Willamette Wake Up

Elephant in the Room talks with Elise Graneck, Portland State University, on plastic pollution. Granek shares research that explains what happens to discarded plastic in our coastal environment.

Girlypop Politics talks with Crissy Oyervides, with Youth Era, about the recent closure of The Salem Drop and the impact it's had on the hundreds of youths who attended. Youth Era is a Eugene based non profit that works to create and sustain community spaces for youths ages 14-25, staffed with trained support professionals.

Willamette Block Party highlights key community events in the Willamette Valley & explores local groups like Black Mid-Valley that support Black identity, business, and culture. Then: a tribute to the late Gregg Simpson, Jr., a passionate community leader and activist. Plus, meet Glitter Gloria, who shares her journey from construction to founding Exit Bliss, a consultancy focused on helping businesses preserve knowledge and plan for sustainable success. 

Salem Police Chief, Trevor Womack, is retiring in May 2026. He'll share his thoughts on the state of public safety in Salem, the department's accomplishments & challenges under his leadership, and his hopes for Salem's future. 

This report captures excerpts from some presenters and rally goers at Salem Oregon's No Kings Rally from March 28, 2026 organized by Salem Region Indivisible.

Holla for Labor explores how collective action & collaboration with community can be an effective tool in resisting current federal administration's policies, with Petee Talley, highest ranking Black woman to serve in the AFL-CIO. 

Health, Thought & Transformation talks with JD Edwards, head conditioning coach at the Oregon Department of Public Safety & Standards Training, about how fitness training promotes resilience, longevity and performance among public safety professionals. 

Salem City Councilors Paul Tigan (Ward 1) and Shane Matthews (Ward 3) explore the city's budget process and "themes" for fiscal year 2026-27. They share the values they embody when examining city policy and funding city services, and how the general community can participate. The budget process, while already underway, begins in earnest in April. 

Conservation Spotlight talks with Milan Davis, Urban Forester with the City of Salem, about the city’s proactive management of urban ash trees in the face of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Hear the strategies, partnerships, and work already being done to protect valuable urban trees from disease. 

Dave Duncan, program host of NW Tech Show on KMUZ radio, explains the purpose and value of a "maker space," and how the one in Salem is providing an open space for people to be creative and share ideas.