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.
Invasive plant removal, play equipment coming to Salem parks with annual grant
A dozen parks will get money from the Salem Parks Improvement Fund this year, a record number for the 18-year-old program.
UPDATE: Salem to seek federal money for airport improvements
During its meeting on Monday, Feb. 26, the Salem City Council took steps toward improvements to Northeast Front Street and Northwest Marine Drive.
Bridget Esqueda named Salem’s city librarian
Bridget Esqueda, who has served as city librarian in the interim for the past eight months, will continue leading the library as it works to expand accessibility while scaling back spending amid looming budget cuts.
City selects developers for Block 50 downtown
Northwest-based developers Edlen & Co. and deChase Miksis have been chosen to turn a key undeveloped property downtown into a mix of apartments, retail and public space.
ATV likely sparked Liberty Fire last August, investigation finds
Smoke started rising from a south Salem field soon after ATVs drove through dry grass, according to witness interviews in a report from the Salem Fire Department. The blaze triggered the evacuation of over 600 homes.
Salem needs a cohesive strategy, better data to address homelessness, study finds
Salem spent over $23 million responding to homelessness last year, an outside report found. The city is considering its next steps in managing its homeless response, at the crossroads of high need and limited funding.
Avelo adds 3rd route, this time to Sonoma
Avelo will begin flights May 3 from Salem to the North Bay Area. It's the budget carrier's third route since launching Salem commercial flights in October.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Bus ridership up 20% in Salem, report finds
The Cherriots board meets Thursday, Feb. 22, to hear reports on customer satisfaction, finances, and ridership. They will also hear details about assaults against employees last year.
Salem gathers to celebrate Black History Month
An event on Monday honored Salem’s Black history and celebrated community with speeches, songs and an award ceremony for leaders in education and community mentorship.
Cooperation, resources for young people key to addressing shootings, Salem experts say
Panelists at Salem Reporter’s Town Hall on Gun Violence Thursday suggested diverse solutions to the city’s rise in shootings, but broadly agreed a community approach is needed.