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.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: City council considers water infrastructure at final meeting of year
Monday’s city council meeting will look back on progress made this year and consider funding to improve water and sewage infrastructure.
Suspect charged in Dec. 1 central Salem shooting
Salem Police arrested Isaiah Randall Counts, 35, in Portland late Thursday night, Dec. 8, according to a department statement Friday.
Covid weekly report for Dec. 9: Cases increase statewide and in Marion County
The Oregon Health Authority reports four newly identified deaths of local residents with Covid in the past week.
Section of Northeast Center Street to close over weekend
Northeast Center Street will close between Northeast Park and Vineyard Avenues on Dec. 10 and 11 for the installation of a sewer line.
“En Voz Alta” showcases writing from the Spanish-speaking mid-valley
After nine months of workshops, 14 Latino writers and poets will present their work at the Salem Art Association on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Amid respiratory infection surge, Salem Hospital diverts ambulances for first time since July
In an effort to address hospital capacity, Salem Hospital has activated its diversion policy 10 times since Thanksgiving weekend. The policy triggers a temporary pause on receiving patients with non-life threatening injuries from ambulances, who are taken to other hospitals.
Ukulele master to return to Elsinore Theatre
World renowned musician Jake Shimabukuro’s Dec. 8 performance will feature an uplifting setlist of Christmas classics and songs from his most recent album.
Section of Minto-Brown Island Park trail to temporarily close for plantings
A section just south of the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge will close Dec. 8 and 9 from 7:30 a.m. to around 3 p.m as crews add native plants along the trail.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Salem City Council to vote on extending state of emergency for homeless services
Monday’s meeting will also address a supplemental staff report that recommends the city reject a petition to allow a car dealership to use a public right-of-way for parking and vehicle storage.
Local production of “The Fantasticks” explores growing pains with humor and song
Salem’s Pentacle Theatre production of the long-beloved musical will run through Dec. 17.