Rachel Alexander
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers education, economic development and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade and is a past president of Oregon's Society of Professional Journalists chapter. Outside of work, you can often find her gardening or with her nose buried in a book.
Where to learn more about Salem candidates for school board, city council
Forums over the next two weeks give Salem residents a chance to meet candidates who will be on the May ballot.
Sprague duo wins national constitution competition
Competing against teams with dozens of students, Sprague seniors Colin Williams and Matthew Meyers clinched a national trophy in Washington, D.C. last week.
Peek inside Salem’s shuttered Macy’s as local owners prepare for next chapter
With Macy's stripped of its wares, pieces of the original 1955 Meier & Frank store are more visible, including wallpaper in a former beauty salon and handwritten maintenance logs for the store's boiler.
Kotek says Oregon won’t comply with Trump’s anti-DEI education directive
Salem-Keizer Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said "holding funding for children hostage" is not the right way for the federal government to change education policy.
By the numbers: what to know about the city of Salem’s budget proposal
Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi said she released her proposed budget Wednesday with a “heavy heart” amid deep cuts to some city services, including the library.
Beating out much larger teams, Sprague duo clinches national spot in constitution competition
Two Sprague High School seniors, Matthew Meyers and Colin Williams, are competing in Washington D.C. this week after beating out teams of two dozen students at state with their knowledge of constitutional law and history.
School board to vote on strategic plan centered on data, academic improvements
The Salem-Keizer School Board will vote Tuesday on a new strategic plan for the district, which focuses on academic excellence, student wellness and system improvements to give teachers and schools better data.
South, McNary start late Monday following sudden death of school counselor
Classes started late Monday at South and McNary high schools to prepare school employees to support students after the unexpected death of counselor Leah Anderson.
Economists weigh in on how tariffs will hit Willamette Valley
Oregon exports many of its agricultural products, including wheat and wine, which are likely to face reciprocal tariffs in foreign countries. But economists say some local sectors could benefit from tariffs, especially in the long-term.
Low-income preschool programs in Salem grapple with uncertainty following federal office closure
Salem’s Head Start preschool programs will continue operating as usual despite the abrupt closure this week of the regional federal office that funds and oversees their work.