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.
Salem saw “substantive” job growth in 2025 amid statewide downturn, experts say
Salem saw increased job growth in transportation, healthcare, government, finance and manufacturing in 2025 as other major Oregon cities saw a decline.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your Polk County commissioner Position 2 candidates
Monmouth City Councilor Roxanne Beltz is running again for a spot on the Polk County Board of Commissioners, facing off against longtime legislative staffer John Swanson.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Salem City Council Ward 8
Councilor Micki Varney, a retired fish biologist, is running to secure another four years as West Salem’s city councilor. Challenging her for a second time is local business owner Chris Cummings, who narrowly lost the primary race against Varney in 2022.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Sheep to Shawl, underground market, free comic books
Events in Salem this week include the annual Sheep to Shawl festival at the Willamette Heritage Center, an underground vendor market at Blast Off Vintage and Free Comic Book Day at Radar Toys.
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PHOTOS: Students join city, AAUW to plant over 30 trees in school park
Dozens of sixth graders from Stephens Middle School helped plant over 30 trees in their school's backyard park Friday, April 24, in celebration of Arbor Day and Salem's recent award as Oregon's Tree City of the Year.
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Residents raise concerns over insurance, consolidation in Salem Health, Santiam deal
Patients, politicians and nonprofit leaders have submitted comments to state regulators reviewing the proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. Many of the comments published online are in opposition to the proposal.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Oregon Ag Fest, Willamette University luau, night market
Events in Salem this week include the Oregon Ag Fest at the fairgrounds, a luau put on by the Willamette University Hawaii Club and an Enchanted Night Market at Grand Theatre.
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VA to host two town halls in Salem on cemetery expansion
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will have two town halls in the Loucks Auditorium Thursday, April 30, on a proposed cemetery development just outside Salem.
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State officials review Salem Health, Santiam deal
The Oregon Health Authority could decide in 30 days whether to greenlight the proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. The new filing shows how patient care, from maternity to medical records, could change under the deal.
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Real estate “power couple” earns Salem First Citizen award
Laura and Dan Dorn will be presented with Salem’s First Citizen award in a Saturday, April 18, ceremony. The pair are well known for their mark on local real estate, philanthropy and regular volunteer and nonprofit commitments.
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