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.
OSP identifies Salem officers involved in shooting kidnapping suspect
State police said Salem police officers Nathan Bush, Colten Ruyle and Faith Hovenden were involved in a shooting Friday morning in West Salem, but did not specify which two officers shot and wounded Daniel L. Garcia.
UPDATED: Salem-Keizer School Board backs state school funding changes
School district leaders want legislators to stop creating unfunded mandates and grant programs that require more overhead, taking money away from classrooms.
Salem-Keizer superintendent says Oregon needs to rethink high school diploma requirements
At a forum for local business leaders, Salem-Keizer Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said schools need space and flexibility to focus on teaching skills relevant for modern life — not more requirements from the state.
Skybridge comes down at former Truitt Bros cannery
A bridge demolition over the weekend is the first visible step toward a transformative redevelopment planned to turn the former Truitt Bros. cannery into a vibrant riverfront complex.
Willamette Valley hops growers struggle as demand for beer continues to fall
Hops harvest in the Willamette Valley is about halfway done, but farmers reported an 18% decline in acres planted this year amid falling demand.
The 2024 school year begins for thousands of Salem kids
Optimism and smiles greeted students as elementary schoolers returned to class Wednesday.
PHOTOS: Students head back to class at Lee, Wright
Elementary schools across the Salem-Keizer School District were back in session Wednesday, while older middle and high school students joined sixth and ninth graders who started class Tuesday.
PHOTOS: West Salem High School celebrates incoming Titans
High schools across Salem on Tuesday brought out balloons, cheerleaders, student musicians and more to welcome freshmen to their new schools.
New Bulldogs start the year off at Stephens Middle School
Sixth and ninth grade students began school Tuesday, a day before classes resumed across the Salem-Keizer School District.
Salem community shows love to local schools by feeding teachers before classes start
United Way, with help from local businesses and churches, wrapped up an effort Tuesday to donate a catered meal for educators at every school in the Salem-Keizer district before classes begin.