KGW’s Straight Talk

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

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

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 collec...

Why Oregon's legal psilocybin industry is struggling to survive

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

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

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

Why this Democrat keeps breaking with her own party despite backlash

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

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

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 a...

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

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

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

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

Portland Public Schools Superintendent address budget cuts, federal scrutiny

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

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

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 ...

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

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.

How National Park job cuts impact millions of visitors?

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Urban doom loop explained: Is Portland in trouble?

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

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

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...

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

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 ...

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

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.

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

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

Breaking down Trump’s inauguration: History in the making

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

How Earl Blumenauer transformed Portland’s future

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Mayor-elect Keith Wilson outlines his plans for Portland

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 ...

Election ushers in new era for Portland and Multnomah County

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 c...

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

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

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

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.