Podcasts by OPB Politics Now

The political fallout from the longest walkout in Oregon history from 2023-06-16T22:14

The walkout is over, but is it really smooth-sailing to the finish line? On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, politics reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake discuss the deal, the end o...

Candidates for Governor: Jessica Gomez from 2022-04-20T14:00:03

This month, we invited nine of the candidates vying to be Oregon's next governor for interviews. The seat is open for the first time since 2015. Jessica Gomez is seeking the Republican nomination. ...

Candidates for Governor: Tobias Read from 2022-04-19T17:10:41

This month, we’re hearing from nine of the candidates vying to be Oregon's next governor. It's an open seat for the first time since 2015. Tobias Read is currently serving his second term as state ...

Portland City Council debate: Rene Gonzalez, Jo Ann Hardesty&Vadim Mozyrksy from 2022-04-19T14:00:03

With primary elections just one month away, we hear from three candidates vying for a spot on city council. Jo Ann Hardesty is currently the Portland City Commissioner Position 3 incumbent. Rene Go...

Portland City Council debate: AJ McCreary and Dan Ryan from 2022-04-18T18:14:53

With primary elections just one month away, we hear from two candidates vying for a spot on city council. Dan Ryan currently is the Portland City Commissioner Position 2 incumbent and running for r...

Candidates for Governor: Patrick Starnes from 2022-04-18T14:00:02

This month, we’re hearing from nine of the candidates vying to be Oregon's next governor. It's an open seat for the first time since 2015. Starnes is a cabinet maker and home restorer who ran on th...

Candidates for Governor: Bob Tiernan from 2022-04-17T14:00:02

This month, we’re hearing from nine of the candidates vying to be Oregon's next governor. It's an open seat for the first time since 2015. Bob Tiernan is seeking the Republican nomination. He lives...

Candidates for Governor: Stan Pulliam from 2022-04-16T14:00:02

This month, we’re hearing from nine of the candidates vying to be Oregon's next governor. It's an open seat for the first time since 2015. Stan Pulliam is seeking the Republican nomination. He’s cu...

Candidates for Governor: Bridget Barton from 2022-04-15T21:13:31

This month, we’re hearing from nine of the candidates vying to be Oregon's next governor. It's an open seat for the first time since 2015. Bridget Barton is seeking the Republican nomination. Barto...

Yamhill County's recall issues from 2022-03-25T22:12:29

For the second time this year, Yamhill County residents voted this week on whether to recall a conservative elected official. And just as happened in the earlier recall election -- focusing on two ...

OPB Politics Now: Big changes at the Oregon Legislature from 2022-03-18T21:50:40

On this week's show, we'll look at the shockingly high number of Oregon lawmakers not seeking reelection and a new effort to save a dying breed: Moderate Democrats.

What the Oregon Legislature did - and didn't - do from 2022-03-07T19:43:17

The Oregon Legislature has just finished its 2022 session. On this week's show, reporters Dirk VanderHart, Lauren Dake and Sam Stites look at what lawmakers did achieve - farmworker overtime and a ...

OPB Politics Now: Ted Wheeler moves on homelessness from 2022-03-04T18:09:21

On this special bonus episode of OPB Politics Now, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler talks to OPB's Dave Miller about his new approach on homelessness.

Oregon lawmakers have the best kind of cash problem from 2022-02-25T23:18:04

State lawmakers have $2.5 billion more than they expected. And they've got big plans to spend it. On this week's show, we break down a Democratic plan to make a dent in homelessness and a financial...

Nick Kristof is out of the race to be Oregon's next governor from 2022-02-18T22:02:08

Nick Kristof is officially out of the race for Oregon governor and will not appear on the May primary ballot as a candidate in that race. The former New York Times columnist quit his job to run for...

Nick Kristof disqualified from Oregon governor’s race from 2022-02-18T18:38:37

Nick Kristof is officially out of the race for Oregon governor and will not appear on the May primary ballot as a candidate in that race. The former New York Times columnist quit his job to run for...

Portland reaches a deal with police, but has a long way to go on homeless camping from 2022-02-11T23:04:09

Portland leaders have taken care of one big problem on their to do list: This week, they reached a labor deal with the union representing rank-and-file police officers. But Mayor Ted Wheeler’s effo...

Oregon Governor Kate Brown looks ahead to her final year in office from 2022-02-04T21:24:04

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has high hopes for her last legislative session as the state’s chief executive. She’s asking lawmakers to pass an ambitious workforce development plan called “Future Read...

Budget Tweaks, Voting Rights and Self Serve Gasoline from 2022-02-01T14:45:02

Oregon lawmakers gather this week for their biennial short session. On this special episode, OPB's political team examines some of the hotter topics on their agenda for the next 35 days.

Kristof’s campaign waits on the Oregon Supreme Court from 2022-01-28T22:31:13

Nick Kristof says he’s been a resident of Oregon his entire life. State election officials say: No he hasn’t. Now it’s up to the Oregon Supreme Court to decide whether he can run for governor. I’m ...

Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney is retiring from 2022-01-26T21:36:39

Oregon's longtime senate president is retiring. Peter Courtney is the longest-serving lawmaker in state history. The 78-year-old has presided over countless legislative sessions where he championed...

OPB Politics Now - The Problem With Interstate 5 from 2022-01-21T22:15:56

Interstate 5 is a key part of the transportation system that moves both people and goods up and down the West Coast. But the highway has problems as it winds through Portland to Washington State. O...

Big changes in Salem, bad news for Nick Kristof from 2022-01-07T23:11:04

It’s been a week of seismic change in Oregon politics: House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney both announced their departures, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nick Kris...

Calm in Salem, drama in Portland from 2021-12-17T17:03:52

Oregon lawmakers were back at the Capitol this week to prevent an eviction crisis. And Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty is suing the union representing city police officers. On this week’s sho...

A special session to protect renters from 2021-12-10T21:32:25

The Oregon legislature returns to Salem next week to prevent mass evictions. On this special episode, we'll look at the problem lawmakers will try to solve and the proposed solution.

The fight over campaign finance limits from 2021-12-10T17:38:04

Last year, Oregon voters changed the state Constitution to allow limits on how much donors can give to political campaigns. But now the progressive groups that pushed to reign in spending can’t agr...

Peter DeFazio resigns, Jaime Herrera Beutler faces a challenge on the right from 2021-12-03T23:22:26

Oregon’s longest serving member of Congress is retiring. A firebrand Trump-style Republican is trying to take out an incumbent. And we now have a lot more clarity on what 2022 Congressional races w...

OPB Politics Now - Talking climate change with Earl Blumenauer from 2021-11-09T21:35:55

On a special episode, U.S. Rep Earl Blumenauer talks with OPB's Dave Miller about the Glasgow, Scotland, U.N. Climate Change Conference.

Measure 110 Isn't Measuring Up from 2021-11-05T17:01:57

On this week's show, OPB reporter Dirk VanderHart and Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Noelle Crombie take a deep dive into Measure 110, the drug decriminalization measure voters approved last year. S...

OPB Politics Now - 2022 Races Heat Up from 2021-10-29T22:42:11

On this week's episode, OPB reporters Lauren Dake, Sam Stites and Rebecca Ellis look at how two big 2022 campaigns are heating up and at the troubling news Portland leaders received this week about...

Hot times at Portland City Hall from 2021-10-22T21:15:18

It’s been a big week in Portland City Hall -- with developments that touch on three of the most contentious issues of the day: homelessness, recent political protests and abortion. On this week's e...

Schools And Policing On The Ballot from 2021-10-15T18:41:24

On this election preview episode, OPB Southwest Washington bureau chief Troy Brynelson takes a deep dive into several local races with much broader implications.

A conversation with Senator Ron Wyden from 2021-10-08T17:29:05

In this special episode of OPB's Politics Now, we bring you a conversation with U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden.

Redistricting wrap up and the future of civility in the statehouse from 2021-09-30T17:15:25

It wasn’t pretty, but the Oregon legislature concluded its special session to redraw the state’s political maps. The question now is whether those maps -- and civility in the statehouse -- can surv...

Oregon's chaotic redistricting legislative session from 2021-09-24T18:02:27

After months of preparation, hours of hearings and hundreds of pieces of public testimony, Oregon lawmakers finally convened this week to take up the very important job of redrawing political maps....

Portland's Texas boycott fumble and what lies ahead for redistricting from 2021-09-17T22:14:50

The city of Portland made a national splash a few weeks ago when the city council announced it would be boycotting the entire state of Texas. But after the city made the headlines, the plan changed...

Oregon’s dueling redistricting plans from 2021-09-10T21:51:02

Oregon’s battle over how to draw new political maps got real late last week, when Democrats and Republicans in Salem unveiled dueling redistricting plans. Now, it’s unclear whether they can find ag...

A complicated return to in-person learning for Oregon students from 2021-08-27T21:34:27

Oregon schoolchildren are beginning to head back into the classroom. But with the delta variant exploding throughout Oregon, this school year is looking far different than what many students, paren...

Census data and a contentious redistricting process from 2021-08-20T22:29

After months of delay, the Census Bureau has finally released the detailed data that will help lawmakers create new political districts this year. Now, the interesting part begins. This week, we’ll...

Unpacking OPB’s investigation into a fatal shooting by a private security officer from 2021-07-29T21:57:53

Since last year, calls for police reform have led to meaningful policy changes in Portland and other cities throughout the country. But less scrutiny has gone to a sector that often crops up when p...

The explosive departure of Oregon’s legislative equity officer from 2021-07-22T22:26:38

The official who handles harassment complaints among lawmakers in the state Capitol recently resigned in an explosive fashion. As he left, he lobbed serious allegations of dysfunction within the of...

