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.
Cold weather advisory in place for Salem Friday and Saturday, warming shelters to open
Temperatures are forecast to reach a low of 24 degrees Friday and Saturday night. Salem-area warming shelters will open both nights, and the National Weather Service warns of hypothermia and frostbite risk.
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After budget cut, Church at the Park will have fewer workers getting people into housing
Church at the Park’s outreach team, which helps people navigate leaving unsheltered homelessness through the first six months living in a new apartment, will be half the size it was a year ago, after a funding reduction from PacificSource.
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Power outage closes Salem Public Library early on Wednesday
A vehicle hit a pole before noon on Wednesday, causing a power outage for around 1,700 homes and businesses.
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UPDATE: Salem warming shelter to open nightly, through Friday
The warming shelter at Salem First Presbyterian Church will be open Tuesday through Friday night, with below-freezing temperatures expected. It opens at 7 p.m., and guests will be served dinner, snacks and breakfast.
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Salvation Army to close Lighthouse Shelter
Since 1966, the Salvation Army Lighthouse Shelter has provided a place for people in Salem to get off the streets. It will be closing at the end of January due to ongoing financial challenges, with the organization reallocating resources to its food pantry and case management.
Warming shelter at Salem First Presbyterian Church to open over the weekend
With temperatures expected to dip below freezing, the warming shelter at Salem First Presbyterian Church will be opening overnight on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Guests can bring pets and will be served dinner and breakfast.
Federal grants to Salem homeless services likely to be renewed after court ruling halts drastic policy changes
For over two months, Salem area homeless services that provide shelter and housing to people in the community faced uncertainty over the renewal of expected funding after the Trump administration announced major changes to its grant process. Last week, after a judge found the changes would likely cause "irreparable harm,” the administration reversed course for the time being.
Cherriots general manager to retire
Allan Pollock, general manager of the Salem Area Mass Transit District, announced his intention to retire in the summer. His 19-year tenure includes adding Sunday bus service for the first time in the district’s history, and investing in zero-emission transit solutions.
A morning with the city teams prioritizing humanity, patience at Salem’s homeless camps
As the city’s response to homelessness faces increased scrutiny, Salem Reporter spent a morning riding along with the city’s police and cleaning teams who work closest to the issue. Both now operate seven days a week after a recent temporary funding boost.
Salem protest planned for Saturday in response to Minneapolis ICE shooting
Salem Region Indivisible, which organized previous protests against the Trump administration, is planning a demonstration in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. It will begin at the Oregon State Capitol at noon on Saturday, Jan. 10.