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.
Already doing more with less, Salem food pantries brace for food benefit delays
More than 46,000 Marion and Polk county families rely on food benefits to eat. With no SNAP payments going out Nov. 1, many are likely to turn to pantries supplied by the Marion Polk Food Share.
Salem real estate group backs out of plans to buy former JC Penney
Local investors announced Monday they were pulling out of purchasing the former JC Penney building after evaluations found the building needs "significant investment.” The store is owned by a Portland developer and has been vacant since JC Penney closed in 2020.
Salem Public Library to add back Sunday, evening hours
Money from the property tax increase Salem voters approved earlier this year is paying to restore most public library hours that were cut in 2024, including opening the West Salem branch on Mondays.
Salem businesses, event organizers pivot in response to ICE fears
Some Latino-owned grocery stores on Lancaster Drive recently began offering free grocery delivery after seeing fewer customers following a rise in local immigration arrests.
How to help get Salem kids reading
New state data this fall showed most Salem kids are still struggling to read at grade level. Local schools and literacy programs need volunteers to help turn that around.
Police seek witnesses after vehicle hits pedestrian in West Salem Roth’s parking lot
An argument between two men turned physical Sunday evening after one struck the other with a car in a grocery store parking lot, Salem police said.
Immigration arrests in, near Salem prompt schools to reinforce safety plans
Salem school leaders reinforced longstanding district policies of not allowing immigration authorities into schools this week. That came amid heightened anxiety as local advocacy groups reported more local arrests.
Cherriots board to delay tax vote, negotiate with business groups
Leaders of Salem's transit agency indicated Wednesday they're willing to form a committee with opponents of a proposed business tax in an effort to reach a compromise.
Radio Poder expands to round-the-clock programming with new director
The Spanish-language community radio station on FM 98.3 now holds its own broadcast license, allowing it to offer more information to the mid-WIllamette Valley.
Salem-Keizer School Board approves selling Centennial School
If the school board signs off Tuesday, the Salem-Keizer School District will work to sell the former Centennial School in Keizer and a field north of Chavez Elementary School.