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.
Taller buildings could come to Fairmount area after council reaches zoning compromise
The Salem City Council unanimously approved a compromise motion to raise building heights in five overlay zones in the South Central Association of Neighbors. The deal was intended to balance climate goals for denser housing with retaining the historic character of the area.
EVENTS: Live musical comedy, harvest festival kick off in Salem area
Salem’s events calendar this weekend includes a roller derby bout, an international skateboarding contest and a last opportunity to visit some art shows.
UPDATE: Council approves compromise motion on SCAN overlay zones
The Salem City Council meets Monday, Sept. 25, to consider a project that would remove an invasive plant from the Oxbow Slough in Minto-Brown Island Park, and revisit an ordinance that would allow for taller buildings in the South Central Association of Neighbors.
Salem man dies after being struck by tree branch
Jim Arnold died Sunday night after being struck by a heavy tree branch that fell on a parked food truck on Aug. 29. His sisters described him as a loving father and grandfather.
In a year of record book challenges, Salem Public Library sees little pushback
Oregon saw a record number of book challenges in 2022-23, with complaints taken to boards and some books thrown in the trash. Salem, which saw one such challenge, said it’s seeing more community support for a well-rounded library collection than against.
Citizens on budget committee worry about payroll tax, cut impacts
The budget committee recommended the payroll tax be imposed without voter approval back in May. Salem Reporter caught up with citizen members for their thoughts on the vote, proposed cuts and alternative measures.
‘A smorgasbord of awful:’ council begins discussions of budget cuts
Salem councilors discussed alternatives to deep cuts should voters reject a wage tax, hoping to preserve the west Salem library, city jobs and maintain parks.
Kotek recommends 11 Salemites to state boards, commissions
Gov. Tina Kotek’s latest appointment nominations for state boards and commissions includes 11 Salem residents, who would oversee statewide drug policy, education and issues including home care and social work.
West Salem library, homeless shelters could be cut if payroll tax fails
City leaders released a plan outlining the next several years of proposed cuts to keep the city budget balanced if the payroll tax fails in November. The cuts would reduce programs at the Salem Public Library, limit park maintenance and increase wait times for emergency response.
EVENTS: Wine festival and live music in Salem this weekend
Events in Salem this weekend include a wine festival, a punk rock resource fair and an album release concert from Salemites Kristen Grainger & True North