The Ted Wheeler recall from 2021-07-15T21:48:37

Critics of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler are collecting signatures to attempt to recall him. On this week's episode, OPB reporter Rebecca Ellis and Portland Mercury news editor Alex Zielinski talk wit...

Oregon Governor reflects on the pandemic and recovery from 2021-07-09T21:06:42

After fifteen months of COVID restrictions, Oregon is open again. But almost 2800 Oregonians have died, and our state will never be the same. We talk about the last year and a half, and the path fo...

A conversation with House Speaker Tina Kotek from 2021-06-30T20:43:15

House Speaker Tina Kotek, a Portland Democrat, spoke to OPB about the legislative session and what comes next.

Legislative wrap up from 2021-06-28T18:16

The Oregon Legislature has concluded an unprecedented session. Lawmakers passed legislation addressing the pandemic, wildfires, social equity issues and more. This week, we review the most signific...

Oregon legislative session update from 2021-06-17T20:52:51

In this week’s episode, we discuss what lawmakers have accomplished in this year’s legislative session and what work remains with one week left in the session.

New evidence and the latest fallout in the saga of Rep. Mike Nearman from 2021-06-10T22:04:48

Nearly half a year after an Oregon lawmaker allowed a crowd of far right protesters to enter the capitol building, new evidence emerged showing that Polk County Republican Mike Nearman had explaine...

An update on Capitol unsafe work environment investigations from 2021-06-04T22:02:37

In this episode, we discuss two state lawmakers who have been accused of creating an unsafe work environment in the Oregon capitol. Two separate investigations have been launched. Lawmakers are rev...

Oregon’s struggle to deliver on racial justice in the year since George Floyd’s murder from 2021-05-27T23:36:15

After a Minneapolis police officer murdered George Floyd, Oregon leaders made ambitious promises to change the state’s criminal justice system and policing standards. On this week’s episode of OPB ...

OPB Politics Now - Oregon's surprise windfall from 2021-05-21T22:14:22

On this week's episode of OPB Politics Now, editor Anna Griffin talks to reporters Dirk VanderHart and Sam Stites about Oregon's surprisingly rosy financial outlook. State economists had predicted ...

Portland’s civic life bureau shakeup from 2021-05-14T21:33:25

Portland city hall saw a shakeup this week, when a controversial bureau head announced she was leaving. On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, we’ll look at the ongoing saga in the city’s civi...

A tale of two legislatures, the sequel from 2021-05-05T18:35:07

While Oregon is still in the dramatic throes of a legislative session, our neighbors to the north are all finished with their work. In this episode, we talk through some of the highlights of Washin...

Oregon gets a 6th congressional seat from 2021-04-27T21:09:52

The new census numbers are in. And as expected, Oregon will receive a new congressional seat for the first time in 40 years. We talk about what the addition of the sixth seat could mean for the st...

A sexual harassment allegation and more COVID cases in the Oregon Legislature from 2021-04-23T21:45:06

It was a big week at the Oregon Legislature with some familiar themes: yet another lawmaker was accused of sexual harassment, there were more cases of the coronavirus and House floor sessions were ...

Sen. Hansell on why he chose to “stay and fight” by not walking out from 2021-04-20T20:34:04

In this special episode, we bring you a conversation from OPB’s “Think Out Loud” with Oregon Republican Senator Bill Hansell who is facing heat for not walking out to deny a vote on a Democratic me...

OPB Politics Now: A deal on redistricting from 2021-04-16T21:51:53

On this week's episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart talk through the deal Oregon lawmakers reached this week. Democrats agreed to parity on a committee handling th...

14OPB Politics Now - Portland Leaders Reach A Deal On Gun VIolence from 2021-04-09T22:01:56

On this week's episode of OPB Politics Now, OPB reporters Dirk VanderHart, Rebecca Ellis and Jonathan Levinson dissect the city of Portland's new deal on gun violence prevention.

A tale of two legislatures from 2021-04-02T22:24:38

In this episode, we examine why the Oregon state Legislature seems to be in a state of perpetual dysfunction, while Washington’s legislature, by comparison, has somehow managed to look like a model...

House Republicans demands pushed aside by COVID-19 case in the chamber from 2021-03-26T21:39:50

Oregon House Republicans have been slowing legislative progress in that chamber down to a crawl. Early this week, House Republicans gave their first list of demands they wanted met, possibly kickin...

Examining the police leaks aimed at Jo Ann Hardesty from 2021-03-19T22:23:45

Someone within the Portland Police Bureau is trying to smear Jo Ann Hardesty, and now city leaders say they’re investigating. In this episode, we look at the bitter relationship between a city comm...

Legislative update: Housing, controversial diesel bills and Paris Hilton from 2021-03-12T23:58:43

Democrats kicked off a big housing push this week. We’ll talk about their plans for easing the state’s ongoing crisis, and how some controversial ideas to tamp down diesel emissions could generate ...

Staffers say Portland’s civic life office is anything but civil from 2021-03-08T23:47:12

In this special episode, we hear from OPB reporter Rebecca Ellis about her report on longstanding issues at Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life.

OPB Politics Now - The governor sends kids back to school from 2021-03-05T23:11:12

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown says students need to go back to school this spring. On this special episode of OPB Politics Now, education editor Rob Manning breaks down the news with Think Out Loud host D...

OPB Politics Now - Oregon lawmakers battle over guns - again from 2021-03-05T23:10:40

On this week's episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Dirk VanderHart and Jonathan Levinson go deep on a number of gun control bills begin considered this session.

Oregon republican party shakeup from 2021-02-26T23:01:38

This week we are going to discuss what seems like a pretty major shakeup within the Oregon Republican party. Small town mayor Bill Currier is out as chair of the state GOP. Conservative State Sen. ...

Rep. Diego Hernandez announces resignation from 2021-02-22T23:25:57

Three days before Representative Diego Hernandez’s colleagues were set to vote on his possible expulsion, he resigned.

OPB Politics Now: A union at the Capitol from 2021-02-19T22:47:03

On this week’s episode, political reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake look at an unusual effort to unionize state legislative employees – what it says about the legislature and about the role...

State Rep. Diego Hernandez under fire and Oregon’s political redistricting deadline from 2021-02-05T23:27:44

State Rep. Diego Hernandez is under fire, after a panel of lawmakers determined he created a hostile work environment for women in the Capitol. And the Legislature’s plans to redraw the state’s pol...

Oregon’s GOP party and House Republicans, divided from 2021-01-29T23:11:22

This week we discuss a split between Oregon Republican lawmakers - those who serve as elected officials in the state Capitol - and their own party.

Oregon legislative session begins from 2021-01-22T22:46:49

the Portland police contract from 2021-01-15T23:32:38

On this week’s show, we look at the start of contract negotiations between the city of Portland and its rank and file police officers. The union contract is among the most important — and most cont...

OPB Politics Now - Insurrections and Capitol Safety from 2021-01-08T23:26:53

On this week's episode of OPB Politics Now, we look at the role a Republican state legislators played in a recent riot at the Oregon Capitol, the possible consequences and concerns about safety dur...

Ron Wyden Wants Another Six Years from 2021-01-04T23:21:26

In this special bonus episode of OPB Politics Now, Crystal Ligori talks to U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden about his hopes for Joe Biden, how he thinks Donald Trump will be remembered and how the 2020 reckonin...

Amanda Fritz reflects on her 12 years at Portland City Hall from 2020-12-29T22:45:07

In this special extra episode of OPB Politics Now, OPB political reporter Rebecca Ellis sits down with outgoing Commissioner Amanda Fritz for an exit interview. Fritz is retiring this year after 12...

A conversation with Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly from 2020-12-28T17:51:37

In this special episode, we’re sharing an extended conversation with Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, who is leaving office this week after one term in City Hall.

A special session wrap up and Capitol security concerns from 2020-12-22T23:14:11

he Oregon legislature met in a special one-day session this week. On paper, it was a remarkably smooth day of lawmaking. But in person, it was scary and chaotic and said some worrisome things about...

New year, new pandemic protections? from 2020-12-18T19:55:10

The new year is coming, and with it a lot of potential pain for renters, landlords, business owners, and pretty much everyone. This week, we’ll look at the measures lawmakers are hoping to pass in ...

Lawmakers remain cagey about a special legislative session from 2020-12-11T21:19:34

While the pandemic continues to batter Oregon, a moratorium on evictions expires at the end of this year if legislators don’t act. But Oregon Governor Kate Brown and state legislators haven’t yet ...

Kate Brown’s proposed budget and emails in Portland City Hall from 2020-12-04T19:55:51

Gov. Kate Brown just laid out her vision for Oregon’s next two year budget, but is it a rosier picture than the state can hope for in a pandemic? This week, we’ll look at the budget, plus an email ...

Special episode: Khanh Pham on representing East Portland, climate policy and becoming Oregon’s only Asian American lawmaker from 2020-11-25T17:36:27

We have another special episode for you. It’s a conversation with OPB’s Dave Miller and Khanh Pham

Special episode from OPB’s Timber Wars: Big money bought the forest from 2020-11-24T17:56:53

We’re taking a break this week, but we’re giving you a special episode from OPB’s Timber Wars.

A possible ‘catastrophic’ special session and a battle for House speaker from 2020-11-20T19:39:45

In this episode, we discuss the possibility of a special session to deal with the ongoing pandemic and the battle for House speaker.

The fight to be Oregon’s House Speaker from 2020-11-13T20:04:23

Oregon Democrats retained control of the both chambers of the state legislature on Election Day. But now they’re fighting over who should lead the state House. And this week, the man who runs elect...

Takeaways from Oregon’s election results from 2020-11-06T19:29:46

The dust is still settling -- and the ballots are still being counted -- from Tuesday’s election. But we’ve learned a lot about how the specific results this week impact the broader picture of Oreg...

