ON THE AIR: Rachel Alexander gets behind the failing grades for Salem-Keizer students

The topic: With an unprecedented school year, it’s not surprising that students have been failing classes. But the news isn’t all bad – educators are honestly assessing progress and what summer school can do to help. Today’s guest: Rachel Alexander,…
ON THE AIR: Salem Reporter’s Rachel Alexander goes behind the state hospital’s staffing woes

The topic: In an extraordinary development, National Guard members are being deployed to the Oregon State Hospital because of a critical staffing shortage. Meantime, work begins on a major expansion of Sprague High School. Today’s guest: Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter’s…
ON THE AIR: Saphara Harrell discusses the fate of homeless people, hope for new senior housing

The topic: No one is forcing campers to leave Salem city parks even though permission to stay expired on Tuesday. Options for new placements are limited – and some are months away. Meantime, low-income seniors may have new affordable rentals…
ON THE AIR: Jake Thomas assesses what’s ahead for workers and the labor market

The topic: A robust future is ahead for Oregon’s economy, according to a new state forecast. Oregonians overall are earning more than ever, and that’s putting pressure on employers who need workers. Today’s guest: Reporter Jake Thomas, Salem Reporter’s economy…
ON THE AIR: Saphara Harrell on the fate of Salem’s homeless and one man’s fire recovery

The topic: No topic generates more public concern and comment that the homeless – or houseless – souls who live on Salem’s streets. Their lives get more complicated as the city ends its tolerance of parking camping. And one man…
LOCAL HISTORY: Salem takes to the airwaves with KOCO

KOCO radio, 1490 AM, hit the Salem airwaves in 1947 (Willamette Heritage Center Collections X2014.002.0006.012.) Update: Thursday, May 27, 2021 On May 26, Salem Reporter posted a historic photo from Willamette Heritage Center showing one of Salem’s first radio stations,…
ON THE AIR: Jake Thomas discusses changes ahead for Salem’s unemployed

The topic: Those unemployed in the Salem area face changes ahead to continue collecting their benefits. The hunt for work, once set aside, now will again be required. Today’s guest: Reporter Jake Thomas, Salem Reporter’s economy and state government reporter.…
ON THE AIR: Rachel Alexander on Oregon’s Covid vaccine lottery and too close to call school board races

Salem Reporter is teaming up with KMWV 98.3 FM for weekday morning presentations on the stories of the day. Today’s guest: Reporter Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter’s managing editor and education reporter. The topic: Hoping to boost lagging vaccination rates in…
ON THE AIR: Rachel Alexander on how protesters are making themselves heard at closed school meetings

Salem Reporter is teaming up with KMWV 98.3 FM for weekday morning presentations on the stories of the day. Today’s guest: Reporter Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter’s managing editor and education reporter. The topic: While the Salem-Keizer School Board is back…
Salem Reporter earns top journalism honors for fire coverage

The Oak Park Motel sign in Gates on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. The iconic photo was part of an award-winning photo essay by Amanda Loman of Salem Reporter. Reporting on the wildfires that struck the Santiam Canyon last fall earned…

