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.
2024 TOP STORIES: The Cannery, a wetland-inspired mural, Peter Courtney
Managing Editor Rachel Alexander shares her favorite Salem stories from 2024.
Fix on second sewer pipe progressing, city expects to restore West Salem service Sunday
A second ruptured sewer main should be fixed Saturday evening, allowing the city of Salem to resume pumping sewage from West Salem on Sunday morning, city spokesman Trevor Smith said. More than 30 people have been working round-the-clock on site…
City asks West Salem residents, businesses to limit water use after multiple sewer mains break
No wastewater is being transported from West Salem to city treatment plants after two sewer mains have failed over the past day, city officials said.
Chemeketa enrollment starting to rebound after sharp pandemic decline
Community college enrollment was up across Oregon this fall, driven by more students pursuing career education programs.
Salem-Keizer will pay music teacher accused of grooming $30K to resign
Former McNary High school choir teacher Joshua Rist is resigning from the Salem-Keizer School District after over a year on paid leave. In exchange for his resignation, the district also took down a video statement from Superintendent Andrea Castañeda addressing allegations against him.
Ahead of winter break, local teachers get $50,000 in grants for classroom projects
Maps Community Foundation surprised teachers across Salem and Keizer in recent days with its latest round of teacher grants that will pay for extra school supplies, field trips, clubs and more.
Report faults Salem city manager’s leadership, urges changes
A preliminary performance audit of the Salem City Manager's Office showed that city leaders are overly focused on day-to-day tasks at the expense of setting clear goals and priorities, leaving overworked city employees without a clear focus.
Six developers submit plans to transform downtown Salem’s Block 45
City officials will choose between multiple proposals for affordable housing, event space or mixed apartment and retail buildings to occupy the south downtown block bordering Pringle Creek.
Student musicians bring cheer, carols to Salem Center
Houck Middle School’s choir, mariachi, orchestra and band performed at the downtown Salem mall Tuesday. A total of 29 student music ensembles are performing through Thursday.
With a year of negotiations and no deal, Chemeketa tries new tack with faculty
Chemeketa faculty are seeking a 10% pay increase this year and higher wages for part-time instructors, who currently start earning about $3,400 per class they teach. College administrators have asked a state mediator to step in.