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.
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.
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.