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.
Save the date for Salem’s 2024 events
From the Make Music Day to the World Beat Festival and Hoopla, here are the major events coming to Salem through September.
A community of veterans takes shape in downtown Salem
Courtney Place opened its doors to its first tenants in early April. The 34-unit affordable veteran housing project across from the YMCA has been years in the making.
Uranium Film Festival will bring forgotten nuclear stories to Salem
Coming on the heels of "Oppenheimer," a group of Salem advocates are bringing a mini film festival to the Ike Box this weekend addressing the impact of nuclear weapons.
How you can weigh in as Salem schools begin layoffs, budget cuts
Two school board meetings are planned for April 16 and 17. Salem-Keizer School District leaders will hear public comments on a budget cut plan before the school board votes on authorizing about 300 layoffs.
Salem schools will lose about 300 educators under budget cutting plan
Sports, music, art, dual language and career education programs won't see cuts as the Salem-Keizer School District sheds about 7% of its workforce, Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said.
Summer will be quieter in Salem – free park concerts, movies cut
Movies in the Park, Kids Relays and First Friday concerts won’t happen in 2024 as part of a $400,000 cut to city recreation programs amid a budget deficit.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Salem-Keizer board ratifies teacher contract, students speak against weapons detectors
Salem teachers finish voting Monday on a new two-year contract. If they approve the agreement, it heads to the school board Tuesday for ratification.
“It’s not just about us”: training service dogs brings purpose to Salem prison
Salem nonprofit Joy of Living Assistance Dogs recently expanded its service dogs training program to Oregon State Correctional Institution.
Awesome 3000 returns to raise money for Salem schools
Salem's 2023 Awesome 3000 raised $35,000 to fund field trips and supplies for schools across the district. The race returns on Saturday, April 27.
EVENTS: Walking tour, local markets and Qingming Festival this weekend
Events this weekend in Salem include a tour through Gaiety Hollow, flea markets and the Qingming Festival.