OPB Politics Now

Tariffs have been one of the dominant themes of the first few months of the Trump administration. And Oregon businesses are feeling the pinch, and the uncertainty. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss how Oregon businesses are responding to the tariffs and what it could mean for consumers. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.  

Oregon’s legislative session is at the midway point. I’m Lauren Dake. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss what the Legislature has accomplished so far, how the Trump administration has affected Salem and much more. Find the show where ever you get your podcasts  

The Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty - our mountains, forests, deserts and rivers - is a draw for many of us who call this region home. For decades, many of our most powerful rivers have been tamed - by dams. But in recent years we’ve seen some major dams come down. And it’s possible more big changes are afoot. Is that good? Bad? We’ll discuss the politics of dam removal on the latest episode of OPB Politics Now. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

Democrat Melissa Fireside came out of nowhere in November to win a key election in Oregon’s third most populous county. But the Clackamas County commissioner’s sudden rise came with an even quicker downfall. It’s just the latest change on a county board that’s seen the political pendulum go back and forth many times in the past decade.  Settle in and turn up your volume- it’s time for a Fireside chat. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stopped by the OPB studio this week for an extended interview with Think Out Loud. She talked about her housing policy, what she views as her role in responding to the Trump administration and much more. It was a meaty conversation. Here’s governor Kotek with OPB’s Dave Miller  

Many Oregon students are struggling to pass tests and graduate. State lawmakers and Gov. Tina Kotek are trying to do something about it. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we talk about the state of Oregon schools and the policies proposed during this year’s legislative session. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Having trouble with your finances? Well, Multnomah County and the city of Portland feel your pain. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now we discuss the challenging budget cycle facing two of the state’s largest governments – and why the situation for state government is vastly different. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

Oregon’s congressional delegation got an earful at recent town halls, and strong feelings seem to be growing. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we talk about the town halls, what constituents are saying about the Trump administration’s policies and much more. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

Lori Chavez-DeRemer returned to Washington D.C. this week. The Happy Valley Republican is no longer a member of Congress, but she may soon be a member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet as the nation’ labor secretary. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we dig into Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation hearing and what made it stand out from others.  Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

The first month of the 2025 legislative session may have been overshadowed, a bit, by the flurry of federal action underway in Trump administration 2.0. But there’s plenty to dig into. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Alex Zielinski and Dirk VanderHart and Alex Zielinski discuss the first month of the session, what’s emerged and what hasn’t, and what to expect in the coming weeks. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.