Denise and Hunter are joined by Jeff Reynolds, Senior Editor at Restoration News and Senior Investigative Researcher with Restoration of America, for a wide-ranging discussion on national, state, and cultural issues. The show begins with breaking news out of Minnesota, where AG Pam Bondi announced the arrest of an individual connected to a protest that disrupted a church service in […]

Denise and Hunter are joined by Betsy Vega, candidate for Salem City Council Ward 6, for an introduction and discussion on why she’s running, her top priorities, and how she plans to represent both her ward and the city as a whole. Vega highlights homelessness, affordability, and public safety as key concerns and shares ways listeners can get involved with her campaign. […]

On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter welcome Kathy Scheel from the Oregon Spirit Chorus, who shares details about their upcoming Guest Night, “Harmony Happens Here,” on January 27. Kathy explains how women of all ages and experience levels can explore singing a cappella, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through the chorus. The conversation then turns to Oregon’s 2026 […]

On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter welcome Warren Franklin and Chris Cummings, who share updates on their app, Enhanced Visitor Experience, designed to improve how visitors engage with destinations, venues, and communities. They discuss the concept behind the platform and how it will enhance your travel experiences. The show also marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, reflecting on Dr. […]

On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter welcome Deanna Gwyn, Ward 4 Salem City Councilor, for a detailed City Council update. Councilor Gwyn discusses the recent vote to remove Kyle Hedquist from the Police Review Board after a prior murder conviction came to light, noting she would not have supported his 2024 appointment had she known about the sentence. […]

On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, the show opens with Yuriy Chira of Chira’s Restaurant, announcing their contest ticket giveaway winner and sharing updates about the local favorite—highlighting the importance of supporting hometown businesses. Denise and Hunter then turn to state and national policy, including changes to federal funding tied to sanctuary state policies, concerns about violent crime and immigration enforcement, and how those […]

On this episode of Newsmakers at Noon, guests Amy McLeod, The McLeod Group and Elizabeth Smith, The Smith Mortgage Team, break down the forces shaping today’s housing market—from national policy to real-world buyer behavior. Elizabeth Smith of Success Mortgage Partners explains the impact of a $200 billion mortgage-backed securities directive involving Fannie Mae, and what […]

On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, the show kicks off with Rich Bailey, promoting the Winter Rod & Speed Show and dropping off 20 free tickets for listeners to win this week by stopping by the KYKN studios between 9 AM and 4 PM. At 12:15, former Salem City Councilor Brad Nanke (Ward 3) joins Denise and Hunter for a thoughtful discussion on how city councils […]

On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter are joined by Jeff Reynolds, Senior Editor at Restoration News and Senior Investigative Researcher with Restoration of America, for analysis of major local, state, national—and global—developments. The show opens with a breakdown of a Salem City Council special meeting, where the council voted 6–2 to revoke the appointment of a man previously convicted of […]

On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, the show opens with Haley Hamilton from the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties, previewing the 2026 Mid-Valley Home Show, happening January 9–11, 2026 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds (Jackman-Long Building) in Salem. Haley shares what attendees can expect and why the event matters for homeowners, builders, and the local economy. At 12:30, Russ Rodgers, a […]