Think Out Loud

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OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts.

Oregon Public Broadcasting


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 4,147 EPISODES

    4.5 from 240 ratings Listeners of Think Out Loud that love the show mention: oregon, portland, local, informed, program, politics, radio, available, news, great show, questions, important, topics, excellent, host, guests, thanks, enjoy, good, like.


    Ivy Insights

    The Think Out Loud podcast is a phenomenal show that never fails to captivate and inform its listeners. The host, Dave Miller, has a remarkable ability to ask insightful and thought-provoking questions of his guests, resulting in engaging and enlightening conversations. Whether it's interviewing politicians, scientists, or everyday citizens, Miller's probing approach uncovers the heart of the matter and allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of complex issues.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the variety of topics covered. The show seamlessly transitions from discussions on political matters to social issues to scientific breakthroughs. No part of the state is ignored, as Think Out Loud explores the concerns and perspectives of diverse communities across Oregon. This inclusivity ensures that listeners are exposed to a wide range of viewpoints and experiences.

    Another standout feature of Think Out Loud is its commitment to in-depth reporting. The show goes beyond surface-level news coverage and delves into the nuances of each subject. It tackles pressing issues head-on while also exploring more offbeat topics that offer fresh perspectives. This blend keeps the podcast dynamic and engaging, making it an excellent resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of current events.

    While there are countless positive aspects to Think Out Loud, one minor drawback is the lack of other Oregon news podcasts available. Given the high quality and valuable insights provided by this program, it would be wonderful to see more local journalism podcasts emerge in Oregon. However, this small criticism should not overshadow the outstanding work being done by Dave Miller and his team at OPB.

    In conclusion, The Think Out Loud podcast is an exceptional resource for those who crave intelligent conversations about pressing issues in Oregon and beyond. With its skilled host, informative interviews, varied topic selection, and commitment to in-depth reporting, this show sets a high standard for podcasts in journalism. It deserves all the praise it receives and more; it truly is a stellar program that leaves listeners feeling informed and inspired.



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    Latest episodes from Think Out Loud

    Portland author examines race in the workplace in 'Qualified'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 39:36


    After the killing of George Floyd in 2020, millions of Americans participated in protests for racial justice. Much of corporate America promised to address racial equity. Now, many of those companies are retreating from diversity initiatives. “Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work” identifies how to create a more equitable workplace. Through research and anecdotes, Portland author Shari Dunn illustrates the institutional racism that exists in the workplace and how to stop it. We learn more from Dunn about race in the workplace, the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and how she says businesses should rethink employment.

    University of Oregon study investigates water injustice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 11:58


    A study led by researchers at the University of Oregon explores water injustice across the U.S. The analysis focuses on vulnerable communities facing systemic barriers to clean water and also investigates water privatization in America. “We found that violations and risks of water injustice tend to cluster in specific areas or hot spots across the country,” said Alex Segrè Cohen, the paper’s lead author. “We designed our method to capture not just where the problems are, but who they impact most and how.” The study integrates data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Census Bureau.  Segrè Cohen is an assistant professor of science and risk communication at UO. She joins us with more on water equity in the U.S.          

    Along the Klamath River, restoration efforts continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 20:09


    Long before the four dams along the Klamath River were removed, the habitat restoration process began. RES, a company that specializes in ecological restoration, has been involved in the process since 2019. It’s charged with working on habitat restoration and will continue to maintain the project for about 5 years. We check in on the effort with Dave Coffman, the director of Northern California and Southern Oregon for RES.    

    Portland business hit hard by tariffs is solicited with offers to cheat paying them

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 23:43


    Less than 24 hours after a lower court ruling on Wednesday found that President Trump had illegally used an emergency powers law to enact global tariffs, a federal appeals court paused that decision and allowed the tariffs to continue – for now, that is. The legal topsy-turvy added a fresh round of uncertainty for business owners like Leslie Jordan, who started a company in Portland nearly 40 years ago which manufactures athletic apparel and accessories made in factories in China and Pakistan.  In April, when President Trump enacted tariffs of 145% on goods made in China, Jordan had to pay nearly 200% in duties to get her products cleared through customs. She lost business as some orders got canceled and  scrambled to move production to factories in countries like Egypt and Vietnam, which face lower tariff rates than China. She also started getting emails from companies that offered their services to help her avoid high tariffs through illegal schemes, such as misclassifying the imported goods or shipping them through a different country.  Jordan recently shared her experiences with the New York Times in their investigation into the rise of trade fraud as a consequence of the tariffs. She joins us to share more details and how she thinks the federal government can more effectively crack down on tariff cheats.

