Willamette Wake Up

States with "sanctuary laws" have gotten in the cross hairs of the federal government, because the laws make it more difficult for federal immigration officers to find, detain and deport people they deem "illegal". Oregon is one such state. Fay Stetz-Waters, with the Oregon Department of Justice, explains how Oregon's Sanctuary Law works, and how the department collaborates with other organization...

Policy for the People explores two programs to make tax filing free and easy for low and moderate income families: Direct File and Oregon's Tax Infrastructure Grant program.

Meet the new Independence Police Chief, Tino Baneulos. He became the Chief on Jan 1, 2025. Learn about his journey into law enforcement and his vision and priorities for leading the department. 

Learn about Partnership for Safety & Justice and the Family Sentencing Alternative Program - a program to keep incarcerated parents connected to their kids. Plus, other programs that support justice involved people P4SJ hopes to maintain with legislative support.

Keeping Oregon Oregon talks with Jim Johnson, Working Lands Policy Director for 1000 Friends of Oregon, about land use legislation to be debated during the 2025 Legislative Session. 

Hear excerpts from the Feb. 2nd Town Hall with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas in Salem.  Several hundred residents and a dozen local elected officials gathered to hear responses to questions about President Trump's executive orders.  Plus, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth gets recognized for the department's role in fighting the Palisades fires in So. California.

Elephant in the Room examines "forever chemicals" with Crystal Weston, Oregon Environmental Council. She'll address the dangers to public health and the environment posed by polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and legislative proposals before the 2025 Oregon Legislature to regulate PFAS. 

State Rep. Tom Andersen talks about how the Oregon legislative session is going, two weeks into the session, bills that he's introduced and highlights from yesterday's Town Hall with Sen Jeff Merkley & Congresswoman Andrea Salinas.

Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack, four years on the job, shares his vision for Salem's law enforcement agency and the strategic plan to implement the vision. He'll talk about general goals of creating trust and safety, and strategies to get there.

Tom Ellis, Salem community member, shares his proposal to spearhead nonviolent resistance to tyranny and to hold elected officials accountable to democratic principles, called The Campaign for the Public Interest.

Salem Reads 2025 is back! Executive Director of Salem Public Library Foundation, Taylor Sarman and Sonja Sommerville, with the library, talk about this year's book and events to explore the book's themes. Why Didn't You Tell Me? By Carmen Rita Wong.

Dr. Sara Kennedy, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, explains where Oregon stands with reproductive health care, the variety of health services they provide throughout the state, and what they're asking from the Oregon Legislature.

Salem City Council is considering putting a "livability" operations levy on the May 2025 ballot.  City Councilor Linda Nishioka explained what happened at the Jan 21st work session and the issues the council are working through to decide the rate and service increase to ensure Salem can still offer library, Center 50 Plus and parks and recreation services.

Holla for Labor talks with Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CBTU) members on the value of having union representation and their motivation to become active. Plus, a preview of CBTU's Black History Month programming and a tribute to William "Bill" Lucy, co-founder of the CBTU.

Monmouth Monthly talks with Monmouth Power and Light Director, Wade Carey. Wade explains how Monmouth's utility district is different from privately owned companies; shares insights into hot topics in power and how customers can save money on their utility bill.

The day after Salem's Mayor Julie Hoy ran her first City Council meeting, we talked with her about how she'd been preparing for the job and how she plans to regain community trust in light of budget challenges.

Conservation Spotlight dives into the issues of water quality and safe pesticide use in agriculture. Hear insights from agriculture conservation planners Becky Pineda and Cesar Zamora on effective partnerships and best practices to protect our watersheds and ensure a sustainable future. 

Chris Hoy and Virginia Stapleton recently finished their terms serving as City of Salem Mayor and City Councilor, respectively.  They talk about what they "walked into" as a new councilor/mayor, what was accomplished during their terms, and their hopes for Salem's future.

Valdez Bravo, President of Health Care for All Oregon (HCAO) explains the mission of HCAO, legislation they're following in this upcoming legislative session and the status of bringing a single payer health care system to Oregon.  And, how to support their efforts by following the issues on their social media.

Policy for People explores the issue of age discrimination in the workplace. Andrea Meyer, Director of Government Relations at AARP Oregon, discusses how pervasive the problem of age discrimination in the work is, its consequences, and what Oregon can do to address the problem.

State Rep. Tom Andersern, House District 19, talks about his legislative priorities and what he expects will be the key issues the 2025 Oregon Legislature will address.

Elephant in the Room highlights a proposed environmental rights amendment to Oregon’s constitution. Dr. Phil Carver, OCERA, explains what the amendment would do and how it would encourage actions that prevent environmental damage before damage is created; and, that OCERA is asking the Oregon legislature to put it on the ballot for a vote by Oregonians.

Restorative Justice is explored through the experiences of people who were formerly incarcerated, a victim of sexual assault, and a new program using restorative justice principles called Conflict Artistry. This program was presented to the community by Willamette University's Restorative Justice Council - a student club on campus - in November 2024. 

Paul Tigan was elected to represent Ward 1 in the City of Salem during May 2024 elections.  He starts his term Jan 13, 2025.  We talked with him in mid December about how he's been preparing, philosophy that guides his leadership and the key issues the new council faces. 

Shane Matthews was elected to represent Ward 3 in the City of Salem during May 2024 elections.  He starts his term Jan 13, 2025.  We talked with him in mid December about how he's been preparing, philosophy that guides his leadership and the key issues the new council faces.