Julie Depenbrock (she/her) is an assistant producer on Morning Edition. Previously, she worked at The Washington Post and on WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi Show. Depenbrock holds a master's in journalism with a focus in investigative reporting from the University of Maryland. Before she became a journalist, she was a first grade teacher in Rosebud, South Dakota. Depenbrock double-majored in French and English at Lafayette College. She has a particular interest in covering education, LGBTQ issues and the environment. She loves dogs, hiking, yoga and reading books for work (and pleasure).
Hawaiʻi’s ties to the Asia Pacific transcend geography. There’s a lot of interest among Hawaiʻi residents about our regional neighborhood. Here are four trends to watch in 2026 that may have a direct impact on Hawaiʻi.