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.
VOTE 2024: Matthews, Soltz running for southeast Salem council seat
Shane Matthews, a Realtor, and Nathan Soltz, a legislative chief of staff and Morningside Neighborhood Association member, are running for the Ward 3 city council seat, representing southeast Salem.
VOTE 2024: Coleman, Tigan running for downtown, west Salem council seat
Celine Coleman, an epidemiologist, and Paul Tigan, Salem’s former budget committee chair and Grant Neighborhood Association member, are vying for the Salem City Council Ward 1 seat which includes most of downtown and central Salem, and parts of west Salem.
UPDATE: Council approves $195,000 settlement for injuries in police crash
During their Monday, April 22, meeting, the Salem City Council opted to postpone their decision on a tax exemption for a planned apartment complex on the site of the former Salem City Hall.
Salem-area community center will help young people learn music, screenprinting and business skills
Radness Ensues, a new nonprofit community center, plans to open in Keizer this summer with a range of skill-building opportunities for local youth, from screenprinting to music management. They hope to help fill a gap for community spaces catered to youth and families.
Budget committee votes to fund Salem’s library following outpouring of community support
Salem’s budget committee on Wednesday voted to use hotel tax money to stave off proposed library reductions for the next year, as a revenue task force seeks long-term funding. The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is questioning the move.
Applewood Retirement closure displaces dozens of seniors in tough rental market
With the building on Northeast Lancaster Road set to sell, residents at Applewood Retirement Community were given 30 days to move from their apartments. Several said they’ll be paying hundreds more per month or had to leave Salem to find somewhere affordable to live.
Mayor Chris Hoy proposes stopgap to avoid Salem library cuts this year
Mayor Chris Hoy will present a motion Wednesday to use money from hotel taxes to stave off library budget cuts for the next fiscal year. He called the measure a temporary solution.
How you can weigh in on Salem’s city budget cuts
In the coming weeks, there will be town halls, public testimony and write-in opportunities for Salemites to share their thoughts on city budget cuts and revenue options.
Library workers given layoff notice for July as city moves forward with budget cuts
City Manager Keith Stahley said it’s “definitely a possibility” that the West Salem library branch would close as a result of his proposed budget cuts.
Julie Hoy’s efforts to promote tire business prompted city ethics warning
In February, Salem City Councilor Julie Hoy’s push for the city to consider business with a local tire provider was met with a reminder from City Manager Keith Stahley about city ethics laws prohibiting councilors from influencing city contracts, according to city email records.