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All Episodes

KGW’s Straight Talk — 301 episodes

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Title
1

Portland police chief says city is making progress on public safety, but staffing challenges persist

2

Safety expert says Nippon Dynawave ignored clear red flags before disaster

3

Oregon Rep. Javadi faces GOP challenger Sherman after switching parties

4

Metro Council President Juan Carlos Gonzalez says agency must evolve to meet modern challenges

5

Expert says Iran War has turned into 'strategic stalemate' with no end in sight

6

Small market, real cost: How Portland's Moda Center deal stacks up nationally

7

Should taxpayers renovate the Moda Center?

8

Why Washington's 3rd District is one of the most competitive House races in the country

9

Democratic candidates make their cases to WA-03 voters ahead of primary

10

Inside Oregon's data center empire: tax breaks, water use and rising backlash

11

'Things are not OK' — Oregon business leaders release plan to reverse economic slide

12

Oregon's fire marshal warns of a dangerous season ahead

13

Merkley says Iran war should be called 'Operation Epic Failure,' not 'Epic Fury'

14

Providence Health Plan is ending. What 400,000 Oregonians need to know.

15

After tragedy, a community grieves together in Longview

16

Oregon voters crush gas tax by 83% — what that means for November

17

First Time in 40 Years? Oregon Republicans eye a path back to the governor's office

18

Inside Oregon’s mail voting system: Tobias Read on security, privacy and turnout

19

DA warns proposal budget cuts could impact safety in Multnomah County

20

Why homelessness is rising in Clark County and what leaders say comes next

21

Oregon Black business leaders on policy change; recovery leaders on addiction and prevention

22

Dan Rayfield takes on Trump in court; Portland celebrates the Thompson Elk's return

23

Shutdown puts strain on TSA workers; photographer remembers Grant McOmie

24

How $14B Interstate Bridge Replacement and sports growth signal big changes for Oregon

25

Raymond Lee on Portland's future, Mary Stata on Mercy Corps' rebrand

26

Oregon Food Bank on rising hunger and how the new lodging tax could impact tourism

27

Dudley eyes governor’s office; new book revisits Atiyeh's legacy

28

Portland’s economy at a crossroads and Ed Diehl's bid for Oregon governor

29

Advocates discuss bill to protect Oregon's wildlife

30

How to check if Oregon owes you unclaimed money

31

Oregon lawmakers face budget cuts and ODOT uncertainty in the 2026 short legislative session

32

Oregon spent $3.1M suing the Trump administration and saved $4.6B, AG says

33

What 2026 could bring for Oregon’s economy — and what it means for homebuyers and sellers

34

Supreme Court tariffs decision could shape Oregon’s economic outlook after steady 2025

35

Multnomah County DA Vasquez calls for accountability in drug deflection overhaul

36

How Portland's arts scene is leading the downtown revival, symphony CEO says

37

Portland nonprofits address hunger and immigration concerns amid growing need

38

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson on shelter beds milestone, camping ban

39

Oregon AI strategy with Nik Blosser; Christine Drazan discusses governor bid

40

Government shutdown ends, but aviation and health care challenges linger

41

The SNAP crisis and Oregon's race for governor

42

Oregon National Guard deployment explained; Multnomah library safety concerns at Central branch

43

Portland councilors explain new protections against federal immigration overreach

44

Oregon seniors in crisis: Scams and housing risk on the rise

45

Law professor breaks down legal battle over National Guard in Portland

46

Portland police chief says city can handle ICE protests: 'We do not need the National Guard'

47

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield provides update on Trump lawsuit

48

Oregon lawmaker demands action after Portland mother and kids detained 12 days

49

New president discusses OHSU's financial struggles, federal funding situation and autism research

50

Rep. Annessa Hartman breaks down her vote on the state transportation bill

51

Commission candidate Temple Lentz discusses the Port of Vancouver's future

52

Portland’s comeback in jeopardy? How national uncertainty could stall growth

53

Repeal of 'Roadless Rule' could upend protections across millions of acres of forest in Oregon and Washington

54

As Vaux's swifts change up their migration habits, Portlanders wonder where to go to keep watching

