Willamette Wake Up

Policy for the People talks with Katie Bergh, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, on how loss of food assistance through SNAP is setting the stage for much greater levels of hunger and suffering throughout Oregon and our nation. 

Elephant in the Room talks with Britney VanCritters with the Oregon League of Conservation Voters about the organization's mission and how they vet candidates for endorsement.

Local Elections Coverage talks with Micki Varney, candidate for Ward 8 City Council and Virginia Stapleton, candidate for State Senate District 11. They participated in a "Braver Angels-style" of conversation where they share their values and approach to governing to reduce polarization.  All candidates in these races were invited.

Local Elections Coverage with Marion County Commission Candidates Kevin Cameron, Sara Duncan and Maria Hinojos Pressey. They participated in a "Braver Angels-style" conversation that focuses on values and depolarizing dialogue to better hear each other, with co-hosts Melanie Zermer & Jeff Spitzer.  All candidates in these races were invited. 

Girlypop Politics talks with Salem Keizer Schools Superintendent Andrea Castañeda about the district's new reading curriculum. They discuss the benefits of "Into Reading," how the district has been preparing teachers to teach it, and best ways parents can help their children be better readers.

Find out how "Salem Rolls Forward", led by high school students Saili & Emma, would provide an accessible playground feature for kids in wheelchairs at a local park in Salem.  Learn how the project originated and how the community can help make it happen.

Hear from leaders in the City of Independence about the journey that led the city to close parks in September, even after passing a fee increase in June to keep them open, and how voters in November will have a say in the matter. Listen to the conversation with Mayor Kate Schwarzler, City Manager Kenna West and Andrea Van Heeswyk with Friends of Community Parks.

Conservation Spotlight explores "Connected Habitat," a new program through Polk Soil & Water Conservation District, aimed at anyone who wants to create a better habitat for wildlife - from backyards to farms to forests. Guests Jessica Wright and Izzy Mason, with the Polk SWCD tells you how to get started.

Monmouth Monthly talks with Jessica Steed about the upcoming Smith Fine Arts 2026-27 series that starts Sept 24th. They also share how the series is expanding by incorporating additional jazz performances and some lectures.

Dr. Jillian Gregg, Oregon State University's Crop & Soil Science Department and founding CEO of Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Associates, explains how climate scientists are pushing for climate models to include natural emissions (e.g. methane emissions from permafrost melts) for their models to better predict climate changes.