KGW’s Straight Talk

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.

In a KGW “Straight Talk” interview, Oregon’s top election official rejected Trump’s claim mail-in voting is “corrupt,” saying the president lacks authority to end it

Growing scientific evidence points to a critical issue impacting younger generations. Nationwide, more children and teens are reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of high schoolers reported experiencing depressive symptoms in 2023 — up from 30% just 10 years earlier. The trend is particularly bad in Oregon, and as students across the state enjoy their final days of summer vacation before heading back to school, parents want to know how they can best support their children's well-being amid the youth mental health crisis. On this week's episode of "Straight Talk," three experts who are working to get ahead of the curve came together to talk about what's driving the trend, what researchers say can be done to help, and what kids are saying they need.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk for a wide-ranging interview that touched on changes to Medicaid, the Epstein files, President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the pending sale of the Portland Trail Blazers. Sen. Wyden's interview on Straight Talk also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and his efforts to get the Justice Department to release its Epstein records. Wyden has been representing Oregon in the U.S. Senate since 1996, after previously serving for several years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the U.S. fertility rate dropped to the lowest level on record last year. The news is sparking a lot of conversation — and a lot of questions. Is the decline driven by biology, culture or policy? What can be done? And what does this complex issue mean for Oregon, Washington and beyond?Dr. Paula Amato and Dr. Ethan Sharygin were guests on this week's episode of Straight Talk to help break down some of the answers to those questions. Amato is a professor of OBGYN and division head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at OHSU, as well as a specialist at Spring Fertility in Portland. Sharygin is the director of Portland State University's Population Research Center, with expertise in mortality and longevity forecasting, evaluating the quality of census data and the demographic consequences of disasters.The U.S. birthrate in 2024 was 1.6 births per woman of reproductive age. The decline is part of a long-term trend, Sharygin said, first among teens and women in their 20s, and later among women at older ages. The Oregon rate used to be close to the national average, but has declined even faster in the past 15 years and is now about 1.4 — and even lower in urban areas like Portland.

The Fire has already sold more than 12,500 season ticket deposits, and Interim President Claire Hamill talks milestones, inspiring the city and drafting players.

Sen. Jeff Merkley discusses tariffs, Gaza, Epstein files and why he's running for reelection in wide-ranging interview.

It was a key promise on the campaign trail, and now President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration across the country is in full effect — but not without opposition, spawning an ongoing wave of legal challenges and protests.This week on Straight Talk, two experts in the field of immigration try to detangle some of the misconceptions surrounding the president's efforts, aiming to peel back some of the layers of the debate over immigration, from legal battles to the Trump administration's tactics to what's driving voter sentiment about foreign citizens entering the country.Professor Juliet Stumpf is a professor of law at Lewis and Clark Law School with expertise in both immigration law and the intersection of immigration and criminal law. Professor Alexander Sager is an associate professor of philosophy at Portland State University who specializes in political philosophy and the ethics of migration.

Oregon's 2025 legislative session wrapped up on June 27, a couple days before the deadline but without passing one of the top priorities: a comprehensive overhaul of the way the state funds its roads and bridges. The transportation package's failure dominated the final stretch, but there were plenty of other notable bills that did make it to the governor's desk.Senate Deputy Majority Leader Wlnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, and Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, joined this week's episode of "Straight Talk" to break down the highs and lows of the five-month session, which included a record-breaking number of bills and plenty of both accomplishments and failures to go around.

What happens when a city's restaurant scene reaches the pinnacle of culinary recognition — yet the chefs behind the accolades can barely keep their doors open?Portland's food scene is experiencing a golden moment. The city that once parodied on "Portlandia" for obsessing over farm-to-table dining is now earning serious national respect. Oregon restaurants are sweeping James Beard nominations like never before, with establishments from intimate neighborhood spots to Willamette Valley gems collecting the industry's most prestigious honors.But step inside these celebrated kitchens, and a different story emerges — one of razor-thin margins, impossible mathematics and owners contemplating closure even as the awards roll in.

Some legal psilocybin therapy centers are closing in Oregon, as high costs and regulations are having a negative impact on the industry.

After 40 years in journalism, retiring editor reveals what separates local media from national networks and how big tech threatens the industry.

Democratic Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez, who represents a Trump district, explains why she votes against party lines on key issues despite criticism.

It's been less than two years since Chief Bob Day took the reins at the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), but he says the city has made meaningful progress in that time on some of its most pressing issues, with substantial declines in homicides, gun violence and car thefts, even as public safety remains a top-of-mind issue. Serving as chief was an unexpected new chapter for Day; he had retired in 2019 after nearly three decades with PPB, having worked his way up to the role of deputy chief. But he agreed to come back in late 2023 when former Mayor Ted Wheeler asked him to serve an interim replacement for former Chief Chuck Lovell. He was initially only supposed to hold the role until June of this year, to give Wheeler's successor the chance to select the next permanent chief, but last year, Wheeler changed his mind and made Day's appointment permanent. New Mayor Keith Wilson still had the option to make a change but chose to keep Day in the top job. Day returned as a guest on this week's episode of "Straight Talk," where he discussed Portland's ongoing crime and public safety challenges, drug recriminalization, camping enforcement, a new wave of anti-Trump protests, the impact of Wilson's tighter proposed budget and PPB's priorities for the next year.

