Longtime OPB journalist and current host of “State of Wonder,” April Baer, is leaving OPB. April is moving with her family across the country to Michigan, where she will be closer to her roots and to new opportunities in the Detroit metro area.

OPB wishes April all of the best in her future endeavors and expresses gratitude for her contributions to OPB over the last 15 years.

April joined OPB in 2004 as a reporter and then served as local host of "Morning Edition." She went on to become host and producer for “State of Wonder” in 2014, when the show launched. The arts and culture program on OPB Radio covers how art is made and consumed, and features conversations about the economic, social and political currents shaping the creative economy.

Week after week, April has delivered insightful, curious and accessible reporting and entertaining conversations about our region’s creative happenings.

“April has had a profound impact on the OPB newsroom and in propelling OPB’s deep arts coverage forward,” said Morgan Holm, senior vice president and chief content officer at OPB. “Her enthusiasm and professionalism helped elevate OPB’s journalistic standards and breadth of coverage, and we are grateful for all she has brought to OPB during her time here.”

“Making ‘State of Wonder’ has been the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” said Baer. “To be in Oregon, at this time, felt amazing. I know we’ll be talking for a long time about what is happening in this region now. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to witness it. It’s hard to say goodbye to the people I’ve worked with.”

Audiences can continue to hear April on brand-new episodes of “State of Wonder” until November 2, and can expect to hear additional episodes featuring previously-aired segments through the end of the year.

We’re looking forward to bringing “State of Wonder” back in 2020 with fresh stories and interviews.

OPB remains deeply committed to arts and culture reporting, with an award-winning team of reporters and producers who will continue to tell the stories of the creative landscape and of our region’s most important artists, musicians, craftspeople and cultural icons.