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.
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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Common rental barriers are keeping a Salem family homeless
Despite having a federal housing voucher that guarantees they can pay rent, Misty Blades, her daughter and caregiver can’t get their foot in the door of a new home. They’re facing the same challenges which are keeping dozens of families from finding a place to live before their coveted vouchers expire.
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5 exhibits to see at Salem’s galleries, museums in March
In March, the Young Artists’ Showcase returns to the Salem Art Association and local galleries will be showcasing pastel work and abstract botanicals.
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United Way plans to add affordable cottages with a state boost
With around 250 people on a waitlist for 10 cottage-style homes, the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is in the process of securing state funding to add more space for seniors on fixed incomes.
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State police identify driver killed in Monday morning crash with school bus
Luke R. Brittan, 68, died after a crash with a Salem-Keizer School District bus on Highway 22 Monday morning, according to the Oregon State Police. The crash occurred after the school bus made an unsafe left turn, the police investigation found.
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