    AMR river rescue has saved thousands of lives in Oregon during summer seasons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 8:48


    With the warm weather over the Memorial Day weekend you might have been tempted to cool off in one of the region’s many beautiful rivers. If you headed to Glen Otto park or High Rocks park in the Portland area you might have seen Emergency Medical Technicians from the American Medical Response (AMR) River Rescue Program on hand to help out in case of an emergency in the water. The EMTs are getting training in river currents and rescue operations this week and will staff the two parks all summer long. Gracie Goodrich, an AMR River Rescue Program supervisor, tells us more about the program, which has helped more than 2,000 people since it started in 1999.

    Oregon mother advocates for federal bill that aims to protect kids from online dangers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 30:15


    A bill in the U.S. Senate would put more responsibility on social media companies to design their platforms to better protect children from online dangers. The Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, appeared set to pass Congress last year, only to stall in the House. It was reintroduced earlier this month.Advocates say KOSA is necessary to keep kids from being fed harmful content through algorithms, such as posts encouraging eating disorders or suicide. But opponents such as the ACLU have argued that it could restrict free speech.Kristin Bride is a social media reform advocate from Lake Oswego whose son died by suicide after he was bullied online. Nick Allen is the director of the Center for Digital Mental Health at the University of Oregon. They join us to talk about the new legislation and how families should weigh the pros and cons of youth social media use.

    Looking back at Steve Prefontaine's legacy 50 years after his death

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 22:54


    It’s been 50 years since legendary Oregon track and field athlete Steve Prefontaine died in a car crash on May 30, 1975. He was only 24 years old. At the time, the Coos Bay runner held every U.S. distance record from the two-kilometer race to the 10K and was training for the 1976 Olympics. His athleticism and charisma made him one of the best-known runners to come out of the University of Oregon and helped him land a brand deal as Nike’s first celebrity athlete. Brendan O’Meara is the author of the new biography “The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine.” He joins us to talk about Pre’s impact on the sport and his legacy in the track and field community.

    How Oregon's Head Start programs are affected by federal uncertainty

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 12:45


    The Head Start program provides free early childhood education and support for low-income families. The federal government funds the program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Project 2025 proposed eliminating the program.  While Head Start still exists, regional offices have closed and programs have run into issues receiving their funding. We’ll learn more about what the program looks like now from Nancy Perin, the executive director of the Oregon Head Start Association. 

    Oregon AG-led challenge to Trump's tariffs successful, administration is appealing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 10:44


    Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Arizona AG Kris Mayes have prevailed in their challenge to a set of tariffs Pres. Trump had imposed on most countries on April 2. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of  International Trade in April. The coalition of Attorneys General included Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont. The judgment issued Wednesday said that the executive orders Trump issued using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are illegal. In a statement, Rayfield celebrated the ruling and also noted it not only overturns the April 2 tariffs but also prevents Trump’s threatened 145% tariffs on Chinese imports and 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union. The administration has announced that it will appeal the ruling, and it immediately asked for the decision to be paused. Rayfield joins us to share more details about this case.

    Oregon bill would again allow foster kids to be sent out of state

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 29:01


    A foster care bill in the Oregon legislature is controversial, but unlike other hotly contested issues, it’s not one that breaks along party lines. House Bill 3835 would allow kids in the child welfare system to be sent out of state to receive services —  a practice Oregon stopped several years ago after documented incidents of abuse. Democratic governor Tina Kotek has publicly spoken in favor of the bill, and it’s sponsored by Rep. Rob Nosse, D - Portland. But Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin, D - Corvallis, is among those in her party who vehemently oppose it. We hear from both lawmakers to get their perspectives on how the bill would — or would not —  meet the needs of some of Oregon’s most vulnerable children. 

