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.
Young coach a role model for Salem players
Anthony Valdez, 20, has been coaching kids at the YMCA since he was a kid himself. His calm, supportive style makes him a favorite among players and parents, and he hopes to channel his passion into a program for keeping Salem youth out of the prison system.
Cherriots board approves bus stop repairs
With the Salem Area Mass Transit District’s latest approved project, eleven bus stops in Salem will become more accessible with lighting, sidewalk and shelter improvements. The Cherriots board approved the project during its Oct. 26 meeting, along with a budget…
Cuts discussions continue at Salem City Hall
During a work session Wednesday, the Salem City Council didn't seem to favor "extreme" cuts scenarios and considered reductions hitting multiple departments. The discussion came less than two weeks before voters will decide whether to implement a payroll tax to fund city services.
ARCHES seeks volunteers as weekend temperatures forecasted below freezing
The ARCHES Day Center plans to open its doors Friday night to give unsheltered people a warm place to rest as temperatures reach freezing. There are still dozens of volunteer shifts available.
Arena football coming to Salem in 2024
The Arena Football League, a fast-paced game played on a smaller field, is coming to the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center arena this spring. The Oregon Blackbears, backed by a University of Oregon alumnus, hopes to fill its roster with local talent.
UPDATE: Councilors approve sidewalk repair guidelines
During their Monday, Oct. 23 meeting, the Salem City Council approved a grant for case workers for people who are homeless, and opted to further discuss proposed changes to the sign code.
Salem City Council to discuss alternative cuts
The Salem City Council meets Wednesday to discuss ways to address its budget crisis if the payroll tax fails in November. Among the hypothetical scenarios is closing the library to retain police and fire, or to keep shelters open. They’ll also hear the feasibility of cutting vacancies and adding furlough days.
Salem plans the next decade of sidewalk repairs
During their Monday, Oct. 23, meeting, the Salem City Council will consider a plan to allocate $18.2 million to sidewalk and crosswalk projects from the infrastructure bond voters approved last fall.
Business groups spend big to defeat Salem payroll tax
Opponents of Salem’s payroll tax have raised nearly $170,000 to kill the tax according to campaign finance records. Donors include Americans for Prosperity, an advocacy group funded by two of the nation’s most influential people in politics, brothers Charles and David Koch.
Shelter builders, fire heroes, rose tenders among city-honored volunteers for 2023
Salem’s annual volunteer award ceremony on Monday, Oct. 16, recognized community members who fought fires, tended roses and educated their neighbors on local history.