Election night recap from 2020-11-04T20:09:32

Democrats have taken back the state’s second highest office. Portland has a two-term mayor for the first time in a generation. And voters made a huge change in campaign finance laws. On the latest ...

Trump’s impact on the Northwest from 2020-10-29T22:45:29

Four years ago, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump promised to kick start the timber industry, cut regulations for farmers and give more voice to rural parts of the Northwest. So … did he? On...

OPB Politics Now: Who will control the Oregon legislature? from 2020-10-23T22:06:56

On this special election episode of OPB Politics Now, we look at the calculus of the Oregon legislature in this campaign cycle. Can Democrats add to their majorities -- and make the 2021 session wa...

Portland area voters to consider major transportation funding ballot measure from 2020-10-21T18:14:39

The Portland metro area’s regionally elected government is asking voters to consider a measure that would fund roughly 150 transportation-focused programs and projects spanning the next 15 to 20 ye...

OPB Politics Now: Portland mayor and city council previews from 2020-10-19T16:43:11

On this special election episode of OPB Politics Now, our campaign team looks at Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's attempt to become the first two-term mayor in almost a generation. And they break down ...

OPB Politics Now: Drugs, campaign donations and cigarettes on the ballot from 2020-10-16T18:27:11

On this special election preview episode of OPB Politics Now, our reporters break down the four statewide ballot measures on the November ballot. They include limits on campaign finance donations, ...

OPB Politics Now: A live look at the ballot from 2020-10-15T18:50:41

On this special live episode of OPB Politics Now, our team of campaign reporters tell you everything you need to know to vote this year. From Olympia to Salem, from Congressional races to school bo...

OPB Politics Now: Secretary of State and other statewide campaigns from 2020-10-14T18:16:51

On this special election preview episode of OPB Politics Now, we look at the two state senators running for Oregon's second-highest office, secretary of state. We also look at the campaigns for tre...

OPB Politics Now: Portland Voters Reconsider Police Oversight from 2020-10-09T15:58:40

In this special election preview episode, OPB reporters Rebecca Ellis and Jonathan Levinson explain Ballot Measure 26-217, which would change the process for overseeing the Portland Police Bureau.

The politics of deputizing local police as federal officers from 2020-10-02T19:57:14

As right wing demonstrators prepared to rally in Portland last month, dozens of police officers were deputized as federal officers. Now, the U.S. attorney has refused requests to reverse that disti...

OPB Politics Now: Jeff Merkley vs. QAnon supporter Jo Rae Perkins from 2020-10-01T18:01:05

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley faces Jo Rae Perkins in the race for Senate. On this special episode, OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes breaks down the two campaigns.

OPB Politics Now: Hot races for the U.S. House from 2020-09-29T19:53

In this special election preview episode, OPB reporters Troy Brynelson, Jeff Mapes and Emily Cureton talk to host Tiffany Camhi about the region’s three hottest campaigns for U.S. House.

OPB Politics Now: Kids on the ballot from 2020-09-28T18:37:35

In this special election preview episode, OPB education reporter Elizabeth Miller and host Geoff Norcross break down two November ballot items: The Portland Public Schools $1.2 million bond measure...

OPB Politics Now: Stay tuned for election previews from 2020-09-25T17:46:17

Kate Brown vetoing budget bills, Oregon GOP and the voter pamphlet deadline from 2020-09-18T18:24:53

We’re catching up on an assortment of Oregon politics this week. Governor Kate Brown announced she will veto budget bills -- but those vetoes might not be legal. And the Oregon Republican Party wil...

Family members of Oregonians killed by police on grief, community and next steps from 2020-09-04T18:02:01

Three months after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, the U.S. is continuing to grapple with how to address police violence and systemic racism against Black Americans. For fo...

Oregon’s role at the Republican National Convention from 2020-08-28T19:53:17

Oregon is dominated by Democrats, but Portland played an important role this week in the Republican National Convention. This week, we look at GOP efforts to make Portland a symbol in President Don...

Ted Wheeler Doesn’t Have An Answer from 2020-08-21T20:00:32

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler says he doesn’t see a clear path to ending the nightly violence between police and protesters that have capped daily demonstrations for racial equity for more than two mo...

Whirlwind Special Session from 2020-08-12T18:16

Oregon lawmakers finished a whirlwind legislative session on Monday. They worked 15 hours. They passed 11 bills. And they managed to close a $1.5 billion budget shortfall.

Countdown to Portland’s special election from 2020-08-07T17:19:14

Portlanders have just a few more days to decide who they want to fill the City Council seat previously held by Commissioner Nick Fish, who died in January. This week, the candidates spoke to OPB Th...

Behind the scenes of the deal to remove federal officers from Portland from 2020-07-31T18:19:32

There’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to protecting the federal courthouse in downtown Portland. Gov. Kate Brown struck a deal with the Trump administration to remove federal officers whose p...

Portland City Politics With A Side Of Tear Gas from 2020-07-24T19:45:43

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler waded into the crowd of protesters fighting for racial justice this week -- and he got tear gassed by federal officers. But did that wash away his political problems?

Portland, A City Under Siege? from 2020-07-17T18:19:10

This week, federal officials described Portland as a city under siege. Local leaders say the only occupying force is federal law enforcement. In this episode, we’re examining the ongoing fight over...

No End In Sight For Portland Protests from 2020-07-10T18:35:12

For a month and a half, protests over police abuse have led to clashes on Portland streets. And with no end to the demonstrations in sight, the debate over how police react is fiercer than ever. Th...

Wrapping Up The Oregon Legislature’s Short Session from 2020-07-01T20:40:33

Oregon lawmakers met for an unusual special session last week focused on COVID-19 and racial justice. But there’s a lot they didn’t get done. This week, we look at what has and hasn’t changed in po...

Special Legislative Session Preview from 2020-06-19T19:07:49

Oregon legislators are going back to work next week for the first time since the pandemic began and protests against police became two of the biggest issues of our time. This week, we discuss what ...

Protests and Policy Shifts In Response To Racial Injustice from 2020-06-12T20:15:41

Protests against racial injustice and police brutality are leading to big policy shifts around the country. Oregon’s Capital is no different. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we discuss the police ...

OPB Politics Now: A Hot Race For Secretary Of State from 2020-05-29T20:24:38

After a wild few days, Sens. Shemia Fagan and Kim Thatcher have emerged as the Democatic and Republican candidates for secretary of state, Oregon’s second-highest office. On this week’s show, OPB p...

Oregon’s Primary Election Recap from 2020-05-20T20:29:35

It’s a special post-election episode of OPB Politics Now, and we have election results to analyze -- or at least some of them.

Countdown To The Primary Election from 2020-05-15T20:40:23

regon’s primary election is just days away. This week, we discuss questionable claims on mailers, negative ads and strange trends in endorsements.

OPB Politics Now: The Packed Race To Replace Greg Walden. from 2020-05-06T20:26:47

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden is retiring this year, giving up the only Congressional seat in Oregon held by a Republican. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for GOP politicians, and crowded ballot faces ...

OPB Politics Now: Ted Wheeler Vs. Recent History from 2020-05-05T19:51:33

Ted Wheeler is trying to accomplish something no one in Portland has managed in almost a generation -- win a second term as mayor. He faces a crowded field of challengers -- most coming at Wheeler ...

OPB Politics Now: Two To Be Multnomah County Prosecutor. from 2020-05-04T19:24:23

Two candidates are vying to be Multnomah County district attorney. They bring similar backgrounds, but different approaches to the job. OPB's Conrad Wilson and Tiffany Camhi break down the race bet...

OPB Politics Now: Who Will Replace Commissioner Nick Fish? from 2020-05-01T21:50:06

The death of longtime Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish earlier this year created a void on the Portland City Council. But for the nearly 20 hopefuls who have tossed their hats into the ring to ...

Portland-area residents consider marginal income tax to fund homeless services from 2020-04-28T20:25:17

In this episode, we lay out a ballot measure that Portland-area voters are considering in the upcoming primary election that is expected to generate about $250 million a year to help expand homeles...

Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly Faces A Big Challenge from 2020-04-24T19:11:14

Commissioner Chloe Eudaly stunned an incumbent four years ago to win her seat on the Portland City Council. Now she’s the one facing serious challengers, including former Portland Mayor Sam Adams. ...

Previewing the Secretary of State Race from 2020-04-23T20:07:56

Secretary of state is the number two statewide office in Oregon. And it’s the only statewide office currently held by Republicans. We break down the crowded Democratic primary, and the far less-cro...

Campaigning From A Distance from 2020-04-17T20:12:45

It’s hard for unknown candidates to win elections in normal times. But how about when the only way to campaign is at a distance? This week, we talk about how coronavirus is changing politics as we ...

A Prison Public Health Concern from 2020-04-10T18:30:10

Oregonians are slowly growing used to social distancing, but there are some places where staying six feet from your neighbor isn’t possible. This week, we look at what Gov. Kate Brown and others ar...

Special Legislative Session Nixed, Rose Quarter Project Moves Forward from 2020-04-03T18:52:29

The Oregon legislature will not come back for a special session to deal with COVID-19 -- at least not yet. And despite coronavirus, the most controversial public works project in the state got a br...

The Pandemic’s Effect On Campaign Politics from 2020-03-27T18:10:34

The coronavirus pandemic has upended life in the Pacific Northwest -- including campaign politics in Oregon. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’ll look at how your May and November ballots are cha...

Oregon’s Response To COVID-19 from 2020-03-20T18:25:59

The coronavirus pandemic has Oregon leaders scrambling to help people who have lost their jobs. And they’re facing pressure to do more to help -- and help curb the spread.

We're Taking the Week Off! from 2020-03-13T22:24:29

Our reporters are busy covering COVID-19. In the meantime, please wash your hands!

A Legislative Failure from 2020-03-06T18:51:13

The Oregon Legislature ended its 2020 session this week in a complete failure after Republicans walked out.

