Local Voices

The Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon exploded, because of certain conditions. Climate change will continue to cause more mega-fires to burn. The COVID-19 Delta variant is causing an increase in cases especially in Oregon counties with low vaccination rates.

The Children's Cancer Association has launched its summer car giveaway as their annual fundraiser. Oregon health and emergency management officials discuss the heat wave and how they can prevent deaths during future heat waves. TSA tips on getting through airport security during the busy summer travel season.

Papa Murphy's Take-N-Bake Pizza is helping to raise money for Our Giving Table and their program to feed Foster Kids. Oregon State Representative Cliff Bentz discusses the state's drought crisis. The Oregon Historical Society honors former Senator Mark O. Hatfield.

OSU history professor Christopher McKnight Nichols takes a deep dive into the history of Independence Day. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden details a bill he's co-sponsoring that would prevent people with domestic violence restraining orders from buying guns. OSU public health professor Dr. Chunheui Chi updates the pandemic.

The Cambia Portland Classic announces a move out of Portland, because of security concerns. Portland Police change priorities for traffic stops. Oregon's Governor announces hard COVID-19 reopening date.

As the pandemic eases, Pride Month 2021 events increase. Portland celebrates Juneteenth. TriMet reduces carbon footprint 25%.

Work is underway to plan and build a new I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver. Organizers are working on a Willamette River ferry pilot project that could start next summer. A Portland restaurant owner discusses the struggles of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oregon officials discuss wildfire preparations for this summer. Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick tells of what Juneteenth means for his family as the legislature passes a bill to make it a state holiday.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden brings together members of Lines For Life who work with veterans in crisis. The Good Feet Store's Good Feet for a Good Cause is helping to collect shoes for Soles4Souls. Food insecurity peaked during the pandemic, but is declining much slower as the pandemic eases. OSU history professor Christopher McKnight-Nichols discusses his new book "Rethinking American Grand Strategy."

The Oregon Historical Society has a new exhibit detailing the stories of six women who immigrated from oppression in Africa to Oregon. The Oregon legislature's BIPOC caucus details their goals and progress this legislative session. Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is working to get convicted felons who have served their time in the legislature involved in voting.

The Rise Against Hate campaign seeks to end violence against Asians. We'll explore COVID-19 variants and their risk to the community. The Oregon Legislature considers a bill to add civics as a requirement to graduate from high school.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Kurt Schrader detail the proposed infrastructure bill from President Biden. Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici explains how the American Rescue Plan will help Oregon senior citizens. OHA Director Patrick Allen updates the pandemic response in Oregon.

The Oregon legislature considers a bill to remove the defense of extreme emotional disturbance in assault cases involving victims who are LGBTQ.

The Oregon Humane Society prepares for its annual Doggie Dash fundraiser at the same time it's working on three major projects.

The Oregon Legislature is moving a package of measures to remove slavery from the U.S. and Oregon constitutions and ask Congress to consider reparations to African Americans. The Salvation Army needs your help collection food for their food pantries. The Oregon Health Authority works to improve distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Latinx community.

The City of Portland is taking several steps to bring racial equity to the Portland Police Bureau. OSU is building a wave energy facility off the Oregon Coast. The Oregon DMV is working to eliminate long delays.

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is underway. Oregon Governor Kate Brown welcomes students back to in-person learning. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden on the crisis at the southern border.

Help Jersey Mike's help Oregon Special Olympics this month.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown moves up the state's vaccine timeline to meet President Biden's order that everyone have access to the vaccine by May 1st.

It's been a year since the pandemic caused a shutdown in the U.S. Looking back and looking forward.

The Oregon Legislature considers additional funding of the Family Preservation Program at the Coffee Creek Correctional Institution in Wilsonville.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown explains who's next to get the vaccine and why they chose these priorities. The Oregon Legislature considers a bill that would allow felons in prison to vote.

A job fair is planned to help increase racial equity in people working in legal jobs. Find out about the Oregon Diversity Legal Job Fair. The ShakeAlert early earthquake warning system is coming to Oregon. The Rose Festival is looking for candidates to apply for the Rose Festival Court.

The Oregon Attorney General's Office conducts a study that finds steps it can take to improve racial equity for crime victims.

The City of Portland honors Black History Month. Komen of Southwest Washington and Oregon is being merged with the national Komen organization. Governor Kate Brown updates the pandemic and the state's response.

The Oregon Health Authority reports the state is making progress against COVID-19. Oregon U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer discusses the next economic relief package, the pandemic and the second impeachment of former President Donald Trump. The Children's Cancer Association is conducting a fundraiser and you could win a new car.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown explains why teachers are going before seniors in getting vaccinations. OSU public health professor Chun Wei Chi updates the pandemic. Research at OSU has found a way to grow crops and harvest the sun.

Governor Kate Brown announces Oregon has been shorted by the federal government on COVID-19 vaccine. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden discusses the impeachment of President Trump and the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden. Portland City Council honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Oregon Health Authority has taken several steps to increase administration of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. The FBI is warning about COVID-19 Scams. Food insecurity in Oregon grew to 1 in 4, or 1 million, people last year in Oregon. It was a historic week in Washington D.C. and we look into just how historic it was.

FEMA has spent 116-million dollars in Oregon helping the state recover from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. There's a major difference between the 1918 pandemic and the current pandemic. An Oregon State University history professor explains what that means.

The Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland receives a $5-million grant. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden discusses issues facing rural Oregon. PGE is warning about scams that are based on utilities. It's whale watching week on the Oregon Coast.

The Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 arrives in Oregon and state officials detail the distribution process. A COVID-19 survivor and long-hauler explains what the lasting effects of the disease are like. Travel Portland details the impacts of COVID-19 and months of demonstrations on tourism in the city.

A breast cancer survivor tells her story and how Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington helped her through her battle. The Oregon School Activities Association has changed high school sports schedules, because of COVID-19. Goodwill has adjusted to the COVID-19 regulations and offers many opportunities during the holidays.

COVID-19 is causing Portland's Singing Christmas Tree to go virtual this year with a special performance you can watch online. The Good Feet Store needs your help collecting socks and shoes for Transition Projects. Radio Cab is raising donations for their annual Turkey Dinner deliveries.

The Safeway Providence Festival of Trees will be virtual this year, but there are still many opportunities for you to take part. Living room Realty needs help gathering supplies for wildfire victims. Oregon Governor Kate Brown details how the new risk assessment system will work for counties as they deal with COVID-19.

As COVID-19 cases set new records in Oregon, a nurse at OHSU explains the difficulties for patients, nurses and doctors. Health care officials are urging you to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are many comparisons between the COVID-19 pandemic and the 1918 pandemic.

Oregon's Veterans Day ceremony goes virtual this year, because of COVID-19. Oregon OSHA implements a new business rule for COVID-19. The TSA wants airport travelers to know how the rules have changed, because of COVID-19.

Oregon gained a new Congressman in the latest election. Former State Senator Cliff Bentz discusses the campaign, the election and COVID-19. Historical and modern study of fire patterns can help with the battle against new wildfires. Post wildfire land management is one way to reduce the risk of future wildfires.

Bill Russell, Executive Director of the Portland Union Gospel Mission, is retiring after 30 years. He discusses how Union Gospel Mission has changed and the challenges facing the homeless crisis.

Jessica Adamson, Government Relations Director for Providence Health and Services, examines health issues in the 2020 General Election. Danial Sabo, Good Feet Store, discusses ways listeners who are returning to work during the pandemic can ease foot, leg and back pain. Peter Weber, Executive Director of the Oregon Schools Activities Association, explains how students can return to sports during the pandemic. Dr. Tom Jeanne, Oregon Health Authority, details a 70% increase in overdose deaths and what can be done to prevent them.

Portland's leading mayoral candidates Sarah Iannarone and Mayor Ted Wheeler discuss what they have to offer the City of Portland if elected mayor. The Portland Film Festival is underway and organizer John Leake discusses how COVID-19 has affected the event and what films are available during this year's show.

Portland proclaims October 12 as Indigenous People's Day. Portland City Council is told the city needs to withdraw from the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty launches Rethink Portland. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden updates the federal effort to help wildfire victims.

Pride NW is organizing Pride Stride on October 11, National Coming Out Day, to generate support for the LGBTQ+ community. Nicole Burton-Hooton is Oregon's Teacher of the Year. Restaurants could get a major boost from legislation from Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer that's moving through Congress.

Nine people are killed in the worst wildfires to ever hit Oregon. Governor Kate Brown assures Oregonians who lost their homes that the state is there to help. The OSU Extension Service has tips on plants for your home's landscaping that can reduce fire danger. Climate change will continue to make Oregon's fire seasons worse.

Firefighters in Oregon battled wildfires that burned over 1 million acres. Rich Tyler, with the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, explains how they attacked the fires. Oregon Congressman Greg Walden spoke with President Trump to explain what happened in Oregon. The President approved a Disaster Declaration in record time. OSU professor David Blunck has studied how different fuels cause wildfires to move.

SOVLE is preparing for its Beach and Riverside Cleanup and they need your help. The Oregon Health Authority is coordinating the establishment of suicide prevention and wellness programs in schools across the state. Oregon will have a record Hazelnut harvest this year and new orchards are being planted throughout the Willamette Valley.

September is National Preparedness Month. Could you survive for at least two on your own? Marilyn Bishop, with Cascadia Quake Kits, discusses how to prepare for a disaster. President Trump wants college football to be played this fall. There are concerns what this would cause COVID-19 to spread. Oregon State University history professor Christopher McKnight-Nichols explains what happened during the 1918 pandemic when they played football.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler laid out plans to move the city forward following months of nightly demonstrations. Police Chief Chuck Lovell discusses their response to dueling demonstrations on August 22nd. The Portland Cider Company needs your unused fruit for the PDX Community Cider that raises money for Hungry Children. The Oregon Health Authority is urging parents to get their chilldren vaccinated against childhood diseases.

Portland Mercury News Editor Alex Zielinski details what's involved with Portland's nightly demonstrations. A teacher at Centennial High wins a $5,000 award to find ways to get students involved in science while they're learning remotely. Registration has opened for the Oregon Humane Society's big fundraiser the Doggie Dash. Laura Klink details the event.

The Susan G. Komen Oregon Southwest Washington More Than Pink Walk is a week away and they participants to register and gather donations. Chen Wei Chi, professor of Public Health at Oregon State University, updates the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leaders of Portland's Black community call for a reduction in gun violence. SOLVE needs help with its SOLVE IT for Oregon clean up events this month. ODOT wants your opinion on the plan to add tolling to I-205. Oregon is making progress against the coronavirus.