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.
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.
PHOTOS: Salem Veterans Day ceremony honors service members outside Capitol
Oregon's Veterans Day ceremony drew over a hundred people outside the Capitol Tuesday to honor veterans with a performance of the national anthem, speeches and a laying of the wreath ceremony.
Immigrant-owned Salem bakery celebrates 17 years of hard work and resiliency
Maravilla’s Bakery opened in 2008 in east Salem with just four employees, including its two owners, Juan Maravilla and Alma Ignacio, both originally from Mexico. Seventeen years in, the bakery is staffed by 17, and known for their Mexican breads, cookies, cakes and other treats.
A decade of work brings caboose alive at Willamette Heritage Center
The new caboose exhibit at the Willamette Heritage Center was completed at the hands of 13 dedicated volunteers like Christopher Hackett, the project manager. It took a decade to complete, first opening to the public in September.
Salem students remember departed pets, relatives at school ofrendas
Several local schools celebrated Día de los Muertos by putting up ofrendas – traditional altars that honor the dead. The altars included framed portraits, marigold flowers, food and painted skulls.
Salem ice cream shop feeds community as SNAP payments lapse
On Any Sundae turned one of its dining room tables into a miniature food pantry, in light of the November pause on food assistance payments. Anyone in need can come pick up free food or drop off donations during open hours.