A Legislative Session On The Brink Of Collapse from 2020-02-28T18:28:45

Oregon Republican legislators from both the House and Senate walked off the job this week in protest of a major climate bill.

Cap And Trade Creeps Forward Amid A Looming Walkout from 2020-02-21T18:45:28

The Oregon legislature crept closer to a vote on a controversial plan to fight climate change this week. And it crept closer to a Republican walkout. This week, we look at where things stand with c...

A Historic Compromise For Forest Management from 2020-02-14T19:03:44

The Politics Of Timber And Climate Change from 2020-02-07T18:38:05

Logging trucks circled the Oregon Capitol this week. They were the centerpiece of a big timber community protest against a major climate bill. This week, we look at the politics of timber and clim...

Oregon Legislative Session Preview from 2020-01-31T19:12:37

Oregon Legislature’s new session starts Monday. And the threat of another Republican walkout looms large. We talk about what to look out for in the new session.

The Political Fight Between Sam Adams And Chloe Eudaly from 2020-01-23T18:52:50

An already chaotic season in Portland city politics ratcheted way up recently when Sam Adams entered the fray. The former Portland mayor brings a deep bench of allies into the race -- and he’s got ...

A Legislative Session Preview from 2020-01-18T00:19:35

This week, we talk about the AP Legislative Preview and what we can expect to see from lawmakers in the 2020 Oregon legislative session that begins February 3.

Booked and Buried from 2020-01-10T21:43:07

For the past year, OPB and the Northwest News Network have been documenting the rising death toll inside county jails across Oregon and Washington. In this special episode, Conrad Wilson and Austin...

Portland’s Police Chief Leaves For Philadelphia And Reflecting On Commissioner Nick Fish’s Life And Legacy from 2020-01-03T21:00:43

This week brought two stunning changes to Oregon’s largest city. Police Chief Danielle Outlaw left for Philadelphia. And we reflect on Commissioner Nick Fish’s life and legacy. We examine these two...

The Fight Over Freeway Expansion from 2019-12-20T19:41:19

In this episode, we discuss the growing political fight over the plan to widen Interstate 5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter.

'OPB Politics Now:' The Race To Replace Greg Walden from 2019-12-13T18:30:58

The race to replace U.S. Rep. Greg Walden get even more interesting this week as former gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler joined what is proving to be a crowded Republican field.

On...

Tobacco, Vaping Tax And Another Failed Recall Effort from 2019-12-06T18:47:04

Historically, the tobacco industry has spent millions of dollars to protect itself from new regulations and tax increases. But now health care providers are pledging big money to a ballot measure t...

'OPB Politics Now': Climate Change Legislation And Zombie Bridge 2.0 from 2019-11-22T18:36

Just five months ago, an unprecedented drama over climate change legislation shook the state Capitol. Now lawmakers are gearing up to meet again in three months — and the rush is on to avoid a simi...

The Rising Cost Of Pristine Water from 2019-11-15T18:51:25

The Portland region is headed for big fights over how it gets its water. And we’re also about to see much higher bills. This week, we dive deep into expensive problems facing Portland-area leaders ...

Rep. Greg Walden Calls It Quits, Washington Affirmative Action Debate from 2019-11-01T17:35:32

Oregon’s only Republican in Congress announced he’s retiring next year. We break down Greg Walden’s announcement and talk about the battle in Washington over affirmative action.

Women of Color In Politicsnew messagesWomen of Color In Politics from 2019-10-25T16:10:41

In this special episode, we share a conversation from OPB's Think Out Loud that features four women of color who share their experiences in running for office in Oregon.

Grab Bag: Brown Recall Effort, Sondland Testimony, Wheeler Reelection Campaign from 2019-10-18T18:03:50

Governor Kate Brown’s job is safe for now. We can’t say the same for Ambassador Gordon Sondland. Ted Wheeler wants to be the mayor of Portland for four more years. And a bunch of people are applyin...

The Power Of Public Employee Unions In Oregon from 2019-10-11T17:39:47

Public employee unions have historically been one of the reasons Democrats enjoy a stranglehold on Oregon politics. But that might be changing. In this episode, we look at how a vote on state emplo...

Gordon Sondland’s Connection To The Impeachment Inquiry from 2019-10-04T17:40:58

National news was dominated by impeachment talk this week, but amid all the conversation about the Trump administration and Ukraine, there’s an Oregon angle. We’ll tell you how a Portland hotel own...

The Changing Politics Of Drugs from 2019-09-27T18:08:14

The cannabis industry is booming in the Pacific Northwest -- and now state leaders and industry advocates want banks to get involved. Plus, there’s a move afoot to ask Oregon voters to decriminaliz...

Picking Judges And A House Republican Leadership Shakeup from 2019-09-20T17:06

This week we discuss Governor Kate Brown’s proclaimed commitment to government transparency -- including in how she picks her judges. We also discuss a shakeup in House Republican leadership.

The State Of Government Transparency from 2019-09-13T17:52:07

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown promised to improve transparency when she was elected. But this week the state’s first-ever public records advocate quit. This week we talk about the state of transparency in...

The Start Of Campaign Season from 2019-08-30T16:40

It’s Labor Day weekend, otherwise known as the ceremonial start of the upcoming campaign year. We give you a rundown of what to watch for as the state and local campaigns heat up.

The Governor Isn't Running, But Keeps Raising Cash from 2019-08-23T20:29:03

Governor Kate Brown can't seek reelection again, yet her future was the big question in Oregon politics this week. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Dirk VanderHart ...

Fallout From The 2019 Session from 2019-08-16T17:56:39

This week, OPB politics reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart and Jeff Mapes discuss some of the repercussions we’re already seeing from the 2019 legislative session.

Oregon’s Gun Control Debate from 2019-08-09T17:14:55

the recent horrific mass shootings have once again prompted the gun control debate to take center stage. This week, we localize the national conversation around gun control and talk about what has ...

Bundyville: Political Extremism Goes Mainstream from 2019-07-26T16:39:57

We’re taking a break at OPB Politics Now to recover from the 2019 Oregon legislature and prepare for the 2020 campaign cycle. While we’re off, here’s a special look at season 2 of Bundyville, a pod...

The Future Of Oregon’s Effort To Fight Climate Change from 2019-07-19T17:13:45

We’re taking some time off to recover from the legislative session, but in the meantime here’s a spirited conversation from our friends at Think Out Loud about the future of Oregon’s efforts to fi...

The Politics Of Protests from 2019-07-12T17:20:03

Once again, protests in downtown Portland have ended in brawls between the far left and far right. And once again, Portland leaders face criticism for their inability to prevent violence. This week...

Special Episode: Oregon Governor Kate Brown Talks Legislative Session from 2019-07-02T20:53:49

OPB’s Dave Miller spoke to Oregon Governor Kate Brown in this special episode of OPB Politics Now.

Wrapping Up The Wild, Weird Oregon Legislature Session from 2019-07-01T21:36:04

The Oregon legislature finished its work this weekend with a flurry of votes. And despite the nine-day Republican walkout, Democrats left Salem with a lot of what they wanted. On a special episode ...

The Demise of HB 2020 And The Rise of the Senate Republicans from 2019-06-28T21:01:45

After skipping work for nine days, the 11 Senate Republicans are coming back to town. Victorious.

Republicans Walk Out Again from 2019-06-21T17:56:57

Senate President Peter Courtney is vowing to fine Republican senators who walked off the job. And he’s getting Governor Kate Brown’s help to send out the state police to round up the errant lawmak...

Oregon Looks To Fight Climate Change from 2019-06-14T18:18:25

Oregon leaders are poised to take a crack at fighting climate change with legislators on the verge of passing a landmark cap-and-trade bill that aims to significantly curb the state’s carbons emiss...

It’s Legislative Pop Quiz Time from 2019-06-07T17:16:30

The Oregon legislature is headed into its final weeks, and there is too much happening to fit into one podcast. So we’re doing things a little differently. It’s legislative pop quiz time.

The Cost of Changing Election Campaign Finance Limits And Remembering Jackie Winters from 2019-05-31T17:14:24

This week at the Oregon legislature, lawmakers started work on campaign finance limits that don’t go quite as far as you might expect. And they mourned one of their own. We look at how much those c...

Portland Budget Discussion Sets Stage For Unpleasant 2020 Campaign Season from 2019-05-24T17:23:54

Portland’s city council just passed its yearly budget, and things got ugly. This week, we unpack the budget, and how it’s setting the stage for a very unpleasant 2020 campaign season in Oregon’s la...

Oregon’s Biggest Kicker Yet And Landmark School Funding from 2019-05-17T17:35:30

Bills on vaccines and guns are out. Landmark school funding is in, and this year’s Legislative session shows no sign of slowing down. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we hash out a hectic week in S...

Senate Republicans Walk Out Of the Oregon Statehouse: Now What? from 2019-05-10T17:53:40

Republican members of the Oregon Senate walked off the job this week to prevent a vote on a $2-billion tax plan for public schools. In the latest edition of the OPB Politics Now podcast, political ...

A Big Business Tax To Help Education from 2019-05-03T17:13:56

The Oregon House this week approved billions of dollars in new business taxes that would help fund education in the state. We explain how it would work in this week’s episode.

The Politics of Vaccines from 2019-04-26T17:07:05

On this week’s “OPB Politics Now,” OPB News Editor Anna Griffin talks to OPB healthcare reporter Kristian Foden-Vencil and OPB political reporter Dirk VanderHart about the politics of vaccines and ...

How Oregon Sentences Juvenile Offenders from 2019-04-19T17:33:38

On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, we’re talking about the intersection of politics and criminal justice — including how Oregon should treat young offenders who are convicted of committing...

