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.
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
Punx in the Park returns to give Salem’s young people a voice
A punk rock fair Saturday at Marion Square Park will give Salem’s homeless youth a platform, supplies and connections to help.
UPDATE: Councilors approve Northeast Silverton Road sewer rehabilitation
During their meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Salem City Council will hear the findings of the annual community belonging survey and consider a sewer rehabilitation project on Northeast Silverton Road.
City poised to withdraw effort from sobering center
Salem’s legislative committee plans to recommend that the city stop its years-long effort to fund a sobering center. The facility was intended to divert drunk or intoxicated people from hospitals or jail.
EVENTS: Where to dance, shop and play cornhole in Salem this weekend
Events the weekend of Friday, Sept. 8, to Sunday, Sept. 10, include several dance parties to classics, rock n’ roll and to traditional Celtic music. The Capital City Cornhole Classic returns, bringing hundreds of competitors to the capitol lawn.