    Author Renée Watson on “skin & bones,” her first novel for adults

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 23:54


    Renée Watson has topped bestseller lists and won multiple awards for her children’s and young adult literature. But the author, who splits her time between Portland and New York City, recently released “skin & bones,” her first book for adults. The story follows 40-year-old Lena Baker as she navigates dating, fat-shaming, friendship and motherhood while also working to bring Oregon’s Black history to the general public. The book also deals with grief, faith and the things we pass from one generation to the next. We spoke with Watson on June 24, 2024 about her adult fiction debut.

    Portland comedian Susan Rice releases first stand-up album at 73 years old

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 29:44


    Portland comedian Susan Rice has performed on stages across the country since the 1980s. But it was only last year, at the age of 72, that she received wider acclaim after her appearance at a Don’t Tell Comedy showcase went viral. The 10-minute set has now been viewed more than 1.4 million times on Youtube. Following that success, Rice dropped her first stand-up album, “Silver Alert,” earlier this month.    Rice joins us to talk about her long career in comedy and the humor she finds in aging.

    Black Belt Eagle Scout creates new composition for walks around Washington County's Henry Hagg Lake

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 17:04


    Katherine Paul is an Indigenous musician who performs as Black Belt Eagle Scout. The band’s most recent album, “The Land, Water, The Sky,” draws inspiration from the landscape of the Pacific Northwest and Paul’s return to her home on the Swinomish Reservation in Washington after many years in Portland. Paul recently created a 45-minute “soundwalk” in partnership with Third Angle New Music. The composition is meant to be listened to on a walk around Henry Hagg Lake in Washington County. To celebrate its launch, Black Belt Eagle Scout will perform a free show at the lake on Saturday, May 31. Paul joins us to talk about the new project and her work as Black Belt Eagle Scout.

    Portland ice cream chain Fifty Licks making ends meet a year after devastating fire

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 20:16


    Chad Draizin of Portland’s 50 Licks sold his first scoop of ice cream in 2009 at a street fair. After several years of pop-up events and selling to local grocery stores, he opened his first brick-and-mortar shop in 2013 in the Clinton Street neighborhood, but it was in 2017 that Draizin says his business transformed with the opening of the E. Burnside & 28th location - on a busy corner near dozens of restaurants and a movie theater right across the street. Business boomed, and he was able to open another location in Northwest. That’s why the fire in May 2024, which consumed the inside of the historic building, was so devastating. But Draizin managed to keep the other stores going and create a pop-up location at Washington Square Mall. He joins us to share what recovery over the last year has looked like, and his hopes for getting back into his dream location on Burnside.

    State and local law enforcement seize hundreds of animals during search of Southern Oregon safari park

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 15:05


    Last week, Oregon State Police, joined by multiple state and local agencies, completed a search of a roadside zoo in Bandon on the Southern Oregon Coast. More than 300 animals were seized and relocated to animal sanctuaries or rescue facilities. Three animals, including a camel, were euthanized because they were determined to be in such poor health they could not be transported or treated, according to OSP. The Oregon Humane Society, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted OSP with the four-day search and criminal investigation, which is ongoing. The now-closed West Coast Game Park Safari opened in 1972 and lured visitors with a chance to encounter exotic animals like tigers, lions, chimpanzees and emus. Over the years, it had garnered numerous complaints from community members and organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals over suspected animal neglect and possible violations of state wildlife regulations. Inspectors at the Department of Agriculture cited the roadside zoo 78 times in the past year alone for animals that had gone missing, appeared underfed or were denied adequate veterinary care, among other violations of the Animal Welfare Act.  Jefferson Public Radio reporter Justin Higginbottom has been following this story and joins us with more details. 

    Northwest writer Timothy Egan's new book tells KKK history

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 52:06


    By the early 1900s, the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group founded by former Confederate soldiers after the Civil War, had all but faded from existence in the U.S. Then, in 1915, a second Klan was founded in Georgia, and soon spread across the country. By the mid-1920s, it had as many as eight million members across the U.S., including many chapters in the Pacific Northwest, and a strong base in the Midwest.  Seattle writer Timothy Egan’s most recent book, “A Fever in the Heartland,” tells the story of the rise of the Klan in the 1920s and the leader who was brought down by one woman’s deathbed testimony. We talk to Egan in front of students at McDaniel’s High School.

