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.
ART: Artist exhibitions in Salem for June
This month, galleries in Salem are sharing a wide range of perspectives in various mediums. June’s gallery roundup includes work from Indigenous artists, career-spanning collections and large sculptures of metal and wood.
Fire chief seeks payroll tax to fund 14 firefighters, cut response times
Last year, around a third of Salemites who called 911 had to wait more than five and a half
minutes for help to come. The Salem Fire Department, facing an increasing number of calls, hopes to add staff to improve response times.
EVENTS: Salem kicks off June with performances, local art and music
This weekend’s event calendar includes the renaming of the Salem Riverfront Carousel, theater performances and the biggest Market for the Strange yet.
Salem film about extraterrestrial crabs on cocaine gets streaming, Blu-ray deal
After selling out its November premiere at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, “Cocaine Crabs from Outer Space” by local filmmaker Chuck Magee is coming to home television screens.
Oregon’s Marshallese community gathers in Salem to celebrate culture and sovereignty
Celebrating 44 years since the adoption of the constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Marshallese people from across the state gathered for speeches, performances and a weekend of sports.
Seniors, oldies fans can get their groove on at new Riverfront Park dances
“Let’s Dance,” which starts June 11, will bring a monthly family-friendly outdoor dance to Salem’s Riverfront Park, playing 50s, 60s and 70s music.
Where to observe this Memorial Day, and other Salem events
Local events this weekend include Memorial Day ceremonies, a class on growing mushrooms, several dance parties and a celebration of Marshallese culture.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Cherriots looks to restart Shop-and-Ride service
The board of the Salem Area Mass Transit District meets Thursday, May 25, to consider applying to a federal grant to support its accessible shop-and-ride service, which takes people with disabilities to Fred Meyer and Walmart.
Glass birds to be hidden in Salem’s parks
The Salem Seekers project, which will hide 120 birds in four parks starting in June, hopes to encourage Salemites to explore their community and get to know their neighbors.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Council looks at grant to improve tree canopy
The Salem City Council meets Monday, May 22, at 6 p.m. to consider steps to promote wildfire prevention, a repeal of its sit-lie ordinance and new equipment at the Willow Lake Water Pollution Control Facility.