Kate Brown’s PERS Plan And A Midpoint Legislative Session Update from 2019-04-12T17:19:11

The 2019 Legislative session is already halfway through, and Oregon lawmakers still have an insane amount of work to do. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we take the temperature of this very ambiti...

Gun Bills And A New Secretary Of State from 2019-04-05T17:26:03

Security in the state Capitol was extra tight this week as lawmakers considered whether to expand the state’s gun control laws. And we have a new Secretary of State. Now four of five statewide offi...

Dark Money and the Ghost of the Columbia River Crossing from 2019-03-29T17:46:30

Oregon lawmakers were busy in Salem again this week. We’ll talk cap and trade and the Columbia River Crossing. Plus, we’ll discuss how lawmakers are trying to address the use of so-called dark money.

Oregon’s Troubled Foster Care System from 2019-03-22T16:39:11

OPB has spent months digging deep on how Oregon handles its most vulnerable children. In this episode, we take a closer look at what’s plaguing the state’s child welfare system.

Portland’s Attempt At Housing Development And A Highway Expansion from 2019-03-15T17:30:53

Portland is changing—and it’s fighting about how it changes every step of the way. We look at the debates over new housing and congested highways that are sweeping over the Rose City. And we’ll tal...

Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s Presidential Bid And What’s Next For Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley from 2019-03-08T18:18:56

Washington Governor Jay Inslee is out on the presidential campaign trail. But Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has decided it’s not in the cards for him. We explain what’s up with these two prominent No...

Dennis Richardson’s Legacy and This Week in Salem from 2019-03-01T18:47:16

It’s been an intense week in the Capitol. Oregon became the first in the nation to pass statewide rent control. Senate President Peter Courtney has found himself under increasing pressure over how ...

Oregon’s Republican Party And The Struggle To Be Relevant from 2019-02-22T17:54:18

The Oregon Republican Party is struggling with irrelevancy. There’s only one Republican in statewide office, and only one in the state congressional delegation. Can this party be saved? We look at...

Portland Leaves FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force from 2019-02-15T19:04:49

The Portland City Council reconsidered its relationship with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force this week. But is this really the best form of government for making these kinds of decisions? An i...

Oregon’s Housing Crisis from 2019-02-08T18:14:14

For years, it’s been up to cities to solve their own housing problems. But Oregon’s housing crisis is now a statewide issue, and legislative leaders are rushing to respond. Two bills being consider...

Back to Work in the Oregon Legislature from 2019-02-01T18:11:11

The Oregon legislature is back at work, and they’re considering two big changes to help the environment. This week, we talk cap and trade and plastic straws, plus take a look at ways to make the Pa...

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Pushing Campaign Finance Change from 2019-01-25T18:01:14

Oregon Governor Kate Brown is pushing legislators to adopt new limits on big money in state campaigns. We explain what she’s up to, and the big hurdles standing in her way in this episode.

Oregon Legislative Preview from 2019-01-16T18:25:48

The Oregon Legislature takes up a jam-packed agenda when it gets underway next week. We’ll give you a quick rundown of the major issues.

The $22 Billion Question_Understanding PERS from 2019-01-11T17:28:05

A New Era In Portland City Hall, A Hostile Work Environment at the Capitol from 2019-01-04T18:47:59

It’s a new era at Portland City Hall as Commissioner Jo An Hardesty replaces Dan Saltzman, one of the longest-serving city officials ever. We’ll look at what this big change says about Portland pol...

The Right To Privacy Vs. The Public’s Right To Know from 2018-12-21T18:19:33

In June, Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson announced he had brain cancer. In this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’ll discuss the delicate balance between a person’s right to privacy and the p...

Combating Sexual Harassment In Oregon, Washington Legislatures from 2018-12-14T18:28:08

Legislators in Oregon and Washington promise to clean up their act next year when it comes to combating sexual harassment in their own ranks. In this episode, we look at what’s changing and whether...

3 Works In Progress: Tolling, Baseball and BOLI from 2018-12-07T18:18

We take a look at the political ramification of three works in progress: The push to toll several roads in the Portland region, the pursuit of Major League Baseball for Oregon and the Bureau of Lab...

Kate Brown’s $23.6 Billion Budget and a Looming Tax Hike from 2018-11-30T18:20:54

The economy is buzzing. Unemployment rates are low. Yet, the state of Oregon is facing a budget shortfall. In this week’s OPB Politics Now, we dig into the governor’s $23.6 billion budget proposal ...

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Very Bad Week from 2018-11-16T18:23:42

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler had perhaps the worst week of his tenure. First, his colleagues on the Portland City Council refused to give him more power over where and when political protests can be ...

Learning From Washington About Gun Control And A Carbon Tax from 2018-11-09T18:21:25

Next year, Oregon lawmakers plan to take up gun control and climate change. And coincidentally, Washington voters just considered the same issues. We’ll look at the Evergreen State’s recent fights ...

It’s Election Night, And We Have Winners from 2018-11-07T07:39:38

It’s Finally Election Day, And We Have Winners — And Losers. In this special late-night edition of OPB Politics Now, our team of reporters breaks down the results in the Oregon governor’s race, Por...

Supermajorities and the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance from 2018-11-02T17:43:19

We’ve talked a lot about national politics this year, but local races matter too. Oregon voters are deciding whether Democrats will take back a supermajority -- and face an easier path to raising t...

Race For Oregon Governor Is Down To The Wire from 2018-10-26T17:23:23

This year’s campaign for Oregon governor is the most expensive in state history. On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, we compare Governor Kate Brown and Republican challenger Knute Buehler o...

Ballot Measure Bonanza from 2018-10-23T17:33:06

Oregon voters face big decisions this election on abortion, immigration and tax policy. In this special episode, OPB reporters explain the history and ramifications of four measures on the Nov. 6 b...

Breaking Down Your 2018 Ballot – Live! from 2018-10-22T22:50:44

Ballots have hit the mail in Oregon. On this live episode of OPB Politics Now, the team breaks down the big issues on Oregon and Southwest Washington ballots, including all five statewide Oregon me...

Hot Congressional Races in SW Washington and Oregon from 2018-10-19T17:27:19

Democrats are trying to take back control of the US House. Two of the Republican incumbents they’re targeting are in the Pacific Northwest. We discuss hot Congressional races in Southwest Washingto...

Kate Brown In-Depth Special from 2018-10-15T22:37:24

Hear from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kate Brown in this special episode of OPB Politics now.

Knute Buehler In-Depth Special from 2018-10-15T22:37:19

Hear from Republican gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler in this special episode of OPB Politics now.

Patrick Starnes In-Depth Special from 2018-10-15T22:37:11

Hear from Independent gubernatorial candidate Patrick Starnes in this special episode of OPB Politics now.

Portland City Council: Hardesty vs. Smith from 2018-10-12T18:15:07

We discuss the historic runoff election for the open Portland City Council seat.

Breaking Down Measures 103 And 104 from 2018-10-05T17:45:52

Oregon voters have two tax measures to consider when ballots arrive later this month. One would ban taxes on groceries. Another would make it harder for legislators to raise revenue.

Breaking Down Measures 105 and 106 from 2018-09-28T17:19:43

Oregon is a consistently liberal state. Yet conservative activists have succeeded in putting measures on the November ballot that would change state law on abortion and immigration. On this week’s ...

Portland City Council Race, Proposed Clean Energy Tax and A Regional Housing Measure from 2018-09-21T17:27:47

Portland City Council candidate JoAnn Hardesty is facing some big questions about her financial past. We’ll discuss that, along with the ins and outs of a regional housing measure and a proposed P...

The Intersection of Star Power, Sports and Politics from 2018-09-07T17:23:45

Recent history has shown that star power can help you get elected to public office. But can it work when the office you want is county commissioner? And, do sports fans care which party Paul Allen ...

Teacher Turmoil and Sheriff’s Against Sanctuary Law from 2018-08-31T17:10:44

Southwest Washington’s teachers are on strike, and almost half of Oregon’s sheriff’s despise one of the country’s oldest sanctuary laws.

Oregon House Candidate Ignores Requests To Step Down, Trump Berates Ted Wheeler from 2018-08-24T17:02:12

A US House candidate’s entire campaign staff resigns. A state House candidate ignores calls from his own party to step aside. And the president of the United States berates the mayor of Portland.

Behind the politics with Kate Brown from 2018-08-17T18:17:38

On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, deep-dive conversations with the Republican and Democratic candidates for Oregon governor about their lives beyond politics.

Behind the politics with Knute Buehler from 2018-08-17T17:50

On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, deep-dive conversations with the Republican and Democratic candidates for Oregon governor about their lives beyond politics.

Washington's Wild Primary from 2018-08-10T17:46:21

The big political news this week was north of the Columbia River as Washington voters held their primary. It suddenly became very clear that we could have three very close congressional races in th...

Fresh Batch of Controversy In The Oregon Statehouse from 2018-08-03T17:02:16

In the last year, allegations of sexual harassment have rocked the Oregon Legislature. Now there’s new controversy. Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian has accused legislative leaders of permitting a c...

The Fight Over Oregon's Unions from 2018-07-27T16:58:22

It’s a new world for the powerful public employee unions in Oregon now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled states can’t require public employees to pay dues to unions that represent them in the w...

Ted Wheeler's Big Problem from 2018-07-20T17:31:52

No issue has plagued Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler like homelessness. Now, a new analysis of police arrests has both activists and the city’s police union lobbing fresh criticism at the mayor. I’m Dir...

Oregon House Democratic Supermajority On The Ropes from 2018-07-13T17:19:07

In Central Oregon, accusations of harassment against one candidate could sink Democratic hopes of a supermajority in the Oregon House. And in the suburbs of Portland, the lone African American woma...

A Tough Week for Unions and Gun Control Advocates in the Northwest from 2018-06-29T17:41:39

Between Supreme Court decisions in Washington D-C and ballot measures in Salem, this was a tough week for progressives and a good one for conservatives in the Pacific Northwest.

