The Polk County Report. KMUZ talks with Operation D.O.G., a Rickreall, Oregon nonprofit group that helps low-income families pay for emergency veterinary care, saving beloved pets.

Shelaswa Crier on the Oregon Cares Fund targeted investment in the Black community. Also, hear about a lawsuit that attempts to undermine this legislative appropriation.

Earlier this month, some Democratic members of Congress introduced an Abolition Amendment to the US Constitution.  Why would this be necessary?  Find out now. Willamette University alumni talk with KMUZ on the 13th Amendment, how the amendment allows slavery to exist today, and their effort to change that in Oregon with an amendment to this state's Constitution.

"Policy for the People," a new monthly program with the Oregon Center for Public Policy. In this program, OCPP communication director Juan Carlos Ordóñez talks about the pandemic's economic impacts on Oregonians and makes a case for raising taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations in Oregon.

While recycling may make us feel good about protecting the earth, not everything is recyclable, and done incorrectly can be detrimental.  Marion County Environmental Services, Alan Pennington, reminds us what we can and cannot recycle and how to do it right!

In a part of its Dec 8th meeting, the Salem Keizer School Board reviewed a proposal called Safe & Welcoming Schools and a proposal to curb public testimony deemed uncivil, derogatory and included other criteria which the board chair deems inappropriate.  Over the last number of months, public comments on the removal of SROs (police in schools) and the demand for two board members' resignation have gotten stronger and more persistent. Some comments are directed to specific board members and have been critical of their behavior or affiliation with white supremacist groups.  This report gives a "flavor" for the tenor at the meeting and the issues discussed.

Life long Salem resident and newly published author Jan McComb talks about her book "Cherry City Confidential: 12 Murder Cases that Rocked Oregon's Capital City". Salem may not have any more murders than other cities of its size, but they are unique and certainly Salem-centric.

A history lesson on corporations with Adam Winkler, author of “We the Corporations: How American Businesses Won Their Civil Rights.” Even though revolutionaries showed disdain for corporations at the Boston Tea party event, corporations regained a foothold in the U.S. courts as early as the mid-1800s.  UCLA Professor Winkler leads us through the benchmark rulings.

The Willamette Heritage Center has been offering the community Magic at the Mill for decades. Lights, Santa, singers, storytellers, and more.  But, like with everything else, Magic will be different this year. Liz McIntire shares how the event will happen in 2020.

When temperatures drop, people without shelter are at risk of illness and even death. In this episode of Invisible People, hear how the Arches Project, SafeSleep United, and their partners are providing shelter.  Some shelters are temperature driven, others are open every night. Robert Marshall, volunteer coordinator of Arches, and Lynelle Wilcox, SafeSleep United talk about their programs and how you can help.