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.
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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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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