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.
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.
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.