55

Trump targets mail-in voting, pandemic babies hit kindergarten

56

Experts discuss how parents can support children's mental health

57

Wyden talks Blazers sale, Medicaid cuts and the impact of Trump's immigration policies

58

Examining the causes and impacts of Oregon's declining fertility rate

59

Portland Fire interim president previews what's next for team's comeback

60

Sen. Merkley warns of 'Trumpflation,' calls for Epstein file release, eyes reelection

61

Examining the political and economic impacts of Trump's immigration crackdown

62

State senators break down what went right — and wrong — in Oregon's 2025 session

63

LGBTQ+ families question their place in America amid hotline closure and healthcare bans

64

James Beard-nominated Oregon restaurants struggle with rising costs despite national recognition

65

Why Oregon's legal psilocybin industry is struggling to survive

66

40 Years at The Oregonian: What's Really Happening to Local Media

67

Why this Democrat keeps breaking with her own party despite backlash

68

Portland police chief talks public safety, camping enforcement, protest response and staffing challenges

69

How Trump’s foreign aid cuts are fundamentally changing the global humanitarian sector

70

Oregon's sole Republican congressman gives Trump 'A' grade

71

Portland Public Schools Superintendent address budget cuts, federal scrutiny

72

Experts discuss the promises and perils of AI, particularly in education

73

Where does Keith Wilson's ambitious homeless plan stand in face of Portland's $93M deficit?

74

How National Park job cuts impact millions of visitors?

75

Vancouver looks to be Washington's 2nd largest city | Commuter town to urban destination

76

Oregon Governor slams 'erratic' Trump administration policies, warns of 'devastating' Medicaid impacts

77

Soccer City USA at 50: How Portland's Timbers & Thorns generate $187M economic impact

78

Government in crisis? Oregon lawmakers speak out on Trump's second term

79

Urban doom loop explained: Is Portland in trouble?

80

Oregon impacted by Trump administration shifts on health funding, DEI policy

81

Recent strikes put Portland at the forefront of a national wave of labor action

82

Housing, immigration and policy: Oregon's lawmakers weigh in

83

New Multnomah County DA Nathan Vasquez on immigration, crime and defense crisis

84

Breaking down Trump’s inauguration: History in the making

85

How Earl Blumenauer transformed Portland’s future

86

Ted Wheeler to leave Portland Mayor’s office after 8 years

87

Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez talks on winning reelection in Trump-won district

88

Sen. Wyden talks President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks, tariff plans

89

Mayor-elect Keith Wilson outlines his plans for Portland

90

Election ushers in new era for Portland and Multnomah County

91

Election 2024 latest: Political analysts breakdown what to expect for hot races

92

Oregon's 5th congressional district race among closest watched in US

93

The race for Oregon attorney general heats up

94

Homelessness, camping ban top concern in Multnomah commission race

95

Portland mayoral candidates Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio make final pushes as election nears

96

Outsiders Keith Wilson and Liv Østhus discuss their campaigns for Portland mayor

97

Oregon congressional race heats up in head-to-head rematch

98

Here's how Portland's ranked choice voting system works

99

4D Recovery offers peer-led services and support for youth in recovery

100

Students renew conversation on school start times

101

How 2024 Paris Olympics became so politically charged

102

Portland rebound efforts: Becoming a destination again

103

Mike Reese, new head of Oregon's prisons, outlines his top 3 priorities

104

How would ranked-choice voting work in Oregon? Here's a look

105

A look at where the new Interstate Bridge replacement stands

106

Bonus: War, genocide reporter Nicholas Kristof on war in Gaza

107

Nicholas Kristof: Farm life to journalist at the New York Times

108

How Portland organizations look to solve the drug, addiction crisis

109

Political analysts give take on Oregon primary election races to watch

110

Oregon’s Democratic primary heats up in District 5

111

Democratic race for Oregon's 3rd Congressional District heats up

112

How Oregon can turn its drug abuse, behavioral health crisis around?

