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.
VOTE 2024: Two election workers running against longtime Marion County clerk
Marion County Clerk Bill Burgess is running for a sixth term. Jo Anne Lepley, a deputy election clerk, and Anna Munson, an election board worker retired from the medical field, are also seeking the seat.
EVENTS: Awesome 3000, ag fest and Earth Day happenings in Salem
Catch Oregon Ag Fest, arena football and more happening in Salem for the week starting Thursday, April 25.
VOTE 2024: What to know about the May 21 primary election in Salem
From presidential candidates to Salem's mayor, here's a guide to learning more about local candidates, checking your party registration and more.
Scots a cappella group heads to national competition
Thirteen McKay High School singers will compete Friday in New York City. It's the second year in a row Scots-Apella has made it to nationals.
EDITOR’S NOTE: How Salem Reporter is covering 2024 local elections
Ballots for the May 21 election will be mailed to Salem voters starting May 1. Our news team is working over the next week to give you the information you need to be an informed voter, Managing Editor Rachel Alexander writes.
Mother of teen shot at Bush Park calls for anti-bullying programs, more help to prevent shootings
Aida Valenzuela, a preschool teacher, said she wants to help other parents prevent gun violence after her son Jose, 16, was killed in a shooting at Bush's Pasture Park on March 7.
Northeast parents press city to act on reducing gun violence
A Spanish-language meeting for Salem’s Community Violence Reduction Initiative recently drew about 100 people who said they were eager to help city and police leaders address shootings in their neighborhoods.
EVENTS: Ukrainian flower crowns, basketball and movies about nukes
The sun is out and Salem is hopping this weekend. Whether you’re looking for cosplay, drama in a nursing home, unique shopping or hoping to learn a new skill, there’s plenty to do. Here’s our guide to Salem events from…
Through walks, gardening and dance, Amador Aguilar brings Salem together
Amador Aguilar has worked for decades, often under the radar, to forge neighborhood and cross-cultural connections across Salem through his Enlace project, focusing much of his work in the Northgate neighborhood where he lives.
School board approves hundreds of layoffs for Salem schools
The Salem-Keizer School District will begin a “painful” process laying off about 300 employees and cut 100 other vacant jobs, including classroom teachers, graduation coaches and mentors for teachers.