Oregon On The Record interviews Esther Tishman, founder of Liberty Walks, an American pilgrimage from Eugene, Oregon to Washington, D.C., starting July 4. Tishman, a former university professor and healthcare chaplain, aims to foster civility and positive change through a 3,000-mile walk, breaking the journey into 146 stops with community sponsors. The walk embodies respect, kindness, curiosity, and courage. Tishman emphasizes the importance of slowing down to connect with people and the nation's diverse communities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reclaim a sense of common ground and shared values. Then, Sajina Shrestha reports on an art exhibit at the University of Oregon, highlighting the intersection of indigeneity and queerness, featuring works by indigenous LGBTQ artists.

Oregon On The Record discusses the misuse of funds from Oregon's Measure 110, which decriminalized certain drug offenses and allocated funds for drug treatment programs. A Guardian investigation revealed that many counties are using these funds for law enforcement equipment and personnel instead of addiction services.

Oregon On The Record discusses the failure of green energy initiatives in Oregon and Washington, attributing it to outdated transmission infrastructure. Monica Samayoa and Tony Schick from Oregon Public Broadcasting explain that the states are lagging in renewable energy adoption, missing 2030 benchmarks but potentially meeting 2035-2040 goals. The Trump administration's withdrawal of federal funding and the Bonneville Power Administration's slow transmission line development exacerbate the issue. Lawmakers are now focusing on addressing these gaps, and public pressure is needed to push for more renewable energy and grid improvements. The conversation also touches on the risks of brownouts and blackouts due to increasing energy demand and aging infrastructure.

A conversation with Eugene video game designers Riv Hester and Ivy Sly who've produced popular games played by a global audience.

Conversations with Michael Kohn, reporter with the Bulletin in Bend about tariff impacts in Central Oregon; Alan Torres of the Register Gard about Lane County's budget cuts; and KLCC's newest reporter, Zac Zeigler.

A conversation with Holly Mar Conte, Childcare Sector Strategist for Onward Eugene and Amie Csiszer, with Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates about the crisis in affordable childcare in our region and possible solutions.

Oregon On The Record talked with The Soromundi Lesbian Chorus of Eugene. The chorus is celebrating its 36th anniversary, and will perform at the Hult Center this weekend. Founded in a living room during a time when being openly lesbian was challenging. The chorus will perform 12 of 20 songs in their upcoming concert. The event will feature an art exhibit and a reunion of 35 members from across the country. Additionally, Kendra Schertell, KLCC's arts and culture reporter, highlighted various spring and summer events in the region, including festivals, concerts, and community gatherings.

Oregon On The Record discusses Senate Bill 686, which aims to require tech giants like Google and Meta to pay news publishers and journalists for their content. Senator Khanh Pham explains the bill would allocate 90% of the collected revenue to news organizations and 10% to small publications. The bill addresses the impact of AI on news referrals, noting a 95% reduction. Pham highlights the closure of over a quarter of Oregon's news outlets in 20 years and the loss of 75% of journalism jobs. The bill has broad support from legislators and community members. In the second segment, Camilla Mortensen from the Eugene Weekly discusses the newspaper's recovery from an embezzlement scandal, emphasizing community support and the importance of print journalism.

Oregon On The Record interviews Ada Limón, the U.S. Poet Laureate, about her role and recent projects. Limón discusses her signature project, "You Are Here," which includes an anthology of 50 poems and installations in seven national parks. She emphasizes the importance of poetry in education and its role in addressing complex environmental issues. Limón highlights her experience as the first Latina Poet Laureate and the significance of representation. She also shares her upcoming event in Cloverdale, Oregon, where she will engage with youth. The conversation underscores the interconnectedness of art and science, advocating for the integration of the arts in education.

Oregon On The Record talks with Angela Ocana, Director of the Eugene Public Library, about the challenges faced by public libraries, including book challenges and budget cuts.