The Trump administration's cuts to USAID have dramatically impacted international aid groups, including Portland's Mercy Corps, affecting global health diplomacy.

Oregon Rep. Cliff Bentz defends the Trump administrations federal cuts, immigration and tariff policies.

Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong addresses the district's alarming financial state and federal policy scrutiny.

The growth of artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked-about trends in recent years as the technology has become more commonplace. It started with the launch of Open AI's Chat GPT in 2022 and the industry quickly exploded, with many of the world's biggest technology companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft and Apple releasing AI models. This week's episode of Straight Talk features two guests to help break down the complicated and fascinating world of AI. Dr. Ramon Alvarado is an assistance professor of philosophy at the University of Oregon and an expert in the areas where the philosophies of science, technology and ethics intersect, particularly when it comes to AI. And Dr. Jon Down is a business school professor at the University of Portland who is spearheading the college's Ethical AI Steering Council, which provides guidance on incorporating AI into many different majors and disciplines at UP.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson marks 100 days in office with an ambitious promise to end unsheltered homelessness within a year. But will the city's $93 million budget deficit get in the way.

Ex-National Parks Service director talks impacts on US parks due to workforce cuts, campgrounds and visitor centers closures, and staffing challenges.

Vancouver considers annexation to become Washington's second-largest city to better accommodate growth.

Gov. Kotek warns of "devastating" impacts to Oregon Health Plan if Trump's proposed $2 trillion cuts happen. Over 1.4 million Oregonians rely on Medicaid coverage.

Fifty years ago professional soccer came to Portland — now the dedicated Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters — help fuel a $187 million soccer economy in the city.

Four of Oregon's congresswomen describe current state of union petering on constitutional crisis in President Donald Trump's second term.

Is Portland in an Urban Doom Loop? – Economic experts discuss whether Portland’s decline is temporary or part of a worsening trend.

President Donald Trump's executive order halting all diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the federal workforce has prompted some major companies to change their policies. Meanwhile, changes at the National Institutes of Health mean hospitals and universities could lose billions in funding — potentially including Oregon Health and Science University. Two guests joined "Straight Talk" this week to tackle those topics. Dr. Steve Stadum is currently interim president at OHSU, having come out of retirement in November to take over after the resignation of former president Dr. Danny Jacobs. Shari Dunn is a journalist, attorney, professor and author of the book "Qualified," which tackles how DEI initiatives and race collide in the workplace.

A wave of labor action is sweeping across the nation, unlike anything in recent history, and many of the cases have been in the Pacific Northwest — from the first Portland teachers strike last fall to Oregon's first major doctors strike and then from the largest healthcare strike in state history that began last month. Two guests joined "Straight Talk" this week to break down what's fueling the resurgence in organized labor and what it means for employers, workers and the economy at large. Eric Fruits is a senior scholar at the International Center for Law and Economics and an adjust professor of economics at Portland State University. He's also the president and chief economist of Economics International Corporation, a consulting firm that specializes in economics and finance. His areas of expertise include consumer protection, financial regulation and corporate governance. Dr. Marc Rodriguez is a professor of history at PSU who received his PhD in American History from Northwestern University, as well as a juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He's an expert in social and protest movements, and a contributor to the academic journal "Labor: Studies in Working Class History."

Oregon’s legislative leaders break down the state’s housing crisis, immigration laws, and policy changes needed to address the state's most urgent issues.

Nathan Vasquez addresses federal immigration pressure, rising crime, and challenges in public defense to reshape justice in Multnomah County.

Unpack Donald Trump’s unprecedented return to the presidency, his promise of unity, and the political and historical context shaping this pivotal moment.

U.S. House Rep. Earl Blumenauer reflects on 50-year journey of leadership, advocacy, and transformation for Portland and beyond.

During his time as mayor, Portland endured civil unrest, weather emergencies, wildfires, the COVID-19 shutdown and record-high homelessness, homicides and crime. In this episode of Straight Talk, Ted Wheeler reflects on his two-terms as Portland Mayor and talks where the city needs to fully revitalize.

Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the incumbent, narrowly beat Republican Joe Kent for Washington House District 3 in the November 2024 election.

Senator Ron Wyden gives his stance on President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks so far and discusses how the proposed tariffs would affect Oregonians.

