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.
CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors approve short-term rental fee
Rentals through Airbnb, VRBO and similar platforms will have an added 2% city fee on bookings beginning May 1. The money will largely go to Travel Salem to fund tourism promotion.
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CITY MEETING: City to evaluate drug use resources, consider Airbnb fees
The Salem City Council will meet Monday, March 23, at 6 p.m. to hear updates on staff efforts to evaluate existing resources for preventing, addressing and enforcing drug use, and will consider applying to federal grants to repave an airport taxiway.
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Capital Manor residents tackle first theatrical production with enthusiasm
Residents of Capital Manor, a retirement community in West Salem, have been rehearsing “Fiddler on the Roof” for months ahead of a series of performances for friends and family. “We can sing, we can remember lines and we can move around on the stage. But not all three together,” said actor Jane Billings.
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One year after opening, Salem resource center for homeless families reports hundreds of visits
Since opening last February, The ARCHES Family First resource center has seen 580 in-person visits from families nearing or experiencing homelessness. The most common reason for visiting is an inability to afford rent.
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State won’t seek Supreme Court review in DEA agent fatal crash
An earlier judge’s ruling to dismiss a negligent homicide charge against a federal agent in the death of Salem cyclist Marganne Allen will stand. The Oregon Department of Justice announced Friday it wouldn’t appeal the case further.
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Dozens of families moving in to new affordable northeast Salem apartments
The first phase of construction at the Gussie Belle Commons has added 120 affordable apartments with limited rent to a tight market in Salem.
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Simonka Place renovation brings fresher look, more space for homeless women and families
A renovation that began last summer has added a child care space and private rooms for families at Simonka Place, the Union Gospel Mission’s shelter for women and children.
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Salem’s oldest known tree to be cut down in April
The city is planning to cut down an Oregon white oak that has likely been growing on Marion Street since the 17th century, due to a systemwide fungal infection that puts it at risk of falling over.
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Salem Saturday Market to return for 28th season
The Salem Saturday Market will open for the 2026 season at 9 a.m. March 7, bringing together around 70 local vendors.
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Prestigious international program has city leaders digging deep into public safety
After months of virtual classes, seven representatives from Salem’s government, nonprofits and community will be taking a trip to Harvard to learn how to better collaborate to address public safety issues in Salem, starting with how to define the problem. The trip and program is fully funded by the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
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