113

Oregon guests at President Biden's State of the Union address discuss takeaways from the nights speech

114

Portland Police Chief Bob Day talks body cameras, recruitment

115

Bonus episode: Portland area's tri-county sheriffs

116

Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas county sheriffs discuss impact of women in law enforcement leadership

117

Carmen Rubio discusses homelessness, crime, climate crisis in bid for Portland mayor

118

Central City Concern shares challenges, solutions to Portland homelessness crisis

119

Oregon, Washington lawmakers discuss bipartisan border security, foreign funding, TikTok ban

120

Nathan Vasquez on why he's running for Multnomah County District Attorney

121

Economic leaders discuss why Portland has struggled with affordability

122

Rene Gonzalez discusses how he would tackle Portland's public safety challenges as mayor

123

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek discusses state's housing crisis and Measure 110

124

Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards discusses Multnomah County challenges and running for reelection

125

Portland government transition leader Michael Jordan explains the process

126

Commissioner Dan Ryan announces candidacy for Portland City Council

127

Albina Vision Trust leaders outline what a restored Lower Albina in Portland would look like

128

The plan to replace the aging I-5 bridge joining Portland and Vancouver

129

Rep. Andrea Salinas discusses the ups and downs of her first year in Congress

130

The cannabis gold rush may be over in Oregon, but the industry still sees a bright future

131

Domestic violence: How to identify it and access resources for those who need help

132

PSU welcomes new president at a challenging time for public universities

133

Portland Commissioner Dan Ryan discusses homelessness and charter reform

134

Bonus Episode: Mingus Mapps

135

Commissioner Mingus Mapps talks police, homelessness and running for mayor under Portland's new system of government

136

Sen. Ron Wyden talks wildfires, fentanyl, semiconductors and basketball

137

Basic Rights Oregon pushes back in an era of rising attacks on LGBTQ people

138

Prosper Portland shares big plans for the future of downtown's Broadway Corridor site

139

Rep. Earl Blumenauer discusses Portland's challenges and its future

140

Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio talks affordable housing and homelessness

141

Bonus episode: Poison Waters

142

Poison Waters talks Pride Month, Darcelle and the Starlight Parade

143

Bonus episode: The role of bail and other legal tools to prevent domestic violence

144

The Tiffany Hill Act and domestic violence prevention

145

Oregon lawmakers sponsor dueling bills on parents' rights in education. Here's what in them.

146

What to know as you're voting for school board members

147

Bonus: Governor Tina Kotek answers questions about abortion, education, the kicker and more

148

After Governor Tina Kotek's first 100 days, what comes next?

149

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle discusses the city's growth

150

Oregon's $200 million housing package heads to Governor Tina Kotek

151

Tackling Oregon's housing crisis with home sharing

152

Bonus round: Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell

153

Interview with Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell

154

Can downtown Portland be resuscitated?

155

Economic data paints a not-so-rosy picture of Portland

156

The benefits of reducing alcohol consumption

157

Dan Ryan says Safe Rest Villages remain a priority

158

How new leaders plan to tackle Oregon's biggest needs

159

Superintendents talk about what our public schools need now

160

Why don't more people want to become mental health care workers in Oregon?

161

Bonus episode: More questions for Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield

162

One-on-one with Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield ahead of the 2023 session

163

Nurses hope new bill will help with hospital staffing crisis

164

Bonus content: The northwest's newest Congresswomen are ready to serve

165

The northwest's newest Congresswomen are ready to serve

166

How local journalists covered 2022's biggest stories

167

The state of downtown Portland: Its economic recovery and what's ahead for the future

168

How government, business and community groups work together to overcome the digital divide

169

KGW election night analysts reflect on Decision 2022 in Oregon

170

Portland City Council candidates face off on their vision for the city

171

SW Washington congressional candidates Kent and Gluesenkamp Perez spar over vastly different visions for the future

172

With Election Day looming, candidates for Oregon governor meet for final debate

173

The competitive race for Oregon's newly created 6th Congressional District

174

Candidates in Oregon's 5th Congressional district make their case to voters

175

Charter reform advocates and opponents make their cases to Portlanders

176

Oregon hospitals in crisis

177

Portland on track to open the remaining Safe Rest Villages by the end of the year, Ryan says

