Spring break usually signals the beginning of the tourism season in seaside towns like Astoria. But the coronavirus pandemic means fewer visitors, event cancelations and restaurant closures. David Reid, executive director for the Astoria Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, says that the pandemic will have a lasting impact on coastal economies. He joins us.

COVID-19 Impacts Coastal Economies

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Gun sales in Washington have dropped significantly this year as new gun safety laws have taken effect. The drop follows a spike in sales last year that happened when buyers scrambled to purchase guns as lawmakers debated legislation. David Gutman recently wrote about this for The Seattle Times. He joins us with more on Washington’s gun laws. 

Gun sales drop in Washington as new rules take effect

On Monday, April 22nd, the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on a case out of Oregon that could have national implications on homelessness policy. The question at the heart of Grants Pass v Johnson is whether cities can regulate where and when people can sleep outside, especially if there isn’t shelter space available. Jeremiah Hayden, a reporter for Street Roots Newspaper, tells us about the oral arguments, and the case in Grants Pass that started it all.  

Supreme Court hears Grants Pass v Johnson case that could have huge implications for homelessness policy nationally

We revisit a conversation we first aired in April 2023 which was the first installment of our series on people’s professions. We’ll learn what it takes to do different kinds of jobs and how these professions change us.
David Beer is Portland’s Squeezebox Surgeon. He has studied the inner workings of accordions in Italy and at A World of Accordions Museum in Wisconsin. He operates on all different kinds of free reed instruments. He shares with us how he got into this business and gives us an inside look of how accordions work and what it takes to get them singing again.

An inside look at accordions and what it takes to repair them

Two Republican candidates are hoping to win their party’s nomination to upset the Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle in ORegon’s 4th District. Amy Ryan Courser is a consultant and former Keizer city council member. One her campaign website she says she’s a mom, wife, mom, friend and Patriot, and describes her priorities as “America first.” Her primary opponent, Monique DeSpain, a 30-year Air Force veteran and attorney, declined OPB’s invitation for an interview or candidate debate. We talk with Amy Fryan Courser about making her case to Oregon voters in the 4th district. 

Oregon 4th Congressional District Republican primary conversation: candidate Amy Ryan Courser

Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood is closed until further notice following a fire Thursday night. The surrounding Timberline ski area is also closed Friday. Clackamas Fire officials have reported that everyone evacuated from the building safely. We get more details on the fire and the extent of the damage from John Burton, director of marketing and public relations for Timberline Lodge.

COVID-19 Impacts Coastal Economies

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