    Memory activism' on display in ‘Precipice' solo play at Portland's Vanport Mosaic Festival

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 33:41


    The new solo play “Precipice” was conceived by actor and self-described “memory activist” Damaris Webb. It’s part of the offerings of the Vanport Mosaic Festival she co-founded 10 years ago. The play, like the festival itself, centers on remembering and reclaiming history and telling the stories of people who have been marginalized or forgotten. We talk with Webb and playwright Chris Gonzalez about this new work and what they hope audiences take from it.

    Eugene Ballet artistic director looks back on 46 years of dance and collaboration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 19:25


    Toni Pimble moved to Oregon from her home in England more than 46 years ago and co-founded the Eugene Ballet. As the company’s artistic director, she has choreographed over 60 pieces and collaborated with composers, artists and other organizations, from the Eugene Opera to the Oregon Bach Festival to the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. Her award-winning work has also been performed by the New York City Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre and many others. We sit down with Pimble to talk about her career and her hopes for the company as she prepares to leave her role in June.  

    Oregon State University study finds more than 3,500 animal species threatened by climate change

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 15:05


    The International Union for Conservation of Nature keeps what it calls a Red List of species that are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss or exploitation such as overfishing. But a new study led by researchers at Oregon State University suggests another reason some wildlife might be at risk: climate change.  The scientists analyzed nearly 71,000 wild animal species – from corals to reptiles, insects to mammals – assessed by the IUCN Red List and categorized them according to climate-related threats they face such as drought or temperature extremes. The researchers found that more than 3,500 animal species are threatened by climate change - especially invertebrates like spiders, corals and jellyfish. The study also warns that mass mortality events linked to climate change, such as the marine heat wave in the Pacific Ocean that killed off 4 million common murres a decade ago, will “greatly accelerate” with rising global temperatures.  Joining us to discuss the study’s findings is co-author Jillian Gregg, a senior instructor at OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the founder and CEO of Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Associates. 

    How proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act could affect salmon, other species in Oregon and beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 13:48


    The Trump administration is proposing changes to the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. The proposed changes would prohibit actions that only directly relate to hurting or killing an animal. Historically, the word “harm” has been defined broadly to include habitat loss, which is a leading cause of extinction for endangered species. Noah Greenwald is the endangered species director for the Center for Biological Diversity. He joins us to share more on the broader impacts this change could have in Oregon and across the U.S.

    Oregon voters split on school funding measures

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 10:39


    While the biggest school bond on the ballot seems to be passing in Tuesday’s special election, Oregonians appear to be split in their support of education-related bond measures that would fund school building construction, maintenance and other improvements. OPB editor Rob Manning joins us to give us a picture of how many of the education-related votes fared in this week’s election.

    Portland city councilors consider over 120 amendments to city budget

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 13:22


    On Wednesday, Portland’s 12 city councilors stayed late considering a number of amendments to the city’s budget - both large and small. OPB's Portland city politics reporter Alex Zielinski was there and tells us what it all means.

    Oregon journalist explores New Age religion in latest book, ‘Blazing Eye Sees All'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 52:07


    Oregon journalist and OPB’s “Hush” Podcast Host Leah Sottile has made a name for herself investigating extremism and fringe movements in the West. Her latest book, “Blazing Eye Sees All,” explores New Age religion, including the Love Has Won movement. Beyond that, the book is a history of spirituality in the U.S. and looks at the ways fascism and metaphysical circles are intertwined. Sottile joins us in front of a live audience at the Literary Art Bookstore in Portland to share more.

    Bend affordable housing provider takes issue with city's tree code

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 13:26


    Thistle & Nest, an affordable housing provider in Bend, says the city’s new tree code isn’t flexible enough and is raising the cost of building new housing in Central Oregon. At one of the affordable housing developments Thistle & Nest is currently building, the code will mean fewer homes get built, according to the organization, which is refusing to submit a tree preservation plan for the site. That challenge is currently being reviewed by a hearings officer and could be appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals. Amy Warren, board president and co-founder of Thistle & Nest, joins us to explain why the nonprofit has decided to challenge the tree code.   

