Jess Hazel started hosting OPB’s Morning Edition in April 2024. They’ve previously hosted Morning Edition at stations in southern Colorado and eastern Montana. Hazel has reported on stories spanning from the criminal justice system and interviews with local politicians to free seed potatoes and 20-foot-tall paper mache puppets.

Hazel was born and raised in Montana and graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Shortly after graduation they landed their first hosting job at Yellowstone Public Radio in Billings. A few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Hazel loves all the different natural environments Oregon has to offer and enjoys exploring the outdoors in their free time. Hazel also likes playing tabletop games with friends.