Portland is a little over a month away from a major political reset. A whole new form of government will debut in January, with an expanded 12-member council, a city administrator redefined role for the city's mayor. The first person to take on the updated top job is Mayor-elect Keith Wilson, who was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk.Wilson's victory in the Nov. 5 election marks the first time since Mayor Bud Clark in 1984 that Portland voters have chosen a mayoral candidate with only a business background and no political experience. During his campaign — initially seen as a longshot bid — Wilson cast his outsider status as an asset, saying it would allow him to bring a fresh perspective.Wilson grew up in North Portland and attended Oregon State, then got his master's degree in business administration from the University of Portland. He's the CEO of Portland-based Titan Freight Systems, which he touts as the state's only trucking company so far to have completely ditched fossil fuels.

A tentative picture of Portland's next city council formed quickly on election night, but while the roster of leading candidates hasn't changed in the days since, it also hasn't solidified. There are still only two projected winners as of late Friday afternoon, according to The Oregonian: Steve Novick in District 3 and Olivia Clark in District 4. Ten council seats remain up in the air. Ten other candidates have managed to hold on to their election night leads, but the races remain too close to call as of Friday evening. Three of the leading candidates were guests on KGW's Straight Talk on Friday: Candace Avalos in District 1, Dan Ryan in District 2 and Tiffany Koyama Lane in District 3. None of them have had the races called in their favor yet, but all three have maintained leads through the week that leave them well-positioned to eventually win. They were also joined by Shannon Singleton, who is projected to win the race for Multnomah County's District 2 commission seat.

Two political analysts from both the Republican and Democratic party join on this episode of Straight Talk to breakdown what to expect Election Day.

Two years ago, Oregon's congressional districts were redrawn, and former Happy Valley Mayor Lori Chavez-Deremer flipped the 5th district seat, which had been held by Democrats since 1997, for Republicans. Now she's trying to hold onto that seat, while Democrats are hoping Oregon state representative Janelle Bynum can flip it back.

One of the most competitive races in the upcoming November election is the open seat for Oregon attorney general.

Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Shannon Singleton are locked in battle for Multnomah County commissioner in District 2, covering North and Northeast Portland.

The 2024 election is now a little more than a month away, and the candidates in Portland's mayoral race are entering the final stretch ahead of what will likely be the city's biggest-ever election in terms of the number of seats on the ballot. The winners will be the first to hold office under Portland's new form of government, with the new mayor in particular likely to play an outsize role in setting the tone for how the new system will function. Mayoral candidates and current city commissioners Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio were guests on this week's episode of Straight Talk.

The winner of Portland's November 2024 mayoral election will become the first mayor under the city's new system of government in 2025, working with a professional city administrator to manage the city's executive functions and implement policy at the direction of a new 12-member city council. The race includes three of the four current city commissioners: Carmen Rubio, Rene Gonzalez and Mingus Mapps. But it includes several other candidates who aren't part of the current city leadership, and two of the most prominent among that group are Keith Wilson and Liv Østhus. Both candidates were guests on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss their campaigns, their vision for Portland and how they would approach the job under the new system of government. Neither candidate has held elected office before, but both say they view their outsider status as an asset in a race.

Rep. Andrea Salinas and Republican Mike Erickson rematch for Oregon's 6th Congressional District includes parts of southwest Portland, Salem, Woodburn, Yamhill County, and Lake Oswego in Clackamas County.

The general election is an historic one in Portland as it is the first time voters will pick elected leaders under the new city government — and voting system.

September is Recovery Month, celebrating the recovery community and highlighting the importance of evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. Coincidentally, Sept. 1 is also the day that drug recriminalization takes effect in Oregon, following the passage of House Bill 4002, which rolls back a key provision of Measure 110, Oregon's 2020 drug decriminalization measure. Under the new law, possession will be a misdemeanor, but it does allow offenders to "deflect" from the justice system into treatment programs on a county-by-county basis. Tony Vezina is co-founder and executive director of Fourth Dimension Recovery Center, or 4D Recovery, which is participating in the Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington county drug deflection programs. It's a youth-led, peer-focused recovery community, and Vezina was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss the organization's work and mission.

The start of the new school year is just a week or two away, which means students across Oregon are likely dreading having to start setting early alarm clocks once again. School start times vary across the state, but a local group of students has begun pushing for a conversation about pushing those start times later into the morning — no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Studies have shown that teens would benefit from more sleep and graduation rates would likely improve. But in some districts, parents, teachers and district officials push back on the idea, citing family scheduling and transportation challenges, as well as concerns about cost. The renewed discussion also comes as Oregon, like many other states across the country, is grappling with a sharp rise in student absenteeism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students Alvin Chan and Aditi Subramanium joined OSU pediatrician Dr. Ben Hoffman and Oregon State Rep. Hoa Nguyen as panelists on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss possible solutions to the problem, including the idea of later start times.

From concerns over A.I. surveillance, Israeli athlete participation, climate and Olympic opposition, controversy mounts amid start to 2024 Paris Olympics Games.