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.
Public works employee, expert in street chemistry, deals in the strange and stinky
“I have a big nose, so I think I was put on this earth to filter the air and find smells for folks,” says Bill Fear. The longtime city employee was recently recognized for helping a homeowner with a litany of repairs during a heat wave this summer.
Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge and section of trail to temporarily close for restoration
The two-day closure begins Nov. 16.
Salem voters overwhelmingly favor infrastructure package
Preliminary results also show local voters supporting bans on psilocybin facilities in unincorporated areas of Marion and Polk counties.
New Little Free Library at Willamette Heritage Center offers books, crafts
The new structure, offering free educational books and craft supplies, will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
Willamette University to host Monday lecture on climate change, endangered species
Dr. Chris Smith, a professor of biology, will give a free public lecture at Paulus Lecture Hall at 7 p.m.
Covid weekly report for Nov. 4: New cases slightly decrease across Salem area
In the past week, The Oregon Health Authority reports two local deaths of people with Covid.
Local Indigenous organizers to hold rally in support of the Indian Child Welfare Act
Indigenous organizers are holding a rally in support of the Indian Child Welfare Act on Sunday, Nov. 6, as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case which could significantly alter the federal law that prioritizes the placement of Indigenous adoptees within their families or communities.
Bill Riegel Park to reopen this month with improvements
The park, located in the Southeast Mill Creek neighborhood, has been closed and under construction since July. The latest changes complete the second and final phase of a $740,000 improvement project that began over a decade ago.
Salem Health investigating employee for posting video appearing to mock patient
In a video apparently posted to Twitter on Monday with the caption "When a patient has poor coping skills,” a patient can be heard groaning in pain off-screen.
Extraterrestrial crabs snort cocaine, wreak havoc across Salem in upcoming local film
The local film "Cocaine Snorting Crabs From Outer Space," will debut at Salem's Historic Grand this Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.