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.
Tree branch falls on food truck in Grant area, injuring three
A 7,000 pound tree branch fell on the Tin Roof Bistro By Sweet Treats food truck Tuesday afternoon, injuring three people, including two inside the truck.
UPDATE: City council approves expansions at airport
During their Monday, Aug. 28, meeting, the Salem City Council approved a property purchase to add 230 parking spaces at the Salem Municipal Airport, and rejected a repeal of the payroll tax.
Salem City Council rejects motion to repeal payroll tax
During Monday’s city council meeting, councilors voted 6-3 to reject a motion to repeal the tax, meaning it is still set to go to the November ballot. Both sides of the motion said they were voting in the best interest of rebuilding public trust.
UPDATE: Cherriots approves contracts for tech, community surveys
During its Aug. 24 meeting, Cherriots’ board of directors approved a $2.9 million project for systemwide communication and bus tracking, and a contract for community surveys.
Liberty Fire contained after burning 25 acres, threatening hundreds of homes
A fast-spreading grass fire that came close to south Salem subdivisions Wednesday was controlled within hours thanks to help from a nearby construction crew, air support and over 100 firefighters. Fire crews are monitoring the area as Salem’s forecast calls for high temperatures and low humidity in the coming days.
Road tripping across Oregon, Salem volunteers maintain state’s historical signs
From the Oregon Coast to the Idaho border, over 100 historical sites are marked with wooden signs that share a piece of Oregon’s history. A small group of Salem retirees has been maintaining each one for the past 30 years.
Councilor Julie Hoy seeks council repeal of payroll tax
Councilor Julie Hoy is proposing the Salem City Council repeal the new payroll tax at a meeting next week. But whether a repeal would stop a citizen vote on the tax in November isn't clear.
Avelo reports thousands of bookings in Salem
Two months before launch, Avelo said that it has seen nearly 4,000 itineraries booked for service at the Salem Municipal Airport.
An evening with a Salem Death Cafe
At Salem’s Death Cafes, participants gather to talk about something everyone has in common: they’ll die someday. The group aims to break taboos around discussions of death and dying, and to celebrate being alive.
Councilor, city volunteers launch campaign for ‘yes’ vote on Salem payroll tax
City Council President Virginia Stapleton and volunteer policymakers have formed the “Save Salem Campaign.” An opposition effort has already raised $134,000.