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.
Oregon State Fair announces 2024 concert lineup including Ludacris, Craig Morgan, Foreigner
The Oregon State Fair, starting Aug. 23, will bring eight acts to Salem including Craig Morgan, The Goo Goo Dolls, Ludacris and Foreigner. VIP tickets are on sale now.
Salem business owner named Mrs. Oregon America
Business podcaster and Salem resident Ellen Yin is the first Asian American to hold the title in nearly three decades, and hopes to use the platform to support women entrepreneurs throughout the state.
Queer line dancing lessons to expand vibrant Salem dance scene
Starting Wednesday, dancer Kelly Williams Brown will teach line dancing at the Southside Speakeasy, blending country and pop in hopes of welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and other people who might need a comfortable place to find their footwork to Salem’s line dancing scene.
Major donors largely mum on why they are fueling Julie Hoy’s mayoral campaign
The election for Salem’s next mayor has generated over a quarter million dollars in campaign contributions, most of it to Julie Hoy. The Oregon REALTORS PAC, who donated the most, said they liked her willingness to talk about issues. Most of the other top donors did not reply to requests for comment, or declined to share.
EVENTS: What’s happening in Salem this Mother’s Day weekend
Events for the week starting Thursday, May 9, include a moms-only comedy show, a volunteer Pioneer Cemetery cleanup and the last weekend to catch “Ripcord” at the Pentacle Theatre.
Community polling shows most Salemites would pay more for fire, police
The results of a city task force’s community survey and town hall showed Salem wants better services, and wants wealthier people to pay more for them. Task force members will be grappling with the demands of the community and what’s feasible.
Council candidate Matthews skipped voting in local elections for years
Public records show city council candidate Shane Matthews has voted in just one quarter of elections since he registered in Marion County. Candidate Celine Coleman failed to vote in the special election on Salem’s payroll tax due to a damaged ballot, she said.
EVENTS: Watch weavers, buy books, eat tacos
Events from May 2-9 include seasonal markets, a plant sale and a concert by 1980s hitmakers.
VOTE 2024: Two unrelated Hoys seek Salem mayor seat
Incumbent Mayor Chris Hoy and Ward 6 Councilor Julie Hoy, no relation, are running for Salem Mayor. The two bring different perspectives on how to balance the city's budget and address key issues like homelessness.
VOTE 2024: Brown, Hoselton running for northeast Salem council seat
Irvin Brown, a state policy adviser and chair of the city budget committee, and Michael
Hoselton, a paralegal and board member of the Northgate Neighborhood Association, are running for a seat where the incumbent is retiring. Ward 5 includes the Highland, North Lancaster and Northgate neighborhoods.