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.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: School board gets first look at Salem-Keizer budget with deep cuts
The Salem-Keizer School Board and district budget committee meet Wednesday night to review a budget proposal that will cut hundreds of school jobs.
Budget committee restores graffiti abatement, but splash pads up in the air
Members of Salem’s budget committee recently considered ways to keep city funding for splash pad operations and other parks maintenance and events this summer. The committee wants more city details before recommending what to do.
Tianguis event to celebrate Mesoamerican music, culture at Riverfront Park
Omar Alvarado, a Salem event producer and DJ, has spent over a year planning Tianguis de Salem, a free May 11 gathering in Riverfront Park celebrating small businesses and a diversity of Latin music.
Weddle Elementary unveils mural inspired by students, the natural world
Weddle kindergarten teacher Brock Bergstedt spent weeks arriving at school at 5:30 a.m. to paint a mural in the hallway, working with his mother Lillian.
Mayor candidates quarrel over experience and money in debate
About 300 people attended a Tuesday evening debate between Mayor Chris Hoy and Councilor Julie Hoy, which turned personal as the two unrelated candidates questioned one another.
Volunteers will ferry thousands of pies to Salem educators Wednesday
Every school employee, from cafeteria workers to teachers, will get a pie Wednesday as volunteers drive nearly 6,500 to 87 schools and buildings around Salem and Keizer.
EDITOR’S NOTE: With reader support, Salem Reporter adds new journalist
Joe Seiss, an experienced Oregon reporter, is joining Salem Reporter’s newsroom this week to cover city and county government.
Sheep to Shawl brings wool arts to life Saturday
A free event Saturday, May 4, at Willamette Heritage Center includes sheep shearing, fiber arts and a chance to view the archaeological dig on the center's grounds.
Padres, madres del noreste presionan a la ciudad para que actúe para reducir la violencia armada
Una reunión de la Iniciativa de Reducción de la Violencia Comunitaria de Salem atrajo a unas 100 personas que dijeron que quieren ayudar a los líderes municipales y policiales a abordar los tiroteos en sus vecindarios.
Budget committee seeks money to restore summer events in Salem parks
Salem budget committee members on Wednesday asked City Manager Keith Stahley to find about $75,000 to keep summer movies and concerts going this summer at Riverfront Park. The proposed budget cuts those events and turns off splash pads at city parks, except for Riverfront Park.