Hailey Cook
Hailey Cook covers healthcare for Salem Reporter, from the city’s only hospital to local outlooks on health insurance coverage. She joined the newsroom in 2025, following the completion of an internship through the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism. She also works as a photojournalist, capturing community events, government meetings and other gatherings.
PHOTO GALLERY: Kids, animals and “hometown feel” draw lines at Marion County Fair for opening day
The Marion County Fair opened Thursday at noon, drawing lines of fairgoers there to see animal exhibits, carnival attractions, local food vendors and live entertainment. See photos from the day here.
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Salem Health asks emergency approval from state for Stayton hospital acquisition
Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics are asking state officials for accelerated, emergency approval of an acquisition they say would keep Santiam solvent. That coincided with a request to withdraw the hospitals’ initial application going through the state’s approval process
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Marion County Fair returns to Salem this week with animal showcases, youth exhibitors and petting zoo
The Marion County Fair will kick off Thursday for another four-day run, featuring animal exhibits, family entertainment, live performances and carnival fun.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Marion County Fair, America’s 250th concert, Christmas movie night
Events in Salem this week include the Marion County Fair starting Thursday, an orchestra concert at the Capitol honoring America's 250th birthday and a special Christmas in July screening of “Home Alone” at Salem Center.
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Mean Girls musical brings humor and high school drama to Salem stage
Chemeketa Community College’s production of "Mean Girls the Musical" will premiere Tuesday, July 7, for the college's third year of outdoor evening shows at Riverfront Park.
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PHOTO GALLERY: Youth once impacted by gang violence, other challenges hit the grill
A small team of young adults – some of whom have faced gang violence, homelessness and other challenges – are staffing a new food truck serving up tacos, burritos and other dishes outside a local hardware store.
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6 things to do in Salem this Fourth of July: Fairground fireworks, neighborhood parade, Marion Berries jersey giveaway
Fourth of July events in Salem include a free fireworks display at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, a lively family parade in a northeast neighborhood and a Marion Berries jersey giveaway for the first 500 fans.
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Oregon’s only vinyl record pressing plant takes root in Salem
The three owners of Oregon's sole record pressing plant, Object Permanence Records, began making vinyl at their small warehouse north of downtown Salem just three weeks ago. Their space gives local bands a nearby option to order vinyl – something that is often outsourced to Europe.
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Local construction students win national honor for building western saloon from scratch
A group of 17 high school students specializing in construction at Salem’s Career Technical Education Center built an award-winning western-style saloon playhouse in a spring competition after months of prep work.
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PHOTO GALLERY: Families, kids, entrepreneurs celebrate Juneteenth at Riverfront
Salem celebrated Juneteenth on Friday with dancing, music, food and games at Riverfront Park. See photos from the festival here.
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