The Collision of Politics and Criminal Justice from 2018-06-22T17:28:51

Oregon’s attorney general is joining yet another lawsuit against the Trump Administration, this time over the family separation policy.
We’ll look what happens politically when a Democratic-le...

Oregon’s Potential Ballot Fight Over Abortion from 2018-06-15T17:18:34

Of all the ballot fights Oregonians could expect later this year, abortion may be the most surprising. Hyper blue Oregon has repeatedly shot down new restrictions on abortion over the years. But no...

Pacific Northwesterners Positioning For The White House from 2018-06-08T17:19:36

When it comes to presidential politics, Oregon and Washington aren’t exactly battleground states. This week, we’ll discuss some Pacific Northwesterners who seem to be positioning themselves for a r...

Follow the Money from 2018-05-25T17:02:59

It was a big week for tax news in Oregon. This week, we bring you inside the special session on a business tax break. And we talk about why Oregon income taxpayers might be getting another one of ...

The Changing Demographic Of Oregon Politics from 2018-05-18T17:44:22

Pundits are calling this the year of the woman in politics. But in Oregon, this demographic shift has been years in the making. On this week’s episode of OPB politics now, we examine the changing d...

Unpacking The Primaries from 2018-05-16T17:33:39

On this special edition of OPB Politics Now, news director Anna Griffin and senior political reporter Jeff Mapes walk through the May primary results and the general election to come.

Oregon Primary Election Crunch Time from 2018-05-11T17:28:08

Oregon’s primary election is days away, and candidates are making their final frantic pleas to voters. And in some races, that’s taking a negative turn. In this week’s Politics Now podcast, we look...

Local Race Grab Bag! from 2018-05-04T17:32:09

The primary election is a week and a half away, and some of Oregon’s most fascinating races are happening on the local level. Will Portland elect its first woman of color to city council? Who’s poi...

May Primaries: The Legislature and Labor Commissioner from 2018-04-27T17:41:49

Ballots for the May 15th primary are arriving, and and we’ve got you covered on the latest OPB Politics Now podcast. OPB political reporters talk about some of the key legislative races and the sta...

Oregon's Republican Primary Election And The November Matchup from 2018-04-20T17:10:45

State Representative Knute Buehler has been crowned the likely GOP front-runner for governor and he has virtually ignored the Republican primary. His opponents say he’s not conservative enough for ...

The Importance of Government Structures from 2018-04-13T17:12:28

Sometimes the structure of government voters choose is just as important as who they elect. We’ll look at why Bend may get a stronger mayor, Eugene voters have two different auditor measures to con...

The Wapato Jail And Homelessness in Portland from 2018-04-06T17:13:34

Multnomah County leaders thought they finally had to deal to sell off the Wapato Jail. But when it comes to this particular large government white elephant, things are never easy. OPB News Director...

High Drama Over An Effort To Ban Assault Weapons, And Other Oregon Ballot Initiative Tales from 2018-03-30T17:29:15

Students and an interfaith group are launching a last-minute attempt to get a measure on the Oregon ballot to ban military-style guns. OPB reporters Jeff Mapes and Dirk VanderHart and Claire Withy...

The Legislature Leaves And The Republicans Arrive from 2018-03-05T18:29:07

On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’ll wrap up the 2018 legislative session and examine the state of the Oregon Republican Party going into primary season.

Crunch Time In The Oregon Legislature from 2018-03-02T18:58:25

Oregon lawmakers are rushing toward adjourning the 2018 session, so we’re taking a last-minute look at the prospects for several of the major bills still in the pipeline. Jeff Mapes, OPB’s senior ...

‘OPB Politics Now:’ The Politics Of Guns from 2018-02-23T18:20:45

The mass shooting in Florida has reignited the debate over gun control. Washington and Oregon are solidly blue states. But guns are one issue where Democratic lawmakers have struggled to build cons...

Examining The Proposal That Would Make Health Care A Right In Oregon from 2018-02-16T18:03:52

The Oregon House this week passed a resolution that would ask voters to create a constitutional right providing “access to effective, medically appropriate and affordable health care.” As the reso...

Addressing Climate Change In The Northwest from 2018-02-09T18:10

This week on "OPB Politics Now," we’ll discuss the policies both Oregon and Washington are considering to tackle climate change at the state level. OPB political reporter Lauren Dake talks with Cas...

Oregon Legislature Short Session from 2018-02-02T18:06:29

Oregon legislators will be starting their short session that they hold in even years. We talk about what’s on the agenda in the latest episode of OPB Politics Now.

Oregon Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Measure 101 from 2018-01-24T18:25

Oregon voters have overwhelmingly approved a package of health care taxes to ensure low-income Oregonians will keep their health coverage.

We discuss the aftermath of the $320 million r...

Oregon's Lone Republican Congressman Greg Walden Sees Power Shift Under Trump from 2018-01-19T18:28:17

Since Donald Trump’s presidential victory, Oregon’s lone Republican congressman, Greg Walden, has enjoyed a higher profile and more power. But with more influence comes extra scrutiny. OPB politica...

Understanding Measure 101 from 2018-01-12T18:40

Oregon voters will decide on Jan. 23 whether or not to approve up to $320 million in hospital and insurance taxes to help pay for the state’s share of Medicaid. The system funded by both federal a...

A Look Ahead At 2018 from 2018-01-05T18:05:32

There are many questions facing Oregonians in 2018. Who will be Oregon’s next governor? Should any Congressional representatives worry about midterm elections? Will Oregon highways get tolls? We lo...

In-Depth On Vera Katz from 2017-12-29T19:25

Please fill out our survey and tell us what you want to hear in 2018: http://opb.org/politicsnow

Vera Katz was small in stature, b...

The Politics Of Train Travel from 2017-12-22T18:07:04

The deadly crash of Amtrak train 501 near Tacoma Monday is drawing new scrutiny of passenger rail funding and oversight. Communities have been voicing concerns about the rerouting of the Cascades l...

Vera Katz’s Legacy&Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Handling Of Homelessness from 2017-12-15T18:31:38

Vera Katz passed away this week at age 84. She served three terms as Portland mayor, which has become a rare accomplishment.
Every mayor since has only served one term. She was also the first ...

Oregon National Monument Faces An Uncertain Future from 2017-12-08T18:31:53

President Trump ordered the shrinking of two national monuments in Utah this week. Attention immediately shifted to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says ...

OHA Audit Shows Millions Misspent from 2017-12-01T18:10:18

Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson has just released an audit that shows the Oregon Health Authority misspent millions in taxpayer dollars. OHA oversees medical coverage for more than a qu...

Dennis Richardson's Backstory from 2017-11-22T15:51

We’re bringing you a conversation with an Oregon political figure that you might have missed when it originally aired. Secretary of State Dennis Richardson opened up to OPB host Kate Davidson as pa...

Kruse And Kitzhaber Back In The Spotlight from 2017-11-17T18:14:01

Oregon State Senator Jeff Kruse faces explosive new allegations of sexual misconduct. Former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine for ethics violations surrounding his res...

Election Wrap-Up from 2017-11-09T17:41

In Oregon, voters said "yes" to money for Portland Community College and "no" to a major structural change in Douglas County government. Washington voters elected a candidate to the Port of Vancouv...

Last Minute November Ballot Cheat Sheet from 2017-11-03T17:26:25

The November 7 special election will decide the balance of power in the Washington Legislature. It will also determine if Portland Community College gets $185 million for expansion. We talk about t...

Sexual Harassment In Salem from 2017-10-27T17:33:11

The current nationwide discussion about sexual harassment that started with allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has spread far and wide, including to the Oregon Capital. State S...

What Is ‘Home Rule’ And Why Should You Care? from 2017-10-19T16:52:41

This November, Douglas County voters will be asked to approve a Home Rule charter. It would dramatically change how the county is governed. The county commission would expand from three to five mem...

Portland Girds For A Freeway Fight from 2017-10-13T17:02:15

A proposed I-5 expansion through the Rose Quarter has become about MUCH more than a few more highway lanes. It touches on racism, privilege, Portland’s relationship with the state and how leaders e...

Guns, Health Care And The Oregon Ballot from 2017-10-06T17:36:30

Oregonians might have the opportunity to vote on a controversial new tax that’s designed to prop up the state’s Medicaid program. But they won’t get to weigh in on a new law that allows the confisc...

Health Care Stakes Are High For Oregon from 2017-09-29T17:05:09

Analysts predicted Oregon would lose more than any other state if the latest attempt to roll back the Affordable Care Act was enacted. It won’t be, though. The bill known was Graham-Cassidy was she...

Oregon's Sanctuary Law Under Fire from 2017-09-22T17:14:39

Attorney General Jeff Sessions visited Portland this week, and railed against Oregon’s law that prohibits state law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration agents. He said th...

Portland City Council Race Gets Interesting from 2017-09-15T17:13:01

Commissioner Dan Saltzman sent ripples through Portland city government when he announced he would not run next year. His replacement could be a woman of color, which would be a first for the counc...

The Politics of Wildfire from 2017-09-08T17:24:15

Wildfires have scorched over 800 square miles in Oregon this year. Our lawmakers are trying to get more federal money to help the firefighting effort. Hurricanes have focused the federal government...

How Are We Going To Fix PERS? from 2017-09-01T17:02:47

Oregon Governor Kate Brown is under pressure to reduce the state’s liability for the public pension system. This week, the governor's task force on the pension deficit put forth several ideas for h...

Answers To Your Kicker Questions! from 2017-08-25T16:08

Oregon’s unique “kicker” law means taxpayers will get $464 million in rebates next year. The news comes shortly after a legislative session that worked to close a $1.4 million spending gap. Yep, it...

