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. 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…
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.