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Good morning, Northwest.

Oregonians use SNAP benefits at one of the highest rates in the country.

New restrictions and the targeting of food stamps during the government shutdown suggest the program may be under threat.

OPB’s Geoff Norcross starts this morning’s newsletter by looking at the state of SNAP and the social safety net with an Oregon State University policy analyst.

Also this morning, how climate change could force Oregon vintners to rethink their relationship with pinot noir.

Here’s your First Look at Tuesday’s news.

—Bradley W. Parks

Budget fights and the federal shutdown have stressed Oregon’s SNAP program

About 1 in every 6 Oregonians gets assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. That’s one of the highest rates in the country.

Mark Edwards, the director of the Policy Analysis Lab at Oregon State University, calls that a success story.

Still, the program has been put to the test with the recent government shutdown and earlier fight over the federal budget. Does the SNAP program actually work as designed to help people struggling with food insecurity?

Edwards spoke with “All Things Considered” co-host Geoff Norcross on the state of the program that so many Oregonians rely on. (Geoff Norcross)

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3 things to know this morning

• The Willamette Valley has long been considered near-perfect for growing pinot noir. But due to climate change, warming temperatures are reshaping the valley’s signature grape. (Branden Andersen)
• More than 30 years after Oregon officially declared the Lower Umatilla Basin’s groundwater polluted, the state is on the verge of adopting rules to monitor nitrates in the area. (Antonio Sierra)
• Canby resident Matt Bunch will fill the Oregon House of Representatives seat recently vacated by state senator and gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan. (Holly Bartholomew)

Headlines from around the Northwest

• 100 Oregon troops remain under Trump’s control as California National Guard return home (Ryan Haas and Joni Auden Land)
• Oregon state Rep. Hòa Nguyễn remembered for grace, advocacy for children (Bryce Dole)
• Off-duty pilot who tried to cut a flight’s engines over Oregon won’t serve prison time, judge rules (Claire Rush)
• Rogue Brewery closes at Pier 39 in Astoria, other locations (Katie Frankowicz)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• Portland artist Marie Watt wins prestigious Heinz award 
• NW Classical Theatre and Coffee Creek Theatre present ‘Elektra’ to public audiences

Explore the striking scenery and geology of the Columbia Gorge

Thirty-nine years ago yesterday, President Ronald Reagan officially designated the Columbia River Gorge as the nation’s second national scenic area.

The geologic story of the gorge is one of volcanic eruptions and major floods.

In this story from 2017, we look at the makings of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most cherished places with Scott Burns, geology professor emeritus at Portland State University. (Jule Gilfillan)

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/11/18/snap-benefits-oregon-first-look/