Rachel began reporting in 2017 at her community college publication in San Luis Obispo, California, where she covered stories about the city, including a hit-and-run that killed a college student and devastated the community.
She then transferred to California State University, Long Beach, working as news editor and later managing editor of the university's publication, the Long Beach Current. In Long Beach, Rachel covered several local interest stories, including breaking a story before city publications about illegal dumping on sacred Native American land, known as Puvungna, located on campus.
In college, Rachel was awarded first place for Best News Series at the California College Media Awards for her coverage of a shooting threat that impacted CSULB in 2019. She was also awarded second place at the California Journalism Awards for her enterprise news series "Behind the Scenes" that showcased lesser-known aspects of CSULB.
Just before her graduation in 2020, Rachel joined EdSource's first-ever student journalism corps and was part of a three-person team that published the first student-reported news story on the publication's website. The story detailed how the COVID-19 pandemic hit homeless and housing-insecure students in Los Angeles County hard and what unique struggles they faced during the tumultuous time.
Rachel started working at Patch in 2022, covering Los Angeles County's South Bay region and Long Beach. During her time as a Los Angeles reporter, Rachel covered a variety of topics, including a form of plastic pollution impacting the California coast called Nurdles. Rachel also featured on PBS show "Sustaining US" to inform the larger community about nurdles.
In Spring 2025, Rachel transferred to Patch's team of reporters in Illinois and now covers communities in Chicago's North Shore, including: Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest and Highland Park.
Outside of reporting, Rachel enjoys attending concerts, reading and playing Dungeons & Dragons. She has two cats named Bug and Beans, who are a general terror to society but are also incredibly lovable.
Pitches are welcome over email at rachel.barnes@patch.com. Please be respectful.
Known for his dedication and powerful voice, Zach Coppel is set to lead fundraising efforts as part of the Ducky Darlings.
The Highland Park Police Department will join law enforcement across the nation to promote strong police-community partnerships.
For those used to confusion and stress in airport TSA lines, a major change to the rules may make your life easier soon.
A Skokie resident was reportedly taken into custody by federal immigration enforcement agents, according to village officials.
The Lake Forest Police Department is rewarding kids who make safe choices this summer by offering positive tickets and coupons.
The Skokie Police Department will join law enforcement across the nation in the event to promote strong police-community partnerships.
Three years after the tragic mass shooting at the Highland Park Independence Day Parade, the community gathered to honor everyone impacted.
Here's how much money key Illinois education programs stand to lose.
Forecasters predicted 7-foot waves at Lake Michigan beaches, accompanied by deadly swim conditions.
Forecasters predicted 7-foot waves at Lake Michigan beaches, accompanied by deadly swim conditions.
Forecasters predicted 7-foot waves at Lake Michigan beaches, accompanied by deadly swim conditions.
Forecasters predicted 7-foot waves at Lake Michigan beaches, accompanied by deadly swim conditions.
Forecasters predicted 7-foot waves at Lake Michigan beaches, accompanied by deadly swim conditions.
Forecasters predicted 7-foot waves at Lake Michigan beaches, accompanied by deadly swim conditions.
Since 1908, if it's the first Wednesday in August: it's Lake Forest Day.
An Evanston man faces up to 15 years in prison for opening fire at a fleeing vehicle.
Your chance to vacation in a basketball legend's home and a restaurant raising money after a beloved server's accident: IL Business news.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Lake Forest.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Highland Park.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Evanston.
