Hailey Cook
Hailey Cook joined Salem Reporter in 2025, following the completion of an internship through the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism. She works as a reporter and photojournalist, with a focus on business and entertainment, among other topics.
PHOTOS: Tallest-ever tree shines in Capitol during annual ceremony
The Oregon Capitol’s tallest Christmas tree was aglow Tuesday evening in the rotunda during the annual lighting ceremony.
Salem holiday parade returns for fourth year with snowball fights, hot cocoa and Santa
Thousands will converge on Salem’s downtown streets this Friday for the fourth annual holiday parade, alongside Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf, a day before Small Business Saturday.
Local Vietnam veterans deliver 250 Thanksgiving meals
The local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter delivered a record-breaking 250 Thanksgiving meal kits on Nov. 21 to fellow veterans across the mid-Willamette Valley.
PHOTOS: Salem Soup Squad volunteers feed dozens of unsheltered people, pets at Wallace Marine Park
Salem Soup Squad volunteers fed dozens of homeless people at Wallace Marine Park on Monday afternoon, serving up chili, hot dogs, pizza and other food.
Where to find a free Thanksgiving meal in Salem and Keizer
A number of local churches, shelters and other organizations are offering free Thanksgiving meals this week.
A Christmas tale of robbery-gone-wrong comes to the Pentacle stage
Pentacle Theatre’s new Christmas-themed play, “In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should Be Shot),” mixes family dynamics with criminal hijinks and teenage angst.
5 things to do in Salem this week: Instrument petting zoo, holiday markets, drive-thru lights show
Salem is turning on the holiday lights this Friday, with a drive-thru light show opening at the fairgrounds. Other events include a family concert with a pre-show ‘instrument petting zoo,’ a wine tasting and markets.
Police arrest suspect in Friday shooting that led to McKay lockdown
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office searched nearly seven hours for a shooting suspect in northeast Salem, prompting lockdowns at nearby schools, including McKay High School. Medics transported the victim to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Salem students honor civil rights figure Ruby Bridges with schoolwide walks
With purple pom-poms, flags and handmade signs, students celebrated Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, paying tribute to the first child to integrate a segregated school in the South.
What to do in Salem from Nov. 13-19: LEGO party, holiday market, gallery auction
Events in Salem this week include a holiday market, an auction to support a local gallery, a LEGO party at the Salem Library and a celebration of the library’s expanded hours.