On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, the show opens with Yuriy Chira of Chira’s Restaurant, announcing their contest ticket giveaway winner and sharing updates about the local favorite—highlighting the importance of supporting hometown businesses.
Denise and Hunter then turn to state and national policy, including changes to federal funding tied to sanctuary state policies, concerns about violent crime and immigration enforcement, and how those decisions affect local communities.
The show also examines growing scrutiny of Oregon’s election system, as the state moves to address roughly 800,000 inactive voter registrations, raising questions about transparency, process, and public trust.
At 12:30, Salem Mayor Julie Hoy joins the program to discuss Ethics Commission updates, her perspective on the matter, and recent City Council actions, including the Hedquist police review board decision, Salem’s viral moment in the national spotlight, and why focusing on issues within city control leads to better outcomes. The conversation wraps with a look ahead to Salem’s 2026 goals and the upcoming May election.
