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.
Downtown Salem drop-in center for at-risk youth closes after funding cuts
The Salem Drop, a youth drop-in center offering a safe after-school space and access mental health support and other resources closed mid-February due to funding cuts. Its primary funder, health insurer PacificSource, pointed to financial challenges as the reason for the decision.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Rug workshop, jazz concert, roller derby
Events in Salem this week include a rug tufting workshop in downtown Salem, a jazz concert at Willamette University and a double-header roller derby game at the Madhouse.
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City tests security robots in Salem parking garage
The city deployed security robots in the Pringle Parkade in downtown Salem at the start of February for a two-month trial. The three robots can engage with people through questions, beeps and digital sunglasses.
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Search underway for coyote that attacked West Salem woman in daytime
Authorities are searching for a coyote who attacked and bit a woman on a road just outside of West Salem on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 11. The coyote was among a group who approached her, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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5 things to do in Salem this week: Cinderella ballet, Saturn planetarium show, yoga and wine night
Events in Salem this week include a ballet performance of Cinderella, a planetarium presentation showcasing Saturn and a yoga and wine night at Chemeketa Cellars.
Salem Health and Santiam Hospital file with state to merge
The state is considering whether to approve a merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics. Hospital leaders hope the state will green light the deal by the fall.
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6 things to do in Salem this Valentine’s Day: Pottery workshop, Oregon’s largest garage sale, Fleetwood Mac tribute concert
Events in Salem this week include a pottery workshop at Willamette Art Center, a Fleetwood Mac tribute concert at the Elsinore and Oregon’s largest garage sale at the state fairgrounds.
PHOTOS: Mariachi festival brings hundreds of students to McKay for full day of music
An all-day mariachi festival at McKay High School filled the campus with music from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Lively Station brings a second location to Willamette Heritage Center
Lively Station will expand to the Willamette Heritage Center following the departure of Taproot Old Mill Cafe. The restaurant, set to open this spring, will bring healthy lunch options to the downtown area.
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6 things to do in Salem this week: Reading crisis Town Hall, Valentine’s markets, Eagles tribute concert
Events in Salem this week include the Salem Reporter Town Hall on the student reading crisis, four Valentine’s Day markets, an Eagles tribute band concert at the Elsinore, and more.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.