178

After years of fighting to bring down prescription drug prices, Wyden calls Inflation Reduction Act a win against Big Pharma

179

Merkley lauds Inflation Reduction Act for tax equity, lower drug and energy costs

180

Clackamas County clerk who oversaw primary ballot counting blunder makes her pitch for re-election to a sixth term

181

Leading candidates for Washington's 3rd District make their case to voters ahead of the Aug. 2 primary

182

'A Donation Conversation' documentary highlights the life-saving impact of being an organ donor

183

Oregon abortion care advocates discuss impact of decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

184

Oregon prepares to welcome the world for the World Athletics Championships in Eugene

185

Vancouver Senator advocates for electronic monitoring of domestic violence offenders | Straight Talk

186

Oregon advocates offer support for transgender people amid increasing threats

187

Gun rights advocate and Oregon candidate for governor Betsy Johnson changes position on gun control measures

188

Beaverton mayor Lacey Beaty calls for gun control measures in Oregon

189

Political analysts predict Oregon governor’s race will be most expensive in state history

190

Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan and leading opponent AJ McCreary make their pitch to voters

191

Four Republican candidates face off in Oregon gubernatorial debate

192

Leading Democratic candidates for Oregon governor debate how to tackle homelessness and gun violence

193

Ann Curry reflects on her career, restoring trust in journalism and love for Oregon | Extended interview

194

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan takes aim at election misinformation

195

Lawmakers call a $1.25 billion investment in Oregon's behavioral health system 'historic'

196

Oregon House Republican leaders give 2022 short session a 'D' grade

197

The race for Oregon's new 5th Congressional District

198

Oregon leaders call Intel's $20 billion expansion in Ohio a 'wake-up call' for Oregon

199

New Oregon House leader Rep. Dan Rayfield reflects on his first legislative session as Speaker

200

Race for Portland auditor is contested for the first time in 36 years

201

Business leaders say Portland region at 'inflection point'

202

Straight Talk: Rep. Peter DeFazio reflects on 36 years in Congress

203

Long-term care facilities are facing a staffing crisis

204

Ways to give back this holiday season

205

Behavioral health challenges and the homeless crisis

206

Multnomah County Chair says progress is being made on homeless crisis

207

Rep. Earl Blumenauer talks COP26 climate summit in Glasgow

208

Juvenile offenders could be released early under retroactive youth sentencing reform

209

People for Portland is trying to hold elected officials accountable. Is it working?

210

Landlords and tenants frustrated with rent assistance delays

211

How do we address the gun violence across Portland?

212

Portland voters have a once in a decade opportunity to change how the city runs

213

Sunrise Movement PDX calls on Oregon leaders to take swift action on climate crisis

214

Commissioner Dan Ryan promises urgent action on two Portland crises — homelessness and gun violence

215

Addressing the humanitarian crisis on Portland‘s streets

216

Head of I-5 bridge replacement project says it‘s time to get it done, but critics remain

217

Sen. Ron Wyden takes on climate change by changing federal tax code

218

Multnomah County leaders reflect on summer's deadly heat waves and plan for dealing with a hotter future

219

Black community leaders in Portland push for slavery reparations commission in Congress

220

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visits Oregon + Looking ahead to the Tokyo Olympics with Jules Boykoff

221

The pandemic's impact on those struggling with addiction

222

Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer: bipartisan infrastructure deal an 'important step toward rebuilding and renewing America'

223

NYT columnist Nicholas Kristof blames many of Portland's problems on a failure of leadership

224

NYT columnist Nicholas Kristof reflects on growing up in Oregon and the struggles of rural America

225

Portland Parks leaders thank voters and look forward to restoring summer programs

226

From Portland to Zimbabwe, nonprofits innovate holistic health solutions

227

Tax Day: What do your federal and state taxes pay for?

