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.
At career camps, middle school students get hands-on experience with CPR
In mid-July, Sprague High School appears mostly deserted. But one basement classroom teemed with excitement Monday as 20 students practiced chest compression, hooked up defibrillators and tried to listen to heart monitors over the din of people screaming, “I have…
High school construction student lands internship on Salem police station build with JE Dunn
Ethan Libby stands across from the Salem police station under construction on Division Street on July 8, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Ethan Libby was on vacation with his family in Florida when he found out about his summer job. The…
Salem Reporter welcomes our first intern
Anna Smith at work on a breaking news graphic (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Our small, local newsroom is getting a boost this summer from our first-ever intern. Salem Reporter is happy to welcome Anna Smith, who’s aiding our team with graphics…
Caesar the No-Drama Llama promotes community, progressive activism in Salem
Estephania Palacios and her children pose with Caesar the No-Drama Llama outside a fireworks stand in northeast Salem. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Caesar craned his neck toward a group of children, then bent down for a hug. The 4-year-old llama was…
New principals announced for Salem-Keizer middle schools; Bush Elementary
Jenny Madland, top left, David Wood, Denny McCarthy, Tara Baldridge, Robin Farup-Romero and Kimberly Ingram, bottom right, are taking on new leadership roles in Salem-Keizer schools for the 2019-20 year. Three Salem-Keizer middle schools and Bush Elementary School will have…
Salem-Keizer teachers face repeated injuries at the hands of students, documents show
(Illustration by Anna CK Smith/Special to Salem Reporter) The classroom assistant was returning from lunch when a colleague asked her for help with a student who was biting and hitting. She worked with another teacher to move the elementary schooler…
Fire department urges caution as firework stands open for business in Salem
Sparklers and fireworks on sale at the discount fireworks stand at Commercial Street SE and Bush Street SE in Salem on June 26, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Colorful fireworks stands have popped up around Salem, with vendors offering everything from…
In Salem, Sidewalk Talk volunteers listen with no strings attached
Kelly Ward holds a Sidewalk Talk sign at the group’s first event on May 18, 2019 in Riverfront Park. (Courtesy/Kelly Ward) As nurses, Kelly Ward and Lindsey Cretella spend a lot of their time listening to people. Now, they’re taking…
Salem Health, Regence reach contract agreement
(Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) Salem Health and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon reached a contract agreement, meaning more than 23,000 Marion and Polk county residents can continue to get care at local hospitals without paying more out-of-pocket. The deal,…
PHOTOS: 700 graduate from Chemeketa Community College
Chemeketa Community College graduates wave to audience members as the 2019 ceremony begins (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Winemakers, adult high school graduates, formerly homeless students and military veterans were among the 700 students who walked across the stage at Chemeketa Community…