Andrew Theen
Andrew Theen returned to OPB as politics and government editor in April 2023. Longtime listeners may remember him from his first tenure at the news organization from 2006 to 2008. Theen worked at The Oregonian from 2012 to 2023. While at The Oregonian, he covered everything from the city of Hillsboro to Portland City Hall to transportation and the environment. He was the podcasts editor at The Oregonian from 2021 until leaving the paper.
While at The Oregonian, Theen’s work received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Best in the West, Society of American Business Editors and Writers and other journalism entities.
He grew up in Medford and graduated from the University of Oregon. Theen received his master’s degree in public affairs journalism from Northwestern University.
When he is not talking about politics, Theen can be found enjoying Oregon and the Pacific Northwest with his family or talking about – or playing – basketball. Rip City.
Latest Stories
‘OPB Politics Now’: A deep dive into the unusual and personal Paul Holvey recall
Recall efforts aren't unusual in Oregon politics these days, but it is odd to have a contest led by former allies. On the latest episode of "OPB Politics Now," reporters Alex Zielinski and Dirk VanderHart discuss the union-led effort to recall Rep. Paul Holvey. Plus, they address why Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell is leaving and what to make of his short-term successor.
Chuck Lovell is resigning as Portland’s police chief
Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell is resigning from his post as the city’s top law enforcement officer, but he plans to continue working for the police bureau.
‘OPB Politics Now’: What can Ted Wheeler accomplish as a lame duck?
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler won't run for reelection, but does this free him up to accomplish more in his last 15 months? On the latest episode of "OPB Politics Now," reporters Alex Zielinski, Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake discuss Wheeler's decision, his legacy and whether he can do anything notable. Plus, they discuss the candidates entering races for state treasurer and secretary of state.
‘OPB Politics Now’: Portland public drug use ban awaits state action, Bybee Lakes gets more public cash
Portland wants to ban public drug use on sidewalks or public property, but it isn't a simple fix. And the state's largest homeless shelter, which was founded with assurances no public money was needed, is suddenly saved by Multnomah County. All that and more on this week's episode of OPB Politics Now.
‘OPB Politics Now’: Oregon’s ‘kicker’ hits a new record
On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, politics reporter Dirk VanderHart explains the history of Oregon’s kicker tax rebate, why taxpayers will see a record return next year and the politics surrounding it.
‘OPB Politics Now’: The task force to save Portland met for the first time, but will it work?
The massive task force convened by Gov. Tina Kotek, which aims to address Portland’s many issues, met for the first time this week. On the latest episode of "OPB Politics Now," politics reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss the meeting, what people had to say and what might come out of the process.
‘OPB Politics Now’: The sex work vetoes and the Portland leader who lived and worked from Vegas
Gov. Tina Kotek has used her veto power to slow the push to decriminalize sex work in Oregon. And it turns out the city of Portland’s top public safety official has been living in Sin City, not Stumptown. On this week’s episode of "OPB Politics Now," Anna Griffin, Jonathan Levinson and Alex Zielinski tackle those two topics.
‘OPB Politics Now’: The costly Capitol renovation, plus Kotek’s task force to save Portland
Oregon lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session earlier this summer with a flurry of bills. Plenty of topics were discussed in the final days of session, but one wasn’t at all: how and why a mega project to renovate the Capitol was nearly $100 million over budget. On the latest episode of "OPB Politics Now," reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss that project and Gov. Tina Kotek swooping in to try to solve Portland’s problems.
Traffic deaths are a ‘significant public health threat,’ Multnomah County report says
Multnomah County officials released a report Monday highlighting traffic fatalities.
‘OPB Politics Now’: Intel growing, gas pumping, Val Hoyle testifying
On the latest episode of "OPB Politics Now," politics reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss a surprisingly busy week despite the dog days of summer. They discussed Intel's big expansion and the state role, Oregon's new gas pumping future and a congresswoman testifying.