focus on homeless, community involvement in next Salem City Council term
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke is running unopposed for reelection to the ward 7 seat, which covers much of southwest Salem.
What to know about the claims in mayoral campaign mailers
Salem voters are getting a surge of campaign advertisements from mayoral candidates in their mailboxes, but Salem Reporter determined some of their claims lack context.