    How tariffs are affecting Oregon's seafood industry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 13:17


    The West Coast seafood industry is caught in the crosshairs of tariff uncertainty. International orders have been canceled, which impacts Oregon workers. Industry leaders and Oregon’s Democratic Congressional delegation have asked the US Department of Agriculture to step in. Lori Steele is the executive director of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association. She joins us with details of the challenges facing the industry.

    Retired Oregon justice department lawyer says state should reject Purdue opioid settlement

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 25:59


    David Hart isn’t necessarily one of the  people you’d expect to be critical of the $7.4 billion multi-state opioid settlement reached with drug company Purdue. For 25 years, he was the assistant attorney general at the Oregon Department of Justice until his retirement last month, and he headed the department’s opioid litigation and recovery/pharmaceutical fraud unit. One way or another, he’s represented the state in opioid litigation and negotiations since 2004. But since he’s now retired, he feels an obligation to speak out about a settlement that he says is far too lenient and favorable to the Sackler family and their company, Purdue. Hart describes their behavior in igniting and fueling the opioid crisis “the worst of the worst.” He spoke with our news partner The Lund Report about his concerns and wrote an op-ed in the Oregonian/Oregonlive. He joins us to detail his concerns and how he’s making his case to the attorneys general in Oregon and the other states involved.

    More than 20 breweries collaborate on beer project showcasing unique Oregon hop

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 15:07


    As most beer enthusiasts know, hops play a vital role in the brewing process. The cone-shaped flowers impart distinct aromas that help distinguish, say, a pilsner from a pale ale. Oregon is one of only three states, along with Washington and Idaho, that commercially grows hops. Oregon and Washington are also the only two states that have their own USDA-supported breeding programs to develop new varieties of hops. But only Oregon can lay claim to the Strata hop, a variety that was bred at Oregon State University and released in 2018. Nearly all Strata hops today are being grown at just nine family farms in the Willamette Valley. But this quintessentially Oregon hop is about to get a lot more exposure thanks to Oregon Homegrown, a statewide beer collaboration launching on May 23. For two weeks, more than 20 Oregon breweries will showcase the flavor versatility of Strata to create an array of beers, from a Vienna lager to a hazy IPA to a fruited ale. Jeff Alworth is a journalist, author of several books on beer and the executive director of Celebrate Oregon Beer, a nonprofit he created last year that’s organizing the event. Gayle Goschie is a third-generation hop farmer and the co-owner of Goschie Farms in Silverton. They join us to share more details about Oregon Homegrown and what makes Strata hops so special. 

    Oregon doctor speaks out against proposed Medicaid cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 17:51


    Congress is considering cuts to Medicaid that would affect millions of Americans. Under a current proposal, nearly half of the Oregonians enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan would be required to prove they’re working or volunteering 80 hours a month to keep their coverage. In Oregon, some fear changes to Medicaid could hit healthcare in rural communities especially hard. Evan Saulino is a family physician providing clinical care in the Columbia River Gorge. His commentary on possible cuts to Medicaid was recently featured in the Oregon Capital Chronicle. He joins us with details of his concerns and how federal changes to Medicaid would affect rural healthcare.

    Oregon reports record number of student vaccination opt-outs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 19:49


    Oregon kindergarteners are opting out of vaccinations at increasingly higher rates over the last four years. And public health officials are growing increasingly concerned. Oregon is one of just 15 states that allow parents to opt out of childhood vaccinations for nonreligious, nonmedical reasons. The current opt-out rate of 9.7% is the highest recorded in state history. Health officials say the measles and pertussis outbreaks in the state are an indication more work is needed to boost vaccination rates more broadly.We get more details from Stacy de Assis Matthews, the immunization coordinator at Oregon Health Authority, and Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section and the Oregon Immunization Program at OHA.      