228

Twenty years of Gleevec: The impact of the life-saving cancer drug pioneered by an OHSU doctor

229

Multnomah County tackles racism as a public health crisis

230

KGW's Vaccine Team discusses reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout

231

Rep. Peter DeFazio set to shepherd President Biden's $2-trillion infrastructure deal through the House

232

Portland Muslim community leaders call for unity against hate

233

Stopping anti-Asian hate

234

One year later: Oregon health care leaders reflect on COVID pandemic

235

Checking in with Portland's Street Response Team

236

Looking back on the February ice storm

237

Port of Portland’s future and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic

238

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt

239

How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Portland's economy

240

Oregon seniors feel forgotten and afraid during COVID-19 pandemic

241

Mayors of Gresham, Beaverton and West Linn

242

Bonus: Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler

243

How the pandemic has affected youth mental health, food insecurity in Oregon

244

Oregon, Washington school leaders on reopening

245

Portland commissioners Carmen Rubio, Mingus Mapps

246

Sen. Wyden on attack on the U.S. Capitol

247

Sen. Jeff Merkley

248

COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon and concern for holiday spike

249

2020's impact on Street Roots and Portland businesses

250

Oregon nonprofit sees success in getting women and women of color elected

251

Portland Commissioner-elect Mingus Mapps; Gresham mayor's race

252

Oregon's 4th District: Peter DeFazio v. Alek Skarlatos

253

Washington congressional race: Herrera Beutler vs. Long

254

Portland mayoral debate: Wheeler vs. Iannarone

255

Portland City Council runoff race: Eudaly vs. Mapps

256

Climate change and Oregon’s historic wildfires

257

Portland’s never-used Wapato Jail set to open as homeless shelter

258

Portland activist Cameron Whitten, Reed College professor Paul Gronke

259

Strategies to navigate work and school from home

260

Portland commissioner-elect Dan Ryan, businessman Jordan Schnitzer

261

Portland mayoral candidate Sarah Iannarone on protests, violence and the COVID-19 pandemic

262

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler on protests, federal officers and reelection campaign

263

Loretta Smith, Dan Ryan make their case for Portland City Council

264

Commissioner Hardesty on Portland protests, police reform

265

Where Oregon stands in the coronavirus pandemic

266

COVID-19 in Oregon’s prisons, and food insecurity during the pandemic

267

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici on why child care is critical to reopening economy

268

Sen. Jeff Merkley on George Floyd's death, coronavirus

269

Multnomah Co. DA-elect Mike Schmidt, homeless services tax

270

Kurt Schrader, Mark Gamba make final pitches in Democratic congressional race

271

During pandemic, communities asked to be watchful for signs of child abuse

272

Secretary of State candidate Jamie McLeod Skinner

273

Oregon Secretary of State candidates Shemia Fagan and Mark Hass

274

Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Education head Colt Gill

275

Oregon health officials plead for continued social distancing

276

House Speaker Tina Kotek & help for those battling addiction

277

Multnomah County Chair and Oregon Labor Commissioner address coronavirus pandemic

278

How the coronavirus is impacting business and the homeless in Portland

279

Oregon Food Bank, census organizers meet coronavirus challenges head-on

280

Jules Boykoff on why we should cancel the Olympics

281

Value of Jobs report in Oregon

282

Rep. Schrader on coronavirus and climate change

283

Fighting hunger in Oregon and Washington

284

What trees can tell us about climate change

285

How Inside Woodlawn teaches us about a lot more than a Portland elementary school

286

Strengthening domestic violence laws

287

Senate leaders on new Cap and Trade Bill

288

Child abuse in Oregon

289

Gov. Brown on the upcoming session

290

Remembering Commissioner Nick Fish

291

Is the trade industry in Oregon strong?

292

Addiction Treatment and Recovery, with Heidi Wallace and Carrie Bates of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

293

Rep. Tiffany Mitchell on donating a kidney

294

Ebony Clarke of Multnomah County's Mental Health and Addiction Services

295

Childcare deserts and free preschool

296

Investigative Reporter Kyle Iboshi on robocalls and scams

297

Oregon business teams up with non-profit to fight child abuse

298

Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest

299

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici on student loan debt

300

Lines for Life's CEO Dwight Holton and YouthLine Crisis Line Director Emily Moser

301

Sen. Ron Wyden and former Sen. Gordon Smith on mental health