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.
Enlightened Theatrics programs will live on under Portland nonprofit
After 10 years, Enlightened Theatrics is closing its doors and transferring its Salem-based theater education programs and performances to the Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre.
Who’s on the ballot for 2024 Marion, Polk county elections
Voters in both Marion and Polk counties have rare contested races for sheriff, while Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell is running for reelection unopposed.
BUILDING SALEM: Washington distributor putting up $55 million Mill Creek operation
A manufacturing and distribution center for HVAC distributor Gensco will bring about 100 jobs to Salem in its first year, many of them union metal fabrication work.
Salem-Keizer will demo weapons detection systems, get feedback at Friday event
School district leaders are considering installing portable weapons detectors at Salem middle and high schools following a March 7 shooting in Bush’s Pasture Park involving multiple high school students.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Marion County receives federal grant for River Road bridge repairs
A $7 million federal grant will help Marion County pay for repairs and strengthening of the River Road bridge outside of Independence. Construction would likely begin in 2026.
McKay orchestra to perform Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concerto in Thursday fundraiser
Cellists Marilyn de Oliveira and Trevor Fitzpatrick of the Oregon Symphony will perform in a special fundraiser concert Thursday with McKay High School's orchestra.
Grief, ambivalence as South considers next steps for school safety
When Tara Romine got into education, weapons detectors weren’t part of school administrators’ lives. After spending half her career at South Salem High School, the principal said she’s grieving and trying to support her community following a shooting last week.
Here’s who qualified for the Salem city ballot
After the filing deadline and signature verification, the Salem mayoral race is down to candidates Mayor Chris Hoy and city Councilor Julie Hoy.
Salem teachers will take strike vote next week
A teacher strike would close all Salem-Keizer schools for the first time in district history, though union leaders said they remain committed to mediation next week.
“Waiting to hear gunshots”: South Salem students describe anxiety, trauma as school locked down following shooting
South Salem students reacted instinctively last week to barricade classrooms and take care of younger classmates after a shooting left a teen dead just blocks from the school.