Oregon Governor’s Race Brings In The Money from 2017-08-18T17:10:17

Nike co-founder Phil Knight gave GOP candidate for Oregon governor Knute Buehler’s campaign $500,000 this week. Even with that huge cash infusion, Buehler has way less money on hand than incumbent ...

The Game Is Afoot from 2017-08-11T16:05

You may think of August as a slow month for political news, but some of Oregon’s 2018 races are already heating up. OPB’s senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and news director Anna Griffin join ho...

The Future Of The Portland Police from 2017-08-04T18:42

There’s a lot going on in the Portland Police Bureau these days. There’s the search for a permanent chief. The mayor has also proposed a new model for community oversight, which is attracting criti...

An East Coast View Of Oregon from 2017-07-28T18:15:01

This week, the Washington Post posted an interview with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, who is an anomaly these days: a woman governor leading a state with a Democratic majority in the statehouse. Only Rho...

Oregon Governor Brown At The End Of The Session from 2017-07-21T17:48:29

We’re taking advantage of a slow week in Oregon politics to bring you a recent conversation with Oregon Governor Kate Brown on OPB’s "Think Out Loud."

Host Dave Miller sat down with Brow...

Now What? from 2017-07-14T17:35:49

Now that Oregon lawmakers are finished with passing bills for a while, they have time to consider their next moves. We dig into the election maneuvering now taking wing. We’ll talk about which poli...

That’s A Wrap! from 2017-07-10T23:29:33

The 2017 Oregon legislative session is finally over! On this special episode, we talk about what passed, what didn’t, and where all of that leaves Oregon politics. OPB senior political reporter Jef...

Oregon Bucks The Trend On Health Coverage from 2017-07-07T17:37:48

***As of our taping Friday morning, the Oregon Legislature is still in session. Look for a special episode Monday, July 10 recapping the highlights once the session wraps up.***

While...

Lurching Towards Sine Die from 2017-06-30T16:54

Oregon lawmakers are making their way to the end of the session in fits and starts. They have to wrap up by July 10, and billions of dollars in transportation funding still hangs in the balance. Wh...

Corporate Tax Reform Dies In Salem from 2017-06-23T16:48:23

Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced she and her fellow Democrats are abandoning efforts to increase corporate tax revenue. As a deadline looms to close a $1.4 billion budget gap, Brown and lawmake...

Special Episode: Kitzhaber Is Cleared from 2017-06-19T19:38:11

Former Governor John Kitzhaber was a giant of Oregon politics until he resigned amidst an influence-peddling scandal in 2015. Two years later, the federal investigation into Kitzhaber and his fianc...

A Busy Week For Oregon Senators from 2017-06-16T17:31:32

Wyden and Merkley made national news this week, albeit for different reasons. During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Ron Wyden got into an exchange with Attorney General Jeff Sessions that...

Lawmakers' Plan To Fill $1.4 Billion Budget Hole, Motor Voter Voters from 2017-06-09T17:08:39

On the latest episode of "OPB Politics Now," we discuss Oregon lawmaker's proposals for closing the state's $1.4 billion budget shortfall. Democratic leaders announced a corporate tax plan that wou...

The Political Aftermath Of The Portland Train Stabbing from 2017-06-02T18:25

On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we talk about the political aftermath of the recent attack on a MAX train that left two men dead and one seriously injured. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s r...

Ultimatums For Portland Water Bureau&Washington Legislature from 2017-05-26T17:03:52

This week, the Portland Water Bureau and the Washington Legislature were told to stop lollygagging on critical issues. The Oregon Health Authority ordered the City of Portland to treat its water fo...

A Tale Of Two Revenue Forecasts from 2017-05-19T18:38:45

Depending on their party, lawmakers saw very different things in the quarterly economic and revenue forecast that came out this week. Either we have a broken tax system or more tax revenue than the...

Tolls And Trees, Also Pie from 2017-05-12T19:23:23

Oregon lawmakers unveiled an $8.2 billion transportation package, which will widen highways and shore up bridges. The money will come from a combination of gas and sales taxes, and maybe even tolls...

This Is Not A Rerun from 2017-05-05T17:24:21

This week, the U.S. House took up a replacement bill for the Affordable Care Act, a protest in Portland got violent, and the Oregon Legislature released a corporate tax proposal. Sound familiar? Listen

Is There Any Money For Schools? from 2017-04-28T18:27:28

Voters across Oregon will decide whether to devote millions to new school construction this May. At the same time, the Legislature is trying to come up with school funding for the next two years. W...

What’s Dead and What’s Alive Halfway Through the Legislative Session? from 2017-04-21T16:50:56

Now that we’re about halfway through this legislative session, OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman join host Julie Sabatier to talk about which bills are dead and which ones are mov...

Greg Walden Faces the Music from 2017-04-14T18:30:25

Oregon’s only Republican member of Congress is holding six town hall meetings in his district this month, and boy do his constituents have a lot to say! This time, host Geoff Norcross talks with OP...

Taxes are Imminent! from 2017-04-07T17:35:24

With Tax Day approaching, we dig into tax reform efforts at the national, state and local levels. OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes brings us input from former Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood on th...

EXTRA: Peter Courtney on Politics, Pessimism and More from 2017-03-31T18:35:57

We bring you a wide-ranging interview with Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney from OPB's Think Out Loud. As you'll discover right away, he's not only a fixture in Oregon politics — he's a real ...

Oregon Resists Trump from 2017-03-31T18:10:29

Oregon’s leaders are picking fights with the Trump administration on a number of issues. The administration is pushing back, threatening to withhold grants from states that don’t get in line. Host ...

Liberals vs Liberals at Portland City Hall from 2017-03-24T21:10:29

Portland commissioners are trying to enact a progressive agenda, but activists in council chambers are yelling at them to focus more on police reform and homelessness. With supporters of liberal ca...

Walden Works On Health Care from 2017-03-17T17:00:22

Description: Oregon GOP Congressman Greg Walden is at the center of Republican efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). The bill his committee came up with is not universally lov...

The State of the Oregon GOP from 2017-03-10T18:32:12

Republicans in Oregon are feeling pretty good about themselves these days. The party holds the second-highest office in the state, and is expecting to mount a serious challenge to the Democrats’ ho...

Roads and Bridges from 2017-03-03T17:40:20

President Trump said in a speech before Congress that he wants $1 trillion for infrastructure projects. Oregon lawmakers would love to get a cut of that. A transportation package is one of their to...

Money, Money, Money from 2017-02-24T18:04:40

Economists say Oregon will have an extra $200 million to spend in the next budget cycle. That sounds like a lot of money, until you realize that lawmakers are facing a budget gap of nearly $2 billi...

Renter Rights vs Landlord Rights from 2017-02-17T17:55:40

This week, the podcast takes up a controversial issue in Portland and around the state: renter protections. We dig into the new city ordinance that requires landlords to assist tenants with relocat...

Washington State Resists Trump's Travel Ban from 2017-02-10T17:45:33

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has become the face of the resistance to President Trump’s travel ban. As a federal court considers his lawsuit against the administration, we talk mo...

Oregon Senators on Trump Nominees&Walden on Healthcare from 2017-02-03T21:10:25

Both of Oregon's U.S. senators are working against President Trump's nominees, including his pick for the Supreme Court. Host Julie Sabatier and senior political reporter Jeff Mapes talk about the ...

Upcoming Legislative Session And A $2 Billion Budget Gap from 2017-01-27T17:50:28

This week, OPB Politics Now digs into the upcoming legislative session in Salem. It begins in a few days, and it’s going to be tough sledding. Lawmakers have to close a nearly $2 billion budget ga...

Analyzing Trump's Inaugural Speech from 2017-01-20T19:15:35

Oregon Historical Society executive director Kerry Tymchuk, who worked as a speechwriter for former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole and an aide to former U.S. Senator for Oregon Go...

Gov Kate Brown on Guns, Taxes, and PERS Reform from 2017-01-13T17:55:28

Amid a busy news week, you might have missed Kate Brown being sworn in as Oregon’s Governor. On this episode, OPB reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman talk with host Julie Sabatier about what Brow...

New Year, New Portland City Government from 2017-01-06T18:20:53

Will Ted Wheeler buck the trend of one-term mayors in Portland? For our first episode of 2017, we look at the challenges of running the city at a time when incivility is rampant at council meetings...

Year End Extra: The Rise and Fall of Steve Novick from 2016-12-30T17:40:18

We're still technically off this week, but we’ve got a little treat for you: a feature produced by OPB News Director (and frequent OPB Politics Now guest) Anna Griffin about the political rise and ...

Trump Picks Zinke For Interior Secretary from 2016-12-16T18:15:36

Donald Trump has picked Montana Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke to be the next Secretary of the Interior. Eric Whitney of Montana Public Radio joins OPB’s Julie Sabatier and Jeff Mapes to discuss Zinke'...

Power Shifts In The Oregon Delegation from 2016-12-09T18:40:34

How will Oregon's Congressional delegation deal with the new political realities in Washington D.C.? This time, OPB's Jeff Mapes and David Sarasohn of The Oregonian join Geoff Norcross to consider ...

What Trump Means for the Northwest from 2016-12-02T18:00:38

What will a Donald Trump presidency mean for the Northwest? Host Julie Sabatier, OPB's senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and news director Anna Griffin talk over how the Trump administration mig...

New Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly from 2016-11-23T18:45:37

It’s a short, mid-week edition of the podcast because…Thanksgiving. We’re talking about a really interesting item we didn’t get to in our post-election coverage: Portland’s newest city commissioner...

Trump Backlash from 2016-11-18T21:05:53

We dig into the post-election protests in Portland, the way they have been covered by national media outlets, and some responses from Oregon political leaders. We also take up an effort at the stat...

