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.
Railroad officials say trains won’t regularly block Minto-Brown crossing
Reports in recent days of trains blocking the sole entrance and exit to most of Minto-Brown Island Park for extended periods were due to a few unusually long shipments, railroad officials said.
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City budget proposal calls for new police to focus on downtown, drug trafficking
A city manager budget proposal released Friday, April 10, would continue Salem’s pilot programs for homeless camp outreach and clean-ups, as well as a fire department crisis team.
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Over 100 local educators get a Crystal Apple nod
Leslie Middle School and West Salem High School topped the list of Crystal Apple nominees for outstanding educators, with nine each. Winners will be announced during a ceremony Thursday, May 14.
As enrollment declines, Salem-Keizer schools will cut 130 jobs, largely without layoffs
Most middle and high schools in Salem will lose several teachers next year as educators shuffle to vacant jobs. The cuts are in response to declining enrollment and rising costs.
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Nordyke casts herself as transparent, compassionate alternative in mayor’s race
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, who's running for mayor, took questions at Salem Reporter's Town Hall Tuesday, March 31. Mayor Julie Hoy declined to participate as she runs for a second term.
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Man accused of manslaughter in fatal NE Lancaster collision
Police said the driver in an early morning Salem collision on Saturday, March 28, was intoxicated and driving at a "high rate of speed." Daniel Lewis, 54, was killed in the crash.
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Updates on apartment developments, Mill Creek restoration, Dome Building
In a monthly feature, Salem Reporter is returning to past stories to report the latest.
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UPDATE: Federal agents arrest 2 at downtown Salem courthouse
Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Thursday, March 26, assisted federal agents in arresting a man who had a warrant signed by a federal judge, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Witnesses described the arrests as immigration-related, which the sheriff’s office would not confirm.
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Salem elementary schools get state help for reading tutors
Local students struggling to learn to read will have extra help starting in the fall as the Salem-Keizer School District rolls out a new tutoring program funded by a state grant.
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How Salem lawmakers’ priorities fared during the 2026 session
From immigration to health care, local lawmakers had ambitious priorities for the 35-day legislative session. Here's what passed and what didn't.
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