KGW’s Straight Talk

A PSU political science professor breaks down why the five-month Iran war has stalled — and what it could take to finally bring it to an end.

Portland's $573 million Moda Center deal, compared to Salt Lake City, OKC, San Antonio & more. Is this a fair price for a small NBA market?

Tim Gordon speaks with state Sen. Kate Lieber, a supporter of the proposed public funding for Moda Center renovations, and Edan Krolewicz, a critic of the plan.

Washington's 3rd District's "purple" reputation makes it one of the most closely watched House races as parties fight for control of Congress.

In a little over two weeks, voters in Southwest Washington will select the top two candidates they want to represent them in the U.S. House, with the winner to be decided in a General Election runoff in November. The race for the state's 3rd Congressional District is drawing national attention, and is shaping up to be one of the most competitive House races this year. The district covers much of Southwest Washington, stretching across six counties from the coast to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It's been represented for the past four years by Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who is facing both a Republican candidate, State Sen. John Braun, and a challenger from within her own party in the primary: Brent Hennrich. Gluesenkamp Perez and Hennrich were guests on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss the race and how they're making their cases to voters.

Data centers now use 11% of Oregon's power. The Oregonian's Mike Rogoway breaks down the tax breaks, water use, and backlash driving the debate.

Oregon's Prosperity Council co-chairs break down their 10 recommendations to boost jobs, cut red tape, and fix the state's tax code.

Oregon's fire marshal breaks down the drought, heat and human-caused risks fueling what could be a dangerous wildfire season.

Sen. Jeff Merkley criticizes the Iran war, saying it's strengthened hardliners, hurt reformers, and bypassed Congress's constitutional war powers.

Providence Health Plan exits Oregon's insurance market in 2027. What it means for your coverage, your doctors and what to do before open enrollment.

Focusing on the deadly industrial disaster that struck Longview this week, an expert in community grief shares how communities mourn and support each other.

Oregon voters crushed a highway gas tax by a historic 83%. Rebecca Tweed and Julia Shumway explain what it means for November.

Oregon hasn't had a Republican governor since the 1980s. Can Ed Diehl or Chris Dudley finally change that? They sat down to make their case.

Oregon's Secretary of State Tobias Read appears as a guess on "Straight Talk" to discuss the upcoming primary election and mail-in voting

Multnomah County District Attorney says proposed budget cuts could reduce staffing, strain prosecutions and risk recent gains in public safety.

Clark County homelessness rose 12% in 2025. Local leaders break down who's affected and what solutions are in the works.

On this week's episode of Straight Talk, Black business leaders outline a policy roadmap, while 4D Recovery shares insight on addiction, prevention and recovery.

Oregon AG Dan Rayfield discusses lawsuits against Trump's tariff and mail-in voting orders, plus Portland's iconic Thompson Elk statue is back downtown.

Though TSA agents across the country received backpay this week, the shutdown continues — and for some, the damage was already done. Plus, Grant McOmie's longtime photographer Jeff Kastner offers a behind-the-scenes look at their many adventures across Oregon’s outdoors.

A $14B I-5 Bridge Replacement and a booming sports economy are reshaping Oregon. Leaders explain costs, timeline, and the region’s economic future.

Portland City Administrator Raymond Lee and Mercy Corps' Mary Stata share insights on city management, revitalization, and the evolving global humanitarian mission.

Oregon Food Bank discusses rising hunger while tourism leaders examine how the new lodging tax could impact hotels and short-term rentals.

Chris Dudley outlines his plan for Oregon as he mounts another run for governor, and author Jim Moore examines Vic Atiyeh’s legacy ahead of November.

On Straight Talk, leaders warn Portland faces a possible economic doom loop. Rep. Ed Diehl details his run for governor and tax priorities.

The bipartisan Oregon House Bill 4134, introduced in the 2026 short session, would raise the state's Transient Lodging Tax by 1.25%, raising tens of millions of dollars in new funding that would go to the Oregon Conservation Strategy fund, which would have its name changed to the Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund.

Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss how Oregonians can check for any unclaimed money that they might be owed by the state, as well as her tenure as treasurer. Steiner served in the state Senate for 13 years prior to becoming the first woman and first physician to hold the office of treasurer. Feb. 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day, and last year the Oregon treasury returned almost $60 million in unclaimed property to Oregonians. According to Steiner, it happens because businesses, banks, and insurance companies are obligated to try to return property or money to its rightful owner, but if they're unable to make contact within 3 years, they have to turn it over to the state treasury for it to be held in trust for the person or their heirs.

Oregon lawmakers preview a high-stakes 35-day session, debating budget cuts, ODOT funding, affordability and what’s possible before the clock runs out.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says 53 lawsuits against the Trump Administration has protected $4.6 billion in federal funding for the state.

Oregon’s chief economist breaks down the 2026 economic outlook, while housing experts explain what lower rates and a shifting real estate market mean for buyers.

If the Supreme Court strikes down some tariffs without backup revenue source, it could mean higher costs for Oregonians after nearly avoiding a downturn last year.