    Street Soccer Portland aims to reduce barriers to playing soccer, especially for low-income youth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 16:04


    Street Soccer Portland is part of a national organization that aims to expand access to playing soccer by providing a free alternative to the pay-to-play model of club soccer. The local chapter primarily serves elementary and middle school-aged children through afterschool programs currently being offered at 20 schools and community centers in Portland, Tigard, Gresham and Vancouver. Partnerships and donations from companies like Adidas and Nike help provide free uniforms and equipment to participants, most of whom are low-income and would otherwise not be able to afford the hundreds of dollars a youth club soccer team would likely charge to join.  Since joining Street Soccer Portland two years ago, Program Director Julian Alexander has expanded participation in the organization by more than 140%, from roughly 1,000 to nearly 2,400 participants last year. Program Coordinator Saul Meneses Zurita is now helping coach the next generation of players after first playing in one of Street Soccer Portland’s afterschool programs 11 years ago. Alexander and Zurita join us to share the impact Street Soccer Portland is having on and off the field. They’ll also share details about the annual spring tournament that hundreds of fourth and fifth graders will compete in next Friday at Davis Elementary School in Gresham.   

    Behavioral health providers say Oregon Health Authority rule puts patients at risk

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 14:04


    When someone accused of a crime is found unable to aid and assist in their own defense, they are sent to the Oregon State Hospital for an evaluation. After that, they often need to spend time at a residential treatment center until they are fit to stand trial. A new rule from the Oregon Health Authority requires residential treatment facilities in the state to accept those patients ahead of any who might be on their waiting list, setting aside their normal admissions standards. Attorneys for the Oregon Council for Behavioral Health and six residential treatment providers filed a petition with the Oregon Court of Appeals to block that rule.  We hear from Heather Jefferis, executive director of the Oregon Council for Behavioral Health, about the challenges faced by behavioral health providers in Oregon.

    Washington and Coos county commissioners among many grappling with budget shortfalls

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 22:28


    More than half of all counties in Oregon are facing budget shortfalls and cuts to programs and services. In Washington County, officials are proposing more than $25 million in reductions to the $2 billion budget that would include eliminating jobs and services. In Coos County, the sheriff’s department released some of those serving time in its jail last year. In 2024, county voters turned down two different tax levies to fund government services. Even after making cuts, Coos County still faces a gap of about $1.8 million. John Sweet is one of the three commissioners that govern Coos County. Kathryn Harrington is the chair of the Washington County Commission. They both join us to share more about the budget challenges and how they’re thinking about potential cuts to programs and services for their residents.

    Prairie High School esports team in Vancouver heads to state championship

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 18:18


    Prairie High School in the Battle Ground School District is headed to a statewide tournament this weekend. But it's not for a traditional sport like soccer, baseball or football — it's for esports. Esports, like many other sports, have players compete as individuals or in a team in a video game against others. Prairie High School took home first prize in a statewide championship last fall in “Overwatch 2,” a team-based hero shooter game. On Sunday, one of the teams will head to Lynnwood to compete again for another statewide title.  Simeon Redberg is a science teacher at the school and the coach of the team. Cody Sigler is a senior and team captain who was recently awarded an esports scholarship to attend Winthrop University in the fall. They both join us to share more on the world of esports at the high school level.

    Salem-Keizer superintendent shares more on proposed budget

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 18:58


    Some of Oregon’s largest school districts are facing cuts this year, including Portland Public Schools, Eugene 4J School District and the Beaverton School District. However, Oregon’s second-largest school district, Salem-Keizer Public Schools, is looking to spend more. Superintendent Andrea Castañeda shared a proposal last week that aims to increase the budget to invest more in mental health and special education. This comes after last year’s dramatic cuts that led to nearly 100 layoffs. Castañeda joins us to share more about her budget proposal and what the district's budget could look like in the future.

    Oregon's economic outlook clouded by tariffs and federal spending cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 16:12


    Oregon lawmakers will have roughly $500 million less to work with for the next two-year budget cycle, according to the state’s latest economic and revenues forecast unveiled Wednesday in Salem. The uncertainty sparked by tariffs, slashed federal spending and immigration issues are clouding the state’s economic outlook, according to Oregon Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna. Also on Wednesday, the state released its latest jobs report. It showed that unemployment in Oregon rose to 4.7% in April, which is higher than the national average and marks a gradual increase over the past year.  Oregon Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna joins us for more details about the state’s economic outlook and the challenges ahead.   

