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All Episodes

KGW’s Straight Talk — 297 episodes

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Title
1

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

2

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

3

Should taxpayers renovate the Moda Center?

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

Oregon's fire marshal warns of a dangerous season ahead

9

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

10

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

11

After tragedy, a community grieves together in Longview

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

DA warns proposal budget cuts could impact safety in Multnomah County

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

Shutdown puts strain on TSA workers; photographer remembers Grant McOmie

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

Advocates discuss bill to protect Oregon's wildlife

26

How to check if Oregon owes you unclaimed money

27

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

28

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

29

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

30

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

31

Multnomah County DA Vasquez calls for accountability in drug deflection overhaul

32

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

33

Portland nonprofits address hunger and immigration concerns amid growing need

34

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson on shelter beds milestone, camping ban

35

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

36

Government shutdown ends, but aviation and health care challenges linger

37

The SNAP crisis and Oregon's race for governor

38

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

39

Portland councilors explain new protections against federal immigration overreach

40

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

41

Law professor breaks down legal battle over National Guard in Portland

42

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

43

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield provides update on Trump lawsuit

44

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

45

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

46

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

47

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

48

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

49

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

50

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

51

Trump targets mail-in voting, pandemic babies hit kindergarten

52

Experts discuss how parents can support children's mental health

53

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

54

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

55

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

56

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

57

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

58

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

59

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

60

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

61

Why Oregon's legal psilocybin industry is struggling to survive

62

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

63

Why this Democrat keeps breaking with her own party despite backlash

64

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

65

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

66

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

67

Portland Public Schools Superintendent address budget cuts, federal scrutiny

68

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

69

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

70

How National Park job cuts impact millions of visitors?

71

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

72

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

73

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

74

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

75

Urban doom loop explained: Is Portland in trouble?

76

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

77

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

78

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

79

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

80

Breaking down Trump’s inauguration: History in the making

81

How Earl Blumenauer transformed Portland’s future

82

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

83

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

84

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

85

Mayor-elect Keith Wilson outlines his plans for Portland

86

Election ushers in new era for Portland and Multnomah County

87

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

88

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

89

The race for Oregon attorney general heats up

90

Homelessness, camping ban top concern in Multnomah commission race

91

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

92

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

93

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

94

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

95

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

96

Students renew conversation on school start times

97

How 2024 Paris Olympics became so politically charged

98

Portland rebound efforts: Becoming a destination again

99

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

100

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

101

A look at where the new Interstate Bridge replacement stands

102

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

103

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

104

How Portland organizations look to solve the drug, addiction crisis

105

Political analysts give take on Oregon primary election races to watch

106

Oregon’s Democratic primary heats up in District 5

107

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

108

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

109

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

110

Portland Police Chief Bob Day talks body cameras, recruitment

111

Bonus episode: Portland area's tri-county sheriffs

112

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

113

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

114

Central City Concern shares challenges, solutions to Portland homelessness crisis

115

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

116

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

117

Economic leaders discuss why Portland has struggled with affordability

118

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

119

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

120

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

121

Portland government transition leader Michael Jordan explains the process

122

Commissioner Dan Ryan announces candidacy for Portland City Council

123

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

124

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

125

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

126

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

127

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

128

PSU welcomes new president at a challenging time for public universities

129

Portland Commissioner Dan Ryan discusses homelessness and charter reform

130

Bonus Episode: Mingus Mapps

131

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

132

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

133

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

134

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

135

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

136

Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio talks affordable housing and homelessness

137

Bonus episode: Poison Waters

138

Poison Waters talks Pride Month, Darcelle and the Starlight Parade

139

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

140

The Tiffany Hill Act and domestic violence prevention

141

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

142

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

143

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

144

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

145

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

146

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

147

Tackling Oregon's housing crisis with home sharing

148

Bonus round: Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell

149

Interview with Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell

150

Can downtown Portland be resuscitated?

