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.
In one day, Salem-Keizer puts together plan to feed thousands of kids out of school
Shelli Dehut passes out free lunches to students at Hoover Elementary School on March 16, 2020, the first day of a statewide public school closure. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to…
Salem Health among first Oregon providers offering private COVID-19 testing at single Salem clinic
Guidelines for patients with respiratory illness posted on the back door of Salem Health’s clinic on River Road South on March 16, 2020 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus…
Salem-Keizer preparing to distribute thousands of bagged meals as schools close
Veronica Diaz squirts mayonnaise on her son Victor’s sandwich during a free summer lunch at Washington Elementary School on June 18, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus as…
Daily life in Salem is shutting down. Here’s how healthy people can help their neighbors.
NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus as a community service. Subscriptions help support this. As events, school and other pieces of daily life in Salem grind to a halt, more people –…
The novel coronavirus has come for prom
Hallman students gather during the school’s morning assembly. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter) NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus as a community service. Subscriptions help support this. Correction: This story was updated to correct…
COLUMN: In the midst of a health crisis Oregon reverts to secrecy, sowing unnecessary fear
Rachel Alexander, reporter (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter) As a journalist working overtime to keep Salemites informed about the novel coronavirus, I know our role as a watchdog on government and gatherer of accurate information is most vital in times…
Willamette University moves all classes online over COVID-19 concerns
The Willamette University campus in Salem (Courtesy/Willamette University) NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus as a community service. Subscriptions help support this. Willamette University is moving all classes online starting Monday, March 16, to…
As coronavirus fears spread, schools struggle to quell rumors about illness
As public concern about the novel coronavirus ramps up, Salem-Keizer officials said schools are being overwhelmed with rumors and speculation about who may have the disease. “Everyone believes they have it,” said district spokeswoman Lillian Govus. She’s heard of more…
Houck students, once regulars in detention, transform through personal writing
Amaya Albelo, Houck Middle School’s “Reflection Room” supervisor, applauds a student at an event to celebrate the release of a collection of writing from students frequently in detention or in-school suspension (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Julian Smith used to spend a…
State announces new presumptive coronavirus cases in Marion, Polk counties
The Marion County Health and Human Services headquarters in Salem (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Oregon health officials announced four new presumptive cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, including a second Marion County case and Polk County’s first case. The new Marion County case…