Today’s Newsmakers at Noon covered everything from local celebrations to national headlines, with a little wildlife wisdom thrown in for good measure.
We kicked things off by recapping another successful Marion County Fair, sharing highlights from our live broadcasts, thanking everyone who stopped by the KYKN booth, and congratulating our lucky prize winners. It was a fantastic week connecting with listeners and celebrating one of the Willamette Valley’s favorite summer traditions.
We also paused to remember the second anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania—a day that changed American politics and remains one of the defining moments of the 2024 campaign.
Turning to Oregon politics, we discussed new polling showing the Republican nominee closing the gap with Governor Tina Kotek, along with the Cook Political Report’s decision to shift the governor’s race from “Solid Democratic” to “Likely Democratic,” signaling growing competitiveness heading into November.
The program also included an important health discussion following reports surrounding Senator Lindsey Graham. We talked about aortic dissection—the same condition that claimed actor John Ritter’s life in 2003—and why understanding the warning signs and discussing cardiovascular health with your physician can be lifesaving.
We also remembered legendary actor Sam Neill, whose career spanned more than five decades and included memorable roles in Jurassic Park, Dead Calm, and dozens of other films.
On the outdoor front, we watched dramatic video of a mountain lion encounter and discussed what experts recommend if you ever come face-to-face with one of these predators. We also had a little fun with another viral wildlife video proving once again that it’s never a good idea to underestimate a Yellowstone bison—or any other “big fluffy cow.”
In technology news, we examined reports that Seattle’s open-air drug markets returned within 48 hours after World Cup cleanup efforts ended, along with Meta’s decision to remove its controversial AI photo feature following public backlash.
We also explored the privacy implications of Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses, including the question many people are asking: Will you know when someone is recording you?
Finally, we wrapped up with the latest effort in Congress to end the twice-yearly clock changes by making Daylight Saving Time permanent, and we asked listeners where they stand in the ongoing debate over which time should become the nation’s year-round standard.
Thanks for joining us for another lively edition of Newsmakers at Noon!
