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.
New Salem conservatory highlights theater by young adults
A new experimental theater based out of Salem’s Unitarian Universalist church will stage two shows by a young playwright this August. It’s part of an effort to bring more local theater opportunities for teens and young adults.
UPDATED: School board unanimously approves teacher union contract
School board directors approved with little discussion a $38 million two-year contract for district teachers.
Family starts memorial scholarship to honor West Salem junior killed in crash
A memorial service for Elijah Jung, 17, will be held Thursday afternoon at St. Edward Catholic Church and is open to the public.
Clackamas CC president raises thousands for Salem students with 1,400-mile run
Tim Cook, Clackamas Community College president, completed his journey to run across the state this week after visiting every community college on foot. His aim was to raise awareness and money for students facing challenges with basic needs, like not having stable housing or enough to eat.
Marion, Polk counties remain child care “deserts” despite adding more preschool spots
A recent OSU report found a growing share of Oregon kids have access to preschool thanks to more public funding, but care for infants and toddlers remains lacking and often unaffordable.
Phone pouches expand to nearly all Salem-Keizer high schools
Students at about half of local middle schools and all major district high schools will be required to lock phones in pouches starting this fall. Seven schools started using the pouches last school year, with six more joining them this year.
A safe haven for families in NE Salem breaks ground
A northeast Salem hub for with space for social services, community meetings and a shared kitchen will open in the spring on the site of the former Epping family home next to the Boys & Girls Club.
Man injured in West Salem house fire Thursday morning
A two-alarm house fire required hours of work and 43 firefighters to get under control. One occupant was taken to the hospital with burns.
12 schools in Salem-Keizer School District will see new principals for 2025-26
Waldo Middle School and a share of Salem and Keizer elementary schools will have new leaders this fall.
What to do in Salem from July 31-Aug. 6: Family Fest, a bevy of local theater
Riverfront Family Fest returns Saturday, Aug. 2, the Great Oregon Steam-Up continues, and Theatre 33's New Play Festival is in full swing.