Think Out Loud
AMR river rescue has saved thousands of lives in Oregon during summer seasons
With the warm weather over the Memorial Day weekend you might have been tempted to cool off in one of the region’s many beautiful rivers. If you headed to Glen Otto park or High Rocks park in the Portland area you might have seen Emergency Medical Technicians from the American Medical Response (AMR) River Rescue Program on hand to help out in case of an emergency in the water. The EMTs are getting training in river currents and rescue operations this week and will staff the two parks all summer long. Gracie Goodrich, an AMR River Rescue Program supervisor, tells us more about the program, which has helped more than 2,000 people since it started in 1999.
Today's show
University of Oregon study investigates water injustice
Portland author examines race in the workplace in ‘Qualified’
Featured stories
Portland business hit hard by tariffs is solicited with offers to cheat paying them
A Portland business owner joins us to share more details and how she thinks the federal government can more effectively crack down on tariff cheats.

Restoration efforts continue along the Klamath River
We hear more about the multiyear restoration process happening along the Klamath River.

Looking back at Steve Prefontaine’s legacy 50 years after his death
It’s been 50 years since legendary Oregon track and field athlete Steve Prefontaine died in a car crash on May 30, 1975.
Oregon mother advocates for federal bill that aims to protect kids from online dangers
A federal bill known as the Kids Online Safety Act would put more responsibility on social media companies to design their platforms to better protect children from online harms.

Oregon bill would again allow foster kids to be sent out of state
We talk with two Democratic lawmakers about their different perspectives on the bill.
Oregon AG-led challenge to Trump’s tariffs successful, administration is appealing
AG Rayfield joins us to share more details about this case.
How Oregon’s Head Start programs are affected by federal uncertainty
The Head Start program provides free early childhood education and support for low-income families.

Portland comedian Susan Rice releases first stand-up album at 73 years old
Rice joins us to talk about her long career in comedy and the humor she finds in aging.

REBROADCAST: Author Renée Watson on ‘skin & bones,’ her first novel for adults
Renée Watson has topped bestseller lists and won multiple awards for her children’s and young adult literature. But the Portland-born author recently released her first book for adults.

Portland ice cream chain Fifty Licks making ends meet a year after devastating fire
Owner Chad Draizin joins us to share what recovery over the last year has looked like, and his hopes for getting back into his dream location on Burnside.

State and local law enforcement seize hundreds of animals during search of Southern Oregon safari park
We hear from Jefferson Public Radio Justin Higginbottom about a raid involving multiple state and local agencies of a safari park and zoo on the Southern Oregon coast.

Black Belt Eagle Scout creates new composition for walks around Washington County’s Henry Hagg Lake
We talk with Katherine Paul, who performs as Black Belt Eagle Scout, about the new project.

‘Memory activism’ on display in ‘Precipice’ solo play at Portland’s Vanport Mosaic Festival
The new solo play “Precipice” was conceived by actor and self-described “memory activist” Damaris Webb. We talk with her and playwright Chris Gonzales about this new work.
REBROADCAST: Northwest writer Timothy Egan’s new book tells KKK history
Seattle writer Timothy Egan’s most recent book, “A Fever in the Heartland,” tells the story of the rise of the Klan in the 1920s and the leader who was brought down by one woman’s deathbed testimony.

Eugene Ballet artistic director looks back on 46 years of dance and collaboration
We sit down with Toni Pimble to talk about her career and her hopes for the company as she prepares to leave her role in June.
Oregon journalist explores New Age religion in latest book, ‘Blazing Eye Sees All’
Oregon journalist Leah Sottile explores spirituality and New Age movements in her latest book.
Portland city councilors consider over 120 amendments to city budget
On Wednesday, Portland’s 12 city councilors stayed late considering a number of amendments to the city’s budget - both large and small. OPB's Portland city politics reporter Alex Zielinski was there and tells us what it all means.
Oregon voters split on school funding measures
OPB editor Rob Manning joins us to give us a picture of how many of the education-related votes fared in this week’s election.
How proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act could affect salmon, other species in Oregon and beyond
Proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act could limit protections for species. We'll hear from the Center for Biological Diversity to learn more.
Oregon State University study finds more than 3,500 animal species threatened by climate change
A new study by Oregon State University researchers reveals the growing risk climate change poses to the survival of thousands of wild animal species.
Contributors
Producer's favorites
‘Red Clocks’ imagines the US with abortion outlawed
REBROADCAST: Women Of Color In Politics
How A Landmark Audit Could Change Oregon’s Child Welfare Department
How The Youth Villages Model Could Inform Oregon Foster Care
Women Transforming Their Lives In Prison
Released: Life And Forgiveness After 21 Years In Prison
Summer Whisman: At Home With ALS
At Home With Wildfires
At Home With James Yamazaki

James Yamazaki talking in his kitchen with Think Out Loud host, Dave Miller, before sitting down for an hour-long interview.
At Home With Recovery

This is the second time Trish Hodeck has lived at this Oxford House. The first time Trish and a friend left to live on their own, Trish ended up relapsing. "Oxford saved my life. And I mean it this time."