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.
Campaign submits 10,000 signatures to refer payroll tax to Salem voters
Over a week before the deadline to submit signatures to the city, petition organizers seeking to refer a payroll tax to Salem voters say they have submitted over 10,000 signatures. The campaign needs 3,986 verified signatures to get it on the ballot.
Salem area wineries sue Pacific Power over Labor Day fires
Willamette Valley Vineyards has filed an $8.1 million lawsuit against Pacific Power, saying that the utility company’s decision to leave power on during high winds sparked additional fires and damaged vineyards during the 2020 Labor Day fires.
LISTEN IN: Thousands sign the petition to put the Salem payroll tax on the ballot
CATCH OUR SHOW: Our journalists discuss the news of the day with Wendy Brokaw of Capital Community Media. TODAY: Payroll referendum reaches 4,000 unverified signatures, city council considers plans for a west Salem apartment complex and the fight against an invasive river plant.
Cherriots riders will soon have the option to pay by app or tap card
Starting Tuesday, Aug. 1, Cherriots will launch its e-fare program letting riders pay for fare using a phone app or tap card. The move – which will accompany, not replace, the fare box option – will help riders save money and board with ease, the district said.
EVENTS: Celebrate Oregon history with logging and heavy machinery
The Great Oregon Steam-Up festival returns this weekend with demonstrations of historic workmanship and a parade of steam engines and other vehicles. Other events this weekend include a movie at Riverfront Park, Hoopla and a Blues performance.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Transit bills that passed and died during the state legislative session
During its Thursday, July 27, meeting, the Cherriots board of directors will hear a summary of the outcomes of statewide transit bills during the 2023 legislative session. They will also hear a preliminary financial report for the fiscal year that just ended.
UPDATE: Councilors approve plans for safer walking, biking on South Salem Heights Avenue
The city council agenda for Monday, July 24, includes new appointments to the Salem Public Library advisory board, plans for a west Salem apartment development and road improvements on South Salem Heights Avenue.
Petition to bring Salem payroll tax to public vote hits 4,000 signatures, organizers say
Two weeks after a split city council vote, an Oregon business group’s campaign said it has gathered over 4,000 unverified signatures to bring the Salem employee-paid payroll tax to a public vote. Organizers must submit at least 3,986 valid signatures by Aug. 9.
Willamette Slough restoration project reaches final year
Crews will spray one last round of herbicide at the Willamette Slough, near Riverfront Park, to combat the Ludwigia weed that chokes out native plants and wildlife. It’s the fourth and final year of treatment in a project that has largely cleared the issue.
EVENTS: Athletes, musicians, artists and comedians flocking to Salem this weekend
This weekend, Salem has a packed events schedule including the Salem Art Fair and Festival, Sunday’s Ironman race, a punk rock festival, plays and cultural events.