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 over 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.
Marion County ordered to cut restaurant capacity, halt long-term care visits in effort to slow Covid spread
Libby Anderson serves coffee at Archive with a mask and safe distancing on June 17, 2020. (Cathy Cheney/Salem Reporter) This story was updated at 4:50 p.m. to include a statement from Marion County. Marion County restaurants, gyms and museums will…
Outcome of Salem Senate race will turn on voters correcting signature issues with ballots
Senate District 10 extends into Polk County and includes west and south Salem. A tight race for the Oregon Senate seat representing south and west Salem will likely hinge on how many voters correct signature issues on ballots – and…
Marion County headed for state Covid watchlist, health officials warn
A Covid-19 test swab is packaged up to be tested during a free drive-through testing clinic at Woodburn Ambulance Service on Tuesday, August 25. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) This story was updated Nov. 5 at 3:15 p.m. Covid is spiking among…
For three teachers, online wood shop now includes ghost stories, costumes and plenty of teamwork
Construction and woodworking teachers Michelle Zielinski, left, and Andrew Chidwick, set up for class on Oct. 23 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Pies to the face. Ghost stories over Zoom. A shawl and bright lipstick for a touch of drama. For three…
VOTE 2020: No change in Salem-area races early Wednesday as vote counting continues for president
Bill Seibt takes a selfie with wife Laura and son, Liam, 7, as the family drops off their ballots at the Marion County Health Department on Tuesday, November 3. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Election results showed little change overnight in the…
Lower your blood pressure as you wait for election results with these Salem pets
Belle Starr (Courtsy/Pete DeWitt) When we put out a call for your pet photos over the weekend, I expected we might get a dozen or so. Instead, my inbox is full of your beloved rescue pups, ornery kittens, one parrot…
VOTE 2020: Salem, here’s where you can vote or drop your ballot off on Election Day
(Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Election Day is upon us, and Oregonians have just hours to return ballots to a local drop box or vote at a county clerk’s office. At 8 p.m., election workers will mark the end of the line…
VOTE 2020: There’s still time to cast your ballot, Oregon – even if you never got one in the mail
Steve Bauman, right, and Paul Butler, elections workers, collect ballots from a drop box in Keizer on Thursday, October 23. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Oregonians who haven’t yet cast a ballot in the Nov. 3 election have a little over 24…
Oregon relaxes school reopening metrics, but little change ahead for Salem students
Highland Elementary School students enter the school library for brief in-person classes on Oct. 20, 2020 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) A change to Oregon’s school reopening guidelines means tens of thousands more students could soon return to the classroom, but Salem…
Where to celebrate Halloween in Salem this year
A student dressed as Pennywise at North Salem High School’s Halloween event in 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Whether you’re dying to show off your pandemic-themed costume or just need a break from election season, Salem has plenty of options for…