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.
Homeowners have another chance at state money for mortgage relief
The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund, which offers aid to homeowners who were impacted financially by the pandemic, will resume accepting applications on Wednesday, March 8.
Covid weekly report for March 3: Cases decrease
In the past week, the Oregon Health Authority reports three newly identified deaths of local residents with Covid.
Library works to expand ‘library of things’ offerings
From kayaks to power tools, the Salem Public Library is processing items and making purchases for its “library of things,” and plans to launch a more user-friendly website.
State legislators consider potential for rail service between Beaverton and Salem
If approved, the bill would allocate funds for a feasibility study on expanding commuter rail service from Wilsonville to Salem. Without a clear intent for project governance, though, the Salem Area Mass Transit District warns that the study could collect dust.
Covid weekly report for Feb. 24: Cases decrease locally
In the past week, the Oregon Health Authority reports four newly identified deaths of local residents with Covid.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Council to consider developing paid parking plan downtown
Councilors meet Monday, Feb. 27, to consider funding rental assistance and to hear an initiative to designate the Salem Civic Center as a local historic resource.
Leadership summit returns to empower local teens
On Saturday, Feb. 25, the ILEAD Youth Leadership Summit will gather high schoolers from the region for workshops on mental health, college scholarships and more. Registration is free and open until noon Friday.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Cherriots rates high in satisfaction survey shows
Thursday’s meeting will include presentations on recent customer and community satisfaction surveys, and a vote on spending for four buses.
Area around Marion Parkade to close for next month
The announcement of the closure on Tuesday drew public criticism for the impact it will have on unsheltered people downtown, as freezing temperatures are expected to reach the area.
Trail work in Santiam Canyon gets boost from state
Travel Salem has received a $50,000 grant from the state to develop outdoor recreation in Santiam Canyon, part of a long-term effort to attract visitors and help the area recover from the September 2020 fires. Travel Salem’s investment will contribute…