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.
Covid weekly report for Feb. 17: Marion, Polk counties see cases spike
In the past week, the Oregon Health Authority reports six newly identified deaths of local residents with Covid.
Chemeketa faculty speak out against layoffs during board meeting
In a tense public meeting on Wednesday, instructors described the personal, financial and community-wide potential impacts of 11 planned layoffs and pay cuts at Chemeketa Community College.
Salem to add another two-way street
The city has begun transforming the one-way Northeast Court Street in downtown into a two-way street. Beginning Thursday, Feb. 16, two lanes of traffic will close to build a new median.
Chemeketa plans layoffs but faculty is pushing back
During Wednesday’s board of education meeting, faculty members plan to speak against 11 planned faculty layoffs and pay cuts. The board will also be voting on whether to increase tuition.
COLUMN: A dispatch from an unusual bus ride
Abbey McDonald of Salem Reporter describes her experience driving a Cherriots bus on a closed course, in advance of a district hiring event on Feb. 21.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Raises for Police on Salem City Council agenda
During its Monday, Feb. 13 meeting, the council will vote on its 2023 policy agenda, consider raises for the police department staff, and vote on whether to reallocate $1.1 million in federal housing funding.
Covid weekly report for Feb. 10: Cases, testing positivity up
In the past week, the Oregon Health Authority reports one newly identified death of a Marion County resident with Covid.
Popular Salem program returns to teach about raptors
The Salem Audubon Society’s most popular webinar returns on Saturday, Feb. 11 to teach Salemites how to identify Oregon hawks, eagles, vultures and more.
Free showing set for ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ that highlights erased history
The film “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” explores the legacy of Black American soldiers in conflicts throughout the nation’s history. A Thursday, Feb. 9, screening at Willamette University is free and open to the public.
Marion County residents quiz U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley during town hall
The senator fielded questions about mental health funding, the war in Ukraine and catalytic converters during an hour long conversation with constituents on Monday, Feb. 6.