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.

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.

Food | News | local | NW Life | Business

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?

Entertainment | Arts | local | Business | 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.

News | local | History | Business

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.

News | Environment | Land

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.

News | local | Economy | Fish & Wildlife | Environment | Business | History

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?

News | Environment | local

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.

News | local | Animals | Science

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.

News | local

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.

News | local

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 | Books | local | 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.

Entertainment | Arts | local | NW Life | Books | Business

Dark Horse Entertainment's Founder On The Future Of Comic Books

Oregon-based Dark Horse Entertainment recently announced a major global partnership with a Chinese investment firm to finance new film production and expand into Asian markets.

Forestry | News | Environment | Politics | Nation | local

The US Farm Bill Looks To Fight Wildfire

The House Agriculture Committee announced a tentative deal Nov. 29 on the massive federal farm bill. Final negotiations over the legislation have focused not on farms but on forests.

Entertainment | local | NW Life | Recreation | News

West Coast Pumpkin Regatta Features Boats Carved Out Of Giant Gourds

Every year, gourd enthusiasts gather for the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, where participants racing across the Tualatin Lake of the Commons in kayaks made of — yes — giant, hollowed pumpkins.

Science | News | Environment | Land | Agriculture | local

This Oregon Farmer Grows Seeds To Restore Land Scorched By Wildfires

Once wildfires are finally extinguished across the west, another threat lingers: the burned landscapes provide an opportunity for invasive species to thrive, forcing out essential native plants.

Technology | News | local | Business

Trump's Tariffs Hit Oregon's Semiconductor Industry

A new round of tariffs on Chinese goods has caught the attention of Oregon’s high-tech chip industry. Several products related to semiconductor production are on the list.

Entertainment | local | NW Life | Music

Pickathon At 20: The Local Festival With The Global Audience

Now in its 20th year, the Portland-area's Pickathon music festival has risen from ramshackle beginnings to being a major event. But maintaining it's charm without breaking the bank in an era of mega-festivals hasn't been easy.