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.
Historic Salem farmers market brings community together in lesser-known space
Founded during World War II, the Salem Public Market hosts 29 booths each Saturday selling local food and handmade goods.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Indoor farmers markets, plant workshop, Van Halen tribute concert
Events in Salem this week include a plant workshop at a local vineyard, indoor Saturday farmers markets, an Eddie Van Halen tribute concert at Elsinore Theatre and more.
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Salem Health, Santiam Hospital will seek state approval for merger
State regulators must approve a proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. Santiam leaders said they expect to keep existing clinics and facilities open under the merger.
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City replaces 27 trash cans to increase cleanliness downtown
The city of Salem is set to replace all trash cans downtown this month as part of a plan to improve sidewalks and public areas. The project will cost $37,000 in urban renewal funds.
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6 things to do in Salem this week: Pet adoptions, orchestra concert, MLK Day walk
Events in Salem this week include kitten and puppy adoption events, orchestra concerts, a retro skate night and a peace walk for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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City of Salem asks Army Corps to consider delaying Detroit Lake drawdown
A Monday letter from the city of Salem asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate delaying the planned Detroit Lake drawdown so they could "develop and test" wells. It is among five other recommendations the city made for the drawdown, which is scheduled for November or December this year.
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Salem lawmakers want to change Cherriots board, require mediation over health insurance contracts
State Rep. Kevin Mannix and state Sen. Deb Patterson previewed their proposals for the 2026 legislative short session in a Thursday presentation to the Salem City Club.
5 things to do in Salem this week: David Bowie tribute concert, sword fighting, winter skate night
Events in Salem this week include a David Bowie tribute concert, a winter wonderland skate night, a free cake tasting and more.
Salem couple welcomes first baby of 2026
A Salem couple welcomed their daughter, Sarohee into the world at 12:04 a.m. on New Year’s Day – making her the first baby born in Salem in 2026.
Portland music studio company brings sought-after rehearsal spaces to Salem
Metragnome, a Portland-based music rehearsal studio company, has expanded to Salem. They hope to bring local musicians together after the Covid pandemic left the scene fragmented.