OPB Politics Now

The OPB politics team is working hard on stories ahead of next month’s Oregon primary election. We’re going to have all sorts of coverage on this podcast, on OPB.org and on the radio in the coming days and weeks. That's a long way of saying - we're taking a break this week. But we’re not leaving you hanging. In case you missed it, here' a Think Out Loud debate featuring three of the candidates for Oregon’s Third Congressional Seat – that’s the one held by Earl Blumenauer for decades. This episode features Maxine Dexter, Susheela Jayapal and Eddy Morales.

Right 2 Dream Too used to dominate headlines in Portland, but the homeless community is largely overlooked these days. Also, one of the city’s newest outdoor shelters is nearing the one-year mark but finding housing remains a challenge. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Alex Zielinski and Bryce Dole discuss Right 2 Dream Too and the Clinton Triangle. Find the show anywhere you5 get your podcasts

Last year, Portland’s city council passed a new ban on unsanctioned homeless camping within the city during daytime hours. Almost a year later, it’s stalled and now Mayor Ted Wheeler has a new plan. On this week’s OPB Politics Now we walk you through the latest on Portland’s push and pull with addressing camps. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.   

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s wife Aimee wants a larger role in state politics. What should Oregonians think of that? Does it matter? On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss why several top staffers left Kotek’s office and what other state’s do when it comes to first spouses. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Oregon lawmakers accomplished many things during the short session, but environmental policies were not at the top of the docket. But that doesn’t mean nothing passed the legislative finish line. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Alejandro Figueroa and April Ehrlich discuss what passed, what didn’t and what it means. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Rene Gonzalez wants to be mayor of Portland. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now we took a look at Gonzalez’s first year. Plus, will the latest plan to solve homelessness work or is it more of the same?  Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

Oregon lawmakers finished their short session this week - with big bipartisan bills crossing the finish line and a surprise or two. I’m Andrew Theen. On the next episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss the biggest takeaways from the session. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Oregon lawmakers are tackling some major issues in the short session. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now we focus on the housing bill moving through Salem. We discuss the political fault lines animating the bill, whether it will actually be used and much more. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Oregon lawmakers have a lot on their plate, but they are shuffling to act as quickly as possible during the short session in some cases to avoid a larger fight at the ballot box. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake discuss the sudden interest in campaign finance limits and the latest on the efforts to unravel Measure 110. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Oregon lawmakers already had a big agenda to tackle in the short legislative session, but a surprise wrinkle entered the fray. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake discuss the session’s first two weeks, Gov. Tina Kotek’s housing bill and its changes and why there’s a sudden bipartisan effort to finally address campaign finance limits statewide. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.