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.
With fanfare, Salem’s first commercial flight in over a decade takes off for Vegas
A jet full of travelers and local dignitaries departed Salem Municipal Airport on Avelo Airlines Flight 220 Thursday morning following a years-long effort to return commercial air service to the city.
Clowns, jumpscares return for 36th year of Nightmare Factory at Oregon School for the Deaf
Oregon School for the Deaf’s “Nightmare Factory” haunted house returns, bringing scares and building community connections. The endeavor funds school improvements and student trips, including a visit to Knott’s Scary Farm to learn how to act from the pros.
UPDATE: Cherriots board approves 2% raise for general manager
Cherriots’ board approved an update to its equity guidelines and a raise for General Manager Allan Pollock during its Sept. 28 meeting.
READER SURVEY: Most Salemites willing to pay more taxes, want cuts to vacant city jobs
Over 400 people responded to Salem Reporter’s survey, sharing their concerns about the community and what they would do to address the city’s budget issues.
Kalapuya Elementary School teacher put on leave following abuse allegations
Music teacher Joshua Rist has been placed on leave from Kalapuya Elementary School following a lawsuit from two of his former students at McNary High School. They alleged he groomed and manipulated them for several years.
Pentacle’s newest musical features music, comedy, romance, bloodlust and 90 costumes
"A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” starts Friday, Sept. 29, and runs through Oct. 21 at the Pentacle Theatre.
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.