    Oregon arts organizations scrambling after National Endowment for the Arts grants are withdrawn

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 15:53


    The National Endowment for the Arts has withdrawn more than half a million dollars worth of grants that arts organizations all over Oregon were relying on. Portland Playhouse got a letter that said it would not get $25,000 meant for its production of August Wilson’s and Joe Turner’s "Come and Gone" that was to open the next day. Other organizations that saw their funding pulled include All Classical Portland, Oregon Children’s Theatre, NW Children’s Theatre, Passinart: A Theatre Company, and Profile Theatre. Portland Playhouse donors quickly made up the theatre’s lost $25,000 grant, but future federal funding is looking bleak to many Oregon arts organizations. Many of them met this week with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, who vowed to do everything in her power to get federal funding restored. Claire Willett is a Portland-based playwright, artist and grant writer. She’s been following the NEA funding cuts for Oregon Arts Watch and joins us to share the latest developments.

    New Washington law making clergy mandatory reporters of abuse draws investigation by US Justice Department

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 15:57


    Earlier this month, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill into law that now requires clergy to be mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. Under SB 5375, clergy in Washington must report suspected abuse or neglect to authorities even if they learn of it during so-called penitential communications, such as confessions. The bill was first introduced in 2023 after reporting by InvestigateWest described how a lack of a mandatory reporting requirement for clergy in Washington may have played a role in helping Jehovah’s Witnesses in the state hide allegations of child sexual abuse.   As reported earlier by InvestigateWest, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it is opening an investigation into SB 5375, which it claims appears to violate the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment. Joining us to discuss the new law is the bill’s sponsor, Democratic Washington state Sen. Noel Frame, who represents Seattle in the state’s 36th Legislative District. 

    Portland Pickles gear up for new baseball season and premiere of new soccer team

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 20:46


    Ever since its debut 10 years ago, the wood-bat baseball team the Portland Pickles have been delighting fans with its summer games that feature quirky fan appreciation events, such as a “Redhead Appreciation Night” for the season opener on May 27, or one honoring bee sting survivors.  In addition to its 10th anniversary and winning the West Coast League championship last year, the Pickles are celebrating another milestone. Tomorrow marks the debut of the Portland Bangers, a new soccer team the Pickles are launching. Like the Pickles, the Bangers also feature collegiate-level athletes playing during the summer months.    Jorge Villafaña is the head coach of the Portland Bangers and a retired professional soccer player who helped the Portland Timbers win its first-ever Major League Soccer championship in 2015. He joins us along with Alan Miller, co-owner and president of the Portland Pickles, for a preview of the teams’ new seasons.  

    Oregon legislature on track to repeal controversial Wildfire risk map

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 16:27


    After the devastating 2020 Labor Day fires, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill that was supposed to lead to more wildfire awareness and resilience. It created a map of areas at high risk of fire. But that map led to a huge backlash from property owners. Now one of the democratic state senators who helped create the map is sponsoring a bill that would repeal it. We’ll talk to Jeff Golden, who represents the Ashland area, about why – and what should happen instead.

    Port of Portland reacts to tariff changes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 12:47


    On Monday, the U.S. and China agreed to suspend increased tariffs for 90 days while negotiations continue. Prior to that announcement, the Port of Portland had projected exports and imports to be down 30% in May. We hear from Curtis Robinhold, the executive director of the Port of Portland, and from Tim McCarthy, the chief operating officer of Harbor Industrial, a maritime services company at the Port’s container terminal.

    What NSF funding cuts could mean for misinformation research at UW and across the country

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 11:44


    Late last month, the National Science Foundation, a U.S. federal agency that supports scientific research, terminated more than 400 grants that related to misinformation, disinformation and diversity, equity and inclusion. A proposed budget from the Trump administration would also cut the NSF budget in half. Kate Starbird is the co-founder of UW’s Center for an Informed Public. She joins us to share more about the broader impacts of these cuts. 

    After 115 years, Malheur Enterprise is closing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 14:12


    The owners of Malheur Enterprise are retiring.  Les Zaitz is the retiring publisher of the Malheur Enterprise. He joins us with details. 

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