The tightening of Multnomah County’s drug deflection program comes amid what District Attorney Nathan Vasquez describes as low participation — and an even lower level of accountability. Speaking on KGW’s "Straight Talk," Vasquez said many people referred to deflection were technically counted as “engaged” despite never entering or remaining in treatment, with only a small fraction completing what he considers meaningful services. Under the change, people caught with illegal drugs may face criminal charges if they fail to meaningfully engage in treatment, though Vasquez said the goal is not punishment. He said cases would typically be handled through conditional discharge and court supervision, which he described as another tool to push people toward treatment rather than jail.

Oregon Symphony CEO discusses how the orchestra brings tens of thousands of people downtown on 100+ concert nights annually, helping revitalize downtown Portland.

Amid holiday stress, Latino Network brings hope and gifts to Portland’s immigrant families through the KGW Great Toy Drive.

Mayor Keith Wilson details Portland’s progress on shelter beds, the return of camping ban enforcement, and his plans for housing, parks and public safety in 2025.

Oregon's first Chief Privacy Officer Nik Blosser explains state's AI plans and privacy concerns, while Christine Drazan talks campaign for governor, GOP primary.

Air traffic controllers return to work and Rep. Maxine Dexter defends her vote as the U.S. faces ongoing aviation and health care challenges.

KGW's Stephanie Domurat talks with Oregon leaders about the SNAP benefits crisis and to Republican Danielle Bethell about her bid for governor.

Oregon's adjutant general discusses federalized Guard troops on standby in Portland. Plus, Multnomah County library director on expansion and safety.

Portland councilors explain what the new Protect Portland Initiative does against federal immigration overreach.

Oregon’s seniors face rising scams and housing struggles. Experts warn urgent action is needed to protect older adults and their futures.

Portland has been at the center of a whirlwind legal battle in recent days, with President Donald Trump characterizing the city as a lawless war zone and pushing to send in National Guard troops under federal command — only to be repeatedly blocked by Judge Karin Immergut after Oregon sued, arguing that the anti-ICE protests have been largely peaceful and Trump is mischaracterizing the situation. Professor Tung Yin was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to help make sense of the rapidly evolving court fight and break down what's likely to happen next. Yin is a professor of law at the Lewis and Clark Law School, whose areas of expertise include national security and terrorism law.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day said the city’s police bureau is managing the ongoing demonstrations outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Waterfront without the need for National Guard support. Speaking in an interview Monday, after a federal judge reaffirmed a ban on National Guard deployments to Portland, Day said it was "confirmation to the work that Portland Police Bureau has been doing in that area" and that he appreciated the court's recognition of local efforts.

Portland has been at the center of a whirlwind legal battle in recent days, with President Donald Trump characterizing the city as a lawless war zone and pushing to send in National Guard troops under federal command — only to be repeatedly blocked by Judge Karin Immergut after Oregon sued, arguing that the anti-ICE protests have been largely peaceful and Trump is mischaracterizing the situation. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to go over what's happened in the case so far and what he expects will happen next as the battle moves to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter recounted trying to locate a Portland mother and her four children detained by ICE after visiting the U.S.–Canada border.

Oregon Health and Science University has been a powerhouse of research and innovation in Oregon for decades, serving as one of the state's largest employers and a leader in areas like cancer research through the Knight Institute. However, OHSU has faced its share of challenges over the past year with financial struggles, capacity issues, layoffs and a failed merger with Legacy Health. OHSU's newest president, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss the institution's struggles and opportunities, including the impact of changes under the Trump administration — from funding cuts earlier in the year to the decision this week to declare a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, which has drawn pushback from medical experts. Elnahal was appointed as president in June and stepped into the role last month. He was appointed Undersecretary of Health for the federal Department of Veterans Affairs under the Biden administration, and before that served as president of University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

Hartman was the lone Democrat to vote against the bill in the House. She also discussed her decision to run for Clackamas County Commissioner.

The Port of Vancouver reported $55M in revenue—one of its best years. Tariffs, electrification, and shore power and a public market are all part of the next chapter.

Portland faces economic challenges as Oregon loses 25,000 jobs. Experts warn national uncertainty could slow the city’s recovery and growth plans.

Nearly two decades of protections for some of the Pacific Northwest’s wildest landscapes may be on the chopping block as federal officials under the Trump administration move to undo the "Roadless Rule" and return parts of the national forest system to the commercial timber base. The rule, created in 2001 at the end of the Clinton administration, restricts road construction and logging on about 60 million acres of national forest nationwide. In Oregon, it covers about 2 million acres; in Washington, about 2.8 million. “There were millions of acres of national forests that were less accessible, more difficult to get to, that had generally not been commercially logged,” said Daniel Rohlf, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School who specializes in public lands law. “So, the question was what do we do with this resource?” After extensive public input, the Forest Service chose to manage those areas for their roadless qualities and for environmental benefits such as clean water, wildlife habitat and recreation, Rohlf said. Many of the Northwest's most popular destinations fall within those protections, including Lost Lake on Mount Hood, Larch Mountain in the Columbia Gorge, the Oregon Dunes from Florence to Coos Bay and hiking trails in the Cascade Lakes area, according to Steve Pedery, conservation director for the group Oregon Wild.

For decades, Portlanders have been accustomed to the yearly sight of Vaux's swifts swirling above the chimney at Chapman Elementary School, a punctuation on summer's end. But after a shakeup in the migratory birds' habits last year, the city waits to see where they'll land now. Joe Liebezeit with the Bird Alliance of Oregon was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss why the migratory birds might be moving away from their traditional fall resting place.