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.
Marion County asks federal judge to order release of records in immigration case
County officials said in a court filing that they support deporting people convicted of serious crimes and want to release parole records requested by ICE to help locate three local men.
5 takeaways: Salem-Keizer’s test scores show some progress, much work ahead
Salem Reporter broke down the latest student test scores in reading and math by school, demographics and more to give a fuller picture.
Salem man gets 15 years in fatal shooting on Cordon Rd
Ismael E. Ventura-Arellano, 23, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for shooting and killing Jesus Ramos-Torres during a “road rage” incident in 2024.
“A lot of work” to go, but more Salem kids on track with reading, math
Salem-Keizer schools posted a small gain in the number of students reading at grade level in 2025, but three in four third-graders remain behind.
Portland man charged in NE Salem domestic violence kidnapping
Salem police said they were able to locate a woman injured in a kidnapping after her 8-year-old son reported her missing.
Public feedback split on Cherriots tax proposal for service expansion
Cherriots' board is still months away from a vote on a proposed business payroll tax to fund more bus service, but people packed their meeting last week to weigh in.
Chemeketa’s student president earns national fellowship for civic leadership
Lillian Anderson, a Sprague High School graduate, is focused on helping students at Chemeketa Community College learn about and use resources to help them succeed in school, whether that’s tutoring or the college’s food pantry.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Why Salem Reporter is providing free access for local schools
Today more than ever, students and educators need access to reliable, accurate journalism about their community, Managing Editor Rachel Alexander writes.
Marion County man sentenced to 25 years for sexually abusing 3 girls
A Marion County jury convicted Armando Marquez-Zacarias, 45, of abusing girls between the ages of 9 and 13 over several years.
Former North student seeks $2.4 million from Salem-Keizer School District over wood shop injury
A student whose finger was amputated while cutting wood in 2022 claims he was injured because of inadequate training and supervision in a class at North Salem High School.