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.
TOP STORIES: Crabs on cocaine, Salem’s Potato Lady and Salem history
Reporter Abbey McDonald looks back on her stories with Salem Reporter this year.
UPDATE: Thousands without power as high wind advisory extended to 7 p.m. Tuesday
Salem is under a high wind warning until 4 p.m., Tuesday Dec. 27 as gusts up to 65 mph cause widespread power outages.
Covid weekly report for Dec. 23: Cases down, hospital remains near capacity
In the past week, the Oregon Health Authority reports three newly identified deaths of local residents with Covid.
PHOTOS: Menorah ceremony brings light to downtown Salem
Light Up Salem, hosted by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, gathered community members downtown Thursday evening to celebrate Hanukkah.
Salem’s Buddy the Elf takes spreading holiday cheer seriously
Throughout the holiday season, Corey Jenkins can be found in a movie-accurate Buddy the Elf costume, complete with yellow tights and imported Norwegian wool.
Stretch of trees planted at Riverfront Park honors Salem stream lover
Cheryl Hummon, who is retiring after 11 years with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, rolled up her sleeves with friends and coworkers to plant trees celebrating her work helping Oregon rivers and streams.
Salem’s favorite festive tuba performance returns
Retired Salem pediatrician Dan Sewell, 81, is among the dozens of musicians who will bring holiday classics to the Elsinore in an annual Salem tradition.
Cherriots hopes to add Albany express service, increase frequency in coming years
Agency leaders said a long-range plan the board will consider Thursday is a first step toward building more robust public transit serving Oregon’s capital. Whether the agency’s plans will happen as outlined depends on securing grants.
City creates award to honor “The Potato Lady” of Salem
The Salem City Council voted Monday night to create a volunteer award in honor of homeless advocate Lisa Letney, who died in November. To her family, it was a moment of joy amid grief.
Former refugee provides support to Salem’s newest families
Sifa Kipanga and her family, who are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lived at a refugee camp in Tanzania for 17 years. She now uses her fluency in four languages to help families adjust to life in Oregon.