Host, Weekend Edition
John Notarianni
John Notarianni is the host of “Weekend Edition” at Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Before joining OPB, John worked as a radio producer, reporter and host at WDET in Detroit and WYPR in Baltimore, and had stints at WBEZ in Chicago and WUOM in Ann Arbor.
Along the way he’s worked as the Michigan editorial director for an urban development news startup, served as business development director for several Detroit-based social entrepreneurial companies, founded a brass band that toured Europe and honed his craft cocktail skills.
John graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English and Global Media Studies.
Recent Articles
Fighting Isolation Anxiety With Portland's Sultan of Sourdough
A few tips on making homemade bread with Ken Forkish, owner of Ken's Artisan Bakery and author of “Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza.”
Health | local | Education | News
How Can We Manage The Stress Of The Coronavirus Pandemic? OSU Offers A Free Course
Three academics from Oregon State University have created an open-to-the-public course to help people understand and manage daily stress related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Health | local | News
Buy Local, Shop Online? Oregon's Farmers Markets Evolve As Coronavirus Sets In
Oregon's farmers markets are evolving in response to the coronavirus pandemic to protect their fundamental service: getting fresh food into the community.
Health | Food | News
Coronavirus Advice For Older Adults: Get Exercise, Have A Plan And Call Your Grandkids!
Dr. Elizabeth Eckstrom of Oregon Health and Science University discusses how older adults should manage the coronavirus pandemic.
News
Portland Rabbi Advises Avoiding Loneliness In A Time Of Social Distancing
Rabbi Michael Cahana of Portland’s Congregation Beth Israel adds loneliness to the risks people face from the coronavirus pandemic.
Health | local | Education | News
Washington Requires Schools Have Suicide Prevention Plans, But Doesn't Provide Funding
Washington law requires schools to have suicide prevention plans. But top state officials say there are still major gaps in getting those school plans done.
local | Politics | News
Driving While Undocumented In Oregon: A Family's Hopes For HB 2015
A bill to grant undocumented immigrants the right to an Oregon driver’s license is awaiting the Governor’s signature. For Juan Navarro's family, it represents a bit of freedom from a constant fear.
Sustainability | Agriculture | Education | Business | local | News
For Oregon Hemp Farmers, The Future Is Green
After being legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill, many are calling hemp the crop of the future. Oregon State University launched the Global Hemp Innovation Center, and farmers are also racing to discover the opportunities–and the challenges–of cashing in on Oregon’s fastest-growing crop.
Nation | local | Politics | News
Merkley Wants To Outlaw Cameras On Airplane Entertainment Systems
Next time you're on a plane, take a closer look at the in-flight entertainment system: You might notice a small camera pointing directly at you. Sen. Jeff Merkley wants to ban them.
Business | local | NW Life | Food | News
Will A Slow Start For PNW Potato Farmers Lead To The French Fry Apocalypse?
A winter of record snowfall means potato farmers in the Pacific Northwest are getting their spuds in the ground later than ever. Could that lead to national french fry shortages this summer?
Business | Entertainment | local | Arts | NW Life
Behind The Scenes Of Laika's New Film, 'Missing Link'
Hillsboro-based Laika is a world leader in the art of stop-animation filmmaking. "Missing Link," the studio’s fifth feature film, is their most ambitious yet.
Business | History | local | News
The Birth Of A Bubblegum Empire: Big League Chew's Unlikely Portland Origin
Rob Nelson was a pitcher for the Portland Mavericks. A bullpen conversation led to the creation of Big League Chew, the bubblegum that's sold over 800 million pouches.
Land | Environment | News
Taming The Devil's Staircase: What Happens Next?
The Devil’s Staircase Wilderness area in southwestern Oregon received federal protections last month. Now the question is whether to leave one of Oregon's most wild areas untamed or to make it more accessible to the public.
Economy | local | Fish & Wildlife | Business | Environment | History | News
A New Life Awaits For The Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot
Bunkers which used to store bombs, VX nerve agent and mustard gas could soon be back in local control — and become one of Eastern Oregon's most sought-after redevelopment sites.
Last Call At Widmer Brothers: What An Iconic Pub's Closure Means For Craft Beer In Portland
After 22 years in business, Widmer Brothers Brewing closed their North Portland taproom this week. So what does it mean for Widmer — and for Portland’s vibrant craft beer scene?
local | Environment | News
Federal Plan Could Reclassify Hanford Nuclear Waste — And Leave It In The Ground
A new proposal from the Trump administration could dramatically change the way the government cleans up radioactive tank waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington.
Animals | Science | local | News
Murder Stats: Mapping The Influx Of Roosting Crows In Portland
Thousands of crows flock to Portland's park blocks each winter, darkening the sky at dusk and roosting overnight in the city's trees. Much about the crows' habits is unknown.
local | News
OPB Reporters' Picks: Their Most Memorable Stories Of 2018
As 2018 came to a close, OPB "Weekend Edition" host John Notarianni spoke with several OPB reporters about the stories that stuck with them this year, whether they were moved, inspired or shocked.
local | News
Remembering A Holocaust Survivor And His Unlikely Confidant
Alter Wiener was a Holocaust survivor, who was killed earlier this month crossing a street in Hillsboro. He had developed a close friendship with a Lake Oswego teen in pushing for education reform.
Transportation | local | Books | News
How Portland Public Transit Compares To Other US Cities
Portland is often celebrated as a transit-friendly city, but how does it stack up against the transportation systems in other U.S. cities? A new book points out what's working and what's not.
Contact John Notarianni