Election Results&The Urban/Rural Divide from 2016-11-10T18:10:58

The GOP had its own triumph in Oregon, with Dennis Richardson winning the Secretary of State’s race. In this episode, host Geoff Norcross, OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Olympia repor...

Election Night Update from 2016-11-09T06:25:18

OPB's Dave Miller and Jeff Mapes have a short election night update on state and local races including ballot measures, governor, and more.

M97 Analysis And Listener Questions from 2016-11-04T17:05:52

Still not sure how to vote on Measure 97? This episode is for you! OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and News Director Anna Griffin join host Geoff Norcross to dig into the substance of the ...

Special Episode: OR Ballot Measures That Are NOT M97 from 2016-11-01T17:20:48

The election is a week away and you may still be wondering about all those measures on your Oregon ballot. For a special Tuesday edition of Politics Now, we bring you this recent segment from OPB's...

An In-Depth Look At Kate Brown from 2016-10-28T17:05:55

OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Statesman Journal reporter Gordon Friedman join host Julie Sabatier to talk about incumbent Oregon Governor Kate Brown — what she’s like as a person, as...

The Surprisingly Exciting Race For Secretary Of State from 2016-10-21T16:55:38

Host Geoff Norcross along with OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman talk about the Secretary of State’s race, which is surprisingly interesting this year! It’s an open seat and Repub...

Talking Northwest Politics LIVE from 2016-10-17T19:41:45

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes, News Director Anna Griffin, and Austin Jenkins, Olympia Correspondent for the Northwest News Network dig into presidential p...

Protests Over Portland Police Contract And City Races To Watch from 2016-10-14T18:20:50

This week is all about Portland city politics. Host Geoff Norcross along with Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and reporter Amelia Templeton dig into the Portland Police union contract that spa...

Gubernatorial Debate In Eugene from 2016-10-07T20:25:48

OPB's Dave Miller and Jeff Mapes discuss Thursday night's debate in Eugene between three candidates for Oregon governor: incumbent Democrat Kate Brown, Republican Bud Pierce, and Independent Party ...

Special Episode: Domestic Violence And Gubernatorial Politics from 2016-10-03T18:05:27

On this special Monday edition of the podcast, host Geoff Norcross is joined by OPB News Director Anna Griffin and Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes to talk about some controversial comments on ...

M97 Ads And Why Trump's Only Oregon Staffer Left The State from 2016-09-30T16:40:31

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and Salem Reporter Chris Lehman. We analyze the ads trying to convince voters to reject or approve the corporate tax measure ...

An In-Depth Look At Bud Pierce, Plus Merkley Grills Stumpf from 2016-09-23T18:14:28

Senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Statesman Journal state government reporter Gordon Friedman join guest host Julie Sabatier to talk about Oregon Republican candidate for governor Bud Pierce...

Oracle Settlement, Third Parties Courting Oregon Voters, And More from 2016-09-16T16:45:30

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes, OPB Capital reporter Chris Lehman, and Laura Gunderson, editorial pages editor at The Oregonian. We discuss the $100 million...

School Funding, New Poll Of Oregon Voters, And More from 2016-09-09T16:50:45

Host Geoff Norcross talks to OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes, Education Reporter Rob Manning and EO Media Group/Capital Media Group Reporter Paris Achen. We'll look at new polling on the r...

Homelessness Policy, Campaign Finance, And Trump In The Northwest from 2016-09-01T17:00:41

This week, OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and News Director Anna Griffin join host Geoff Norcross to discuss Donald Trump's recent visit to Washington state and dig into the policies desi...

Trump Skips Oregon, Citizen Panel Endorses M97, And More from 2016-08-26T16:45:38

Host Geoff Norcross is joined by OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes, state political reporter Chris Lehman, and news director Anna Griffin. This week, we discuss some new information about wh...

Presidential Politics In Oregon, Rural Recall Votes, And Alleged Election Violations from 2016-08-19T16:40:34

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and News Director Anna Griffin, along with Gordon Friedman, who covers state government for the Statesman Journal. We’ll talk...

Marijuana Policy, School Board Politics, And Anti-Trump Republicans In Oregon from 2016-08-12T16:55:35

OPB Education reporter Rob Manning and Oregonian/OregonLive political reporter Hillary Borrud join host Geoff Norcross. This week, we talk about why some Oregon Republicans are distancing themselve...

OPB Politics Now August 5th 2016_01 from 2016-08-05T16:50:52

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and OPB Reporter Amelia Templeton. This week, we consider the political fallout from the homelessness problem in Portland. We...

DNC Wrapup, Politics Of Homelessness, And More from 2016-07-29T17:28:59

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes, OPB News Director Anna Griffin, and Statesman Journal reporter Gordon Friedman. We wrap up the Democratic National Conventio...

From The DNC: The Final Night from 2016-07-29T06:31:45

Think Out Loud host Dave Miller and senior political reporter Jeff Mapes discuss the themes that Hillary Clinton hit in her acceptance speech, what her historic candidacy means for women, and which...

From The DNC: Obama Passes The Torch from 2016-07-28T05:42:16

Think Out Loud host Dave Miller and OPB's senior political reporter Jeff Mapes discuss Barack Obama's passing the torch and Michael Bloomberg's pitch to independents.

From The DNC: Mr. Clinton, Kate Brown, and the TPP from 2016-07-27T04:18:25

Senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Think Out Loud host Dave Miller talk about Bill Clinton, Kate Brown and what may be the new third rail of politics: the TPP.

From The DNC: Bernie, Boos, and Michelle from 2016-07-26T05:44:46

Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and senior political reporter Jeff Mapes discuss the action-packed and boo-filled first day of the DNC.

From The DNC: Sunday Night from 2016-07-25T02:55:25

OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Think Out Loud host Dave Miller preview the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

OPB_Politics_Now_July_22_2016 from 2016-07-22T18:45:35

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes, Editor Anna Griffin, and Education Reporter Rob Manning. We get some perspective on the news out of the Republican National ...

From The RNC: Trump Salad from 2016-07-22T06:10:29

From the roof of the Quicken Loans Arena parking garage, Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's political reporter Jeff Mapes look at Donald Trump's acceptance speech in Cleveland through a Nort...

From The RNC: Cruz, Pence, And Breakfast With Brownback from 2016-07-21T05:20:27

Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes react to speeches at the GOP Convention and highlight some Oregon connections to this national event.

From The RNC: Public Lands, Roll Call, And More from 2016-07-20T04:40:33

From Cleveland's Progressive Field, Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes discuss some highlights from Day 2 of the Republican National Convention.

From The RNC: Floor Skirmish, Melania, And More from 2016-07-19T05:14:52

Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes rehash some of the highlights from the first day of the Republican Convention in Cleveland.

From The RNC: Sunday Night from 2016-07-18T03:55:19

Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes sit down for a quick chat in Cleveland the night before the Republican Convention begins.

Fighting Corporate Taxes, GOP Convention Preview, And More from 2016-07-15T17:20:37

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Political Analyst Bill Lunch, Capitol reporter Chris Lehman and Think Out Loud/OPB Politics Now producer Julie Sabatier. We talk about the big money being raised ...

Dallas Repercussions, VP Rumors, And More from 2016-07-08T17:10:48

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes, reporter Amelia Templeton and News Director Anna Griffin. We’ll discuss the local repercussions of police shootings in Minne...

Leadership Changes for Portland Police, Ballot Measures Galore, and More from 2016-07-01T18:20:46

OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes, Capitol reporter Chris Lehman and reporter Amelia Templeton join host Geoff Norcross. We dig into why retirement seems to be the new resignation among disg...

Gubernatorial debates, oil train politics, and more from 2016-06-24T18:35:32

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes, Political Analyst Bill Lunch, and News Director Anna Griffin. We explore the politics of oil trains in the Columbia River Go...

OPB Politics Now June 17 2016 from 2016-06-17T16:50:35

OPB reporters Jeff Mapes and Kristian Foden-Vencil, and Oregonian/OregonLive Capitol reporter Hillary Borrud join host Geoff Norcross to dig into the criticism that's been heaped on Oregon Gov. Kat...

OPB Politics Now June 10 2016 from 2016-06-10T16:45:36

Host Geoff Norcross talks regional politics with OPB political analyst Bill Lunch, senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and reporter Amelia Templeton. We look into the response from Oregon’s politi...

OPB Politics Now June 3 2016 from 2016-06-03T16:40:35

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Political Analyst Bill Lunch, News Director Anna Griffin and reporter Rob Manning. We’ll chart the political consequences of the discovery of lead in the drinking...

OPB Politics Now May 27 2016 from 2016-05-27T16:55:54

Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB Political Analyst Bill Lunch, and OPB reporters Amelia Templeton and Conrad Wilson. We dig into dueling reports from a Congressional panel about who's to blame fo...

OPB Politics Now May 20 2016 from 2016-05-20T21:20:36

Join host Kate Davidson as she talks with OPB news director Anna Griffin, senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and reporter Amelia Templeton. We continue to mull over the results of the Oregon prim...

OPB Politics Now Primary Election Debrief from 2016-05-18T05:40:22

It’s a special mid-week edition of the podcast! Think Out Loud host Dave Miller and OPB’s senior political reporter Jeff Mapes discuss the results of Oregon’s primary election from the presidential...

OPB Politics Now May 13 2016 from 2016-05-13T19:32:23

Join host Kate Davidson, OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes, OPB reporter Kristian Foden-Vencil and Brad Schmidt, The Oregonian’s City Hall reporter as we dissect a new Oregon political poll ...

OPB Politics Now May 6 2016 from 2016-05-06T17:07:59

Thanks for downloading our inaugural episode! OPB Morning Edition host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB senior reporter Jeff Mapes, OPB political analyst Bill Lunch and OPB reporter Amelia Templeton. ...

OPB_Politics_Now_PREVIEW from 2016-05-05T22:50:58

A preview of OPB's new politics podcast.