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.
PHOTO GALLERY: Candidates, supporters react to vote results on Salem’s election night
Salem Reporter’s photographers captured the excitement and disappointment at two election night parties Tuesday night, where candidates learned the outcomes of initial ballot counts. The results showed councilor Vanessa Nordyke ahead in her challenge to Mayor Julie Hoy, and Dave Inbody and Betsy Vega poised to flip incumbent seats.
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PHOTO GALLERY: With medals at the end for all, 2,000 run in Awesome 3000
Thousands of students crossed the finish line at Bush's Pasture Park to raise money for their schools in the annual Awesome 3000 fun run. See photos from the day here.
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Governor, County commissioners side with locals against federal plan to build a cemetery near Salem
Governor Tina Kotek and Marion County commissioners are urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to choose a different site for a veterans cemetery instead of the proposed 307-acre farmland property near Salem. The VA is currently in the process of assessing the site for environmental impacts.
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PHOTOS: Family, friends and Enchanted Forest fans remember Roger Tofte at Salem service
The Tofte family hosted a memorial service for Roger Tofte, founder of Salem's Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, March 12. See scenes from the evening here.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Downtown walking tour, plant swap, Awesome 3000
Events in Salem this week include a free downtown walking tour, the Awesome 3000 fun run race in Bush’s Pasture Park and a white elephant-style plant swap at a local plant store.
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State regulators will take longer to review potential patient impacts of Salem Health-Santiam merger
State regulators have decided to take a closer look at the proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. During the extended review, they will examine the deal for its effects on competition in the local healthcare market and its impact on healthcare costs, access and quality for patients.
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Proposed VA cemetery development near Salem draws pushback from politicians, neighbors
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials touched down in Salem Thursday, April 30, to host two meetings about their proposal to establish a new cemetery 10 miles southeast of downtown.
Regence asks state to ax proposed Salem Health-Santiam merger
People insured through Regence BlueCross BlueShield have been without in-network access to the city's biggest hospital since late 2024. Now, the insurer is opposing the proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics, claiming the deal could further decrease healthcare access, competition and affordability in the region.
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PHOTOS: Salem’s largest food bank envisions its future in bigger warehouse
The Marion Polk Food Share is planning for a future in a new warehouse three times the size of its current facility. Here’s a look inside the new building.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Roller skate dance lessons, Mother’s Day brunch, Roger Tofte memorial
Events in Salem this week include roller skating dance lessons at The Madhouse, a reservation-free Mother’s Day brunch at The Yard Food Park and a celebration of life for Roger Tofte, Enchanted Forest founder, at the state fairgrounds.
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