Editor Yasser Marte discusses steering the Confederated Umatilla Journal (CUJ) through digital expansion while preserving deep community roots. Marte reveals how the staff balances breaking news with long-form storytelling, navigates independent tribal governance reporting, champions cultural and environmental stewardship, and prepares for the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference to ensure accurate, respectful storytelling for the CTUIR.

Editor Yasser Marte discusses steering the Confederated Umatilla Journal (CUJ) through digital expansion while preserving deep community roots. Marte reveals how the staff balances breaking news with long-form storytelling, navigates independent tribal governance reporting, champions cultural and environmental stewardship, and prepares for the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference to ensure accurate, respectful storytelling for the CTUIR.

Daily conversation with East Oregon newsmakers and host Dan Thesman.  Join Dan every weekday as he talks with the news makers of Umatilla County. Hear about the latest news straight from community leaders on this fun, current and informative show. Exclusively at www.ElkhornMediaGroup.com and on our free Elkhorn Mobile app on Google Play and the App Store.

 

 

Daily conversation with East Oregon newsmakers and host Dan Thesman. &nbsp;Join Dan every weekday as he talks with the news makers of Umatilla County. Hear about the latest news straight from community leaders on this fun, current and informative show. Exclusively at www.ElkhornMediaGroup.com and on our free Elkhorn Mobile app on Google Play and the App Store.
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Coffee Hour Podcast

June 25     |     Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

As a new school year approaches, Hermiston School District Superintendent Tricia Mooney sits down to discuss the district’s latest developments and future plans. In this interview, Mooney covers several key topics, including the school board's recent election of officers, how the district is proactively navigating a trend of declining enrollment, and the regular financial audit processes currently underway. She also shares insights on her recent strategic planning engagement report and her work as chair of the state's Quality Education Commission. To wrap things up, Mooney celebrates the stunning, newly replaced turf at Kennison Field and shares details on the upcoming in-person school registration support days.

As a new school year approaches, Hermiston School District Superintendent Tricia Mooney sits down to discuss the district&rsquo;s latest developments and future plans. In this interview, Mooney covers several key topics, including the school board's recent election of officers, how the district is proactively navigating a trend of declining enrollment, and the regular financial audit processes currently underway. She also shares insights on her recent strategic planning engagement report and her work as chair of the state's Quality Education Commission. To wrap things up, Mooney celebrates the stunning, newly replaced turf at Kennison Field and shares details on the upcoming in-person school registration support days.

July 15     |     Hermiston School District

Pendleton School District Superintendent Michelle Jensen shares details on a recently approved cooperative agreement with Griswold High School in Helix for golf and baseball programs, emphasizing how such partnerships maximize student opportunities and resource stewardship. She also highlights the success of the district's summer meals program, which has seen a significant increase in participation, and addresses the ongoing search for a new Pendleton High School principal following Pat Dutcher's resignation. Finally, Jensen explains the restructuring of several district office leadership positions using "braided funding" to better support school principals, teachers, and students directly in the classroom.

Pendleton School District Superintendent Michelle Jensen shares details on a recently approved&nbsp;cooperative agreement with Griswold High School in Helix for golf and baseball programs, emphasizing how such partnerships maximize student opportunities and resource stewardship. She also highlights the success of the district's summer meals program, which has seen a significant increase in participation, and addresses the ongoing search for a new Pendleton High School principal following Pat Dutcher's resignation. Finally, Jensen explains the restructuring of several district office leadership positions using "braided funding" to better support school principals, teachers, and students directly in the classroom.

July 14     |     Pendleton School District

Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) President Mark Browning dives into a bustling summer of preparation, strategic shifts, and national success. Defying traditional trends, BMCC achieved an impressive 6.5% enrollment jump this summer, powered heavily by high-demand programs like Medical Assistant and Diesel Technology, alongside a surprising surge in traditional-age students. Browning also celebrates the BMCC Rodeo Team's stunning triumph at the College National Finals Rodeo, detailing what this profile boost means for institutional pride and regional recruitment. Plus, get all the essential details on upcoming fall term start dates, critical new discussions out of Salem regarding state-wide higher education efficiency, and how BMCC is tackling its budget and facility updates for the coming year.

Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) President Mark Browning dives into a bustling summer of preparation, strategic shifts, and national success. Defying traditional trends, BMCC achieved an impressive 6.5% enrollment jump this summer, powered heavily by high-demand programs like Medical Assistant and Diesel Technology, alongside a surprising surge in traditional-age students. Browning also celebrates the BMCC Rodeo Team's stunning triumph at the College National Finals Rodeo, detailing what this profile boost means for institutional pride and regional recruitment. Plus, get all the essential details on upcoming fall term start dates, critical new discussions out of Salem regarding state-wide higher education efficiency, and how BMCC is tackling its budget and facility updates for the coming year.

June 25 | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

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