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.
Salem payroll tax expected to make November ballot as Marion County begins verifying signatures
Organizers say they have submitted nearly 13,000 signatures in an attempt to refer the planned Salem payroll tax to voters in November. County and city officials say the petition will likely meet the required threshold of 3,986 verified Salem voters in the next few days.
Pentacle to perform an unconventional detective story
The Pentacle Theatre’s performance of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” starts Friday, and runs through Sept. 2. In the play, a teenager investigates the unexpected death of his neighbor’s dog.
UO students to help make Salem more walkable, equitable
Salem has been selected for the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program, which will have students of architecture, planning, public administration, journalism and geography bring their thoughts and skills to real city projects.
Kotek vetoes money for Salem streetcar study, career academy
Gov. Tina Kotek on Friday said she would follow through on planned vetoes announced last week for several budget items allocated by the legislature, including two Salem projects.
ART: August’s artist exhibitions in Salem
This month, Salem’s art scene offers a trip into surreal landscapes and a chance to see depictions of local parks before the paint dries.
Plan for Pringle Creek walking and bike path gets $6 million from the state
The city has been awarded $6 million from the state to connect the Salem Civic Center to a network of paths reaching Riverfront Park, Willamette University and Wallace Marine Park. Construction is still years away.
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.