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.
How ODOT clean-ups work in Salem, and what the city council wants to happen next
Many of Salem’s most visible homeless encampments are on state property, leaving them under the state Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction to address. After a motion from the Salem city council, staff are looking for additional ways to coordinate with the agency.
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City officials condemn use of illegal force after reports of federal agents injuring resident
In a statement on Monday, the city of Salem called for Oregon’s federal policymakers to work to protect immigrants after reports that federal agents pulled a Salem resident and U.S. citizen from her car, injuring her, last Thursday. The Salem Police Department said it did not respond to the scene because the call to dispatch came in after the fact.
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What’s next for Salem’s response to homelessness downtown
During a Thursday morning discussion hosted by the Salem Main Street Association, city leadership shared updates on its expansions to homeless services teams and potential future funding options.
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Who’s running for Salem City Council in May
The May 2026 election will decide Salem’s next mayor and four seats on the city council. Meet the candidates who have filed as of January.
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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.