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.
Oregon white oak planted to honor teen killed in Bush Park shooting
Cousins, brothers, parents and friends of José Vázquez Valenzuela gathered Friday afternoon at Bush's Pasture Park, one year after the teen was gunned down. They said a tree planted near where he was murdered will help keep his memory alive.
Need tax help? For North, McKay students, it’s offered during school
Two Salem high schools are participating in a new state program to help teenage workers get tax refunds owed to them. Organizers said many teens don’t realize they’re owed money or think their parents file on their behalf.
BUILDING SALEM: The Forge, latest major downtown investment, nears opening
A second-floor collective of salon and beauty businesses will open April 1, with a new French bistro slated for June.
These moms want you to talk to your kids about gun safety
Two local moms lead Salem’s chapter of BeSmart, a gun safety campaign that educates parents about safe firearm storage and provides free resources to keep guns away from kids.
Rent growth slowing in Salem as more apartments open
Business leaders presented data on the state of Salem’s economy at the annual SVN Economic Forum, including the region’s housing growth and interest from tech companies in locating data centers in the area.
High wind brings multiple power outages to Salem area
This story was updated at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday after power had been restored. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, power has been restored to more than 3,400 Salem homes and businesses after they lost power Monday night as high winds and…
“We are not changing anything”: Salem-Keizer superintendent on federal education shifts
The Salem-Keizer School District will not end or rename programs focused on equity or otherwise change operations in response to Trump administration directives that Superintendent Andrea Castañeda described as “legally unclear.”
Marion Polk Food Share seeks $6m from state for bigger warehouse to meet growing need
Over the past 20 years, Salem’s regional food bank has doubled the amount they give out, but sometimes has to turn away donations because they don’t have freezer space.
Chemeketa board asks voters to renew tax measure for career education, campus renovations
Chemeketa leaders hope voters in May will approve a $140 million construction package that would keep tax rates flat while adding space for career programs. The same measure failed in November.
Internal tests show promising improvements in Salem-Keizer student reading, district leaders say
In a public presentation Tuesday night, Salem-Keizer School District leaders said they're optimistic about improvements in student reading after state tests last year showed just one in four third-graders was on track.