151

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

152

The benefits of reducing alcohol consumption

153

Dan Ryan says Safe Rest Villages remain a priority

154

How new leaders plan to tackle Oregon's biggest needs

155

Superintendents talk about what our public schools need now

156

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

157

Bonus episode: More questions for Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield

158

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

159

Nurses hope new bill will help with hospital staffing crisis

160

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

161

The northwest's newest Congresswomen are ready to serve

162

How local journalists covered 2022's biggest stories

163

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

164

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

165

KGW election night analysts reflect on Decision 2022 in Oregon

166

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

167

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

168

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

169

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

170

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

171

Charter reform advocates and opponents make their cases to Portlanders

172

Oregon hospitals in crisis

173

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

174

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

175

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

176

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

177

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

178

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

179

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

180

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

181

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

182

Oregon advocates offer support for transgender people amid increasing threats

183

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

184

Beaverton mayor Lacey Beaty calls for gun control measures in Oregon

185

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

186

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

187

Four Republican candidates face off in Oregon gubernatorial debate

188

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

189

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

190

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan takes aim at election misinformation

191

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

192

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

193

The race for Oregon's new 5th Congressional District

194

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

195

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

196

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

197

Business leaders say Portland region at 'inflection point'

198

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

199

Long-term care facilities are facing a staffing crisis

200

Ways to give back this holiday season

201

Behavioral health challenges and the homeless crisis

202

Multnomah County Chair says progress is being made on homeless crisis

203

Rep. Earl Blumenauer talks COP26 climate summit in Glasgow

204

Juvenile offenders could be released early under retroactive youth sentencing reform

205

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

206

Landlords and tenants frustrated with rent assistance delays

207

How do we address the gun violence across Portland?

208

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

209

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

210

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

211

Addressing the humanitarian crisis on Portland‘s streets

212

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

213

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

214

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

215

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

216

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

217

The pandemic's impact on those struggling with addiction

218

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

219

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

220

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

221

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

222

From Portland to Zimbabwe, nonprofits innovate holistic health solutions

223

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

224

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

225

Multnomah County tackles racism as a public health crisis

226

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

227

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

228

Portland Muslim community leaders call for unity against hate

229

Stopping anti-Asian hate

230

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

231

Checking in with Portland's Street Response Team

232

Looking back on the February ice storm

233

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

234

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt

235

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

236

Oregon seniors feel forgotten and afraid during COVID-19 pandemic

237

Mayors of Gresham, Beaverton and West Linn

238

Bonus: Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler

239

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

240

Oregon, Washington school leaders on reopening

241

Portland commissioners Carmen Rubio, Mingus Mapps

242

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

243

Sen. Jeff Merkley

244

COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon and concern for holiday spike

245

2020's impact on Street Roots and Portland businesses

246

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

247

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

248

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

249

Washington congressional race: Herrera Beutler vs. Long

250

Portland mayoral debate: Wheeler vs. Iannarone

251

Portland City Council runoff race: Eudaly vs. Mapps

252

Climate change and Oregon’s historic wildfires

253

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

254

Portland activist Cameron Whitten, Reed College professor Paul Gronke

255

Strategies to navigate work and school from home

256

Portland commissioner-elect Dan Ryan, businessman Jordan Schnitzer

257

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

258

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

259

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

260

Commissioner Hardesty on Portland protests, police reform

261

Where Oregon stands in the coronavirus pandemic

262

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

263

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

264

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

265

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

266

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

267

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

268

Secretary of State candidate Jamie McLeod Skinner

269

Oregon Secretary of State candidates Shemia Fagan and Mark Hass

270

Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Education head Colt Gill

271

Oregon health officials plead for continued social distancing

272

House Speaker Tina Kotek & help for those battling addiction

273

Multnomah County Chair and Oregon Labor Commissioner address coronavirus pandemic

274

How the coronavirus is impacting business and the homeless in Portland

275

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

276

Jules Boykoff on why we should cancel the Olympics

277

Value of Jobs report in Oregon

278

Rep. Schrader on coronavirus and climate change

279

Fighting hunger in Oregon and Washington

280

What trees can tell us about climate change

281

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

282

Strengthening domestic violence laws

283

Senate leaders on new Cap and Trade Bill

284

Child abuse in Oregon

285

Gov. Brown on the upcoming session

286

Remembering Commissioner Nick Fish

287

Is the trade industry in Oregon strong?

288

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

289

Rep. Tiffany Mitchell on donating a kidney

290

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

291

Childcare deserts and free preschool

292

Investigative Reporter Kyle Iboshi on robocalls and scams

293

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

294

Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest

295

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici on student loan debt

296

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

297

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