Jess Hazel

2 weeks ago | opb.org | Jess Hazel

An illustration from Jack Wiens shows how excited Koda and Carrie Newell get when they see a gray whale breaching. The illustration comes from Newell's children's book 'Koda and the Whales.'Every summer, a small group of gray whales gather along the Oregon coast to feed. Marine biologist Carrie Newell studies the seasonal residents of Depoe Bay and has written several books about her research. The latest shares the story from a different perspective.

4 weeks ago | opb.org | Jess Hazel

The new owner of Darcelle XV Showplace, Jeremey Peck, has performed as Brandy for decades and brings traditional drag experience to the leadership of Portland's iconic drag venue. Courtesy Darcelle XV ShowplacePortland’s legendary drag venue, Darcelle XV Showplace, has struggled financially since the death of the former owner, Walter Cole, who passed away at age 92 in March of 2023. The new owner, Jeremey Peck, shared his vision for the future of the showplace with OPB.

1 month ago | opb.org | Jess Hazel

Customers sit at a counter in GeekEasy Anime Cafe overlooking NW Third Avenue, Portland, Ore., Feb. 6, 2025. Co-founders A.T. Nguyen and Tommy Ly say they grew up coming to the area, which they knew as Chinatown, and want to bring business back to the neighborhood. Two entrepreneurs opening a restaurant in Portland’s Old Town have a vision to help revitalize Chinatown.

2 months ago | opb.org | Jess Hazel

Multnomah County employees and others in the Portland metro area have been hard at work providing resources and making sure folks have a place to stay safe and warm. Chris Voss, the director of Multnomah County Emergency Management joined OPB “Morning Edition” host Jess Hazel on Friday to talk about the storm. Multnomah County employee Dianne Clay puts a signboard in front of the Grand Oak Shelter, housed in the former Andy and Bax Outdoor Store in Southeast Portland, Feb. 11, 2025.

2 months ago | opb.org | Jess Hazel

Author and artist Jaydra Johnson talks about her book "Low, notes on art and trash" at the OPB studios on January 27, 2025. Jaydra Johnson sees beauty in the discarded. As an artist, author and public high school teacher, Johnson has developed her idea of ‘trash art:’ works of art that transform dirty, uncomfortable or disregarded items and people into sources of inspiration.