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OPB Politics Now

‘OPB Politics Now’: Portland’s police oversight controversy continues

Portland has struggled for years with how to oversee matters of police discipline and the controversy appears to be continuing. On the latest episode of "OPB Politics Now," reporters Lauren Dake and Alex Zielinski discuss how the City Council appears to be changing elements of the police oversight system that was overwhelmingly supported by voters three years ago.

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‘OPB Politics Now’: The politics of the PPS strike

Portland public schools are on strike for the first time in history. It’s early days and it’s already turning political. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Dirk VanderHart and Natalie Pate discuss the politics surrounding the strike and whether Democratic lawmakers will wade in to the dispute.



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‘OPB Politics Now’: What happens when an Oregon town’s government implodes

Baker City's government and political system essentially ceased to exist for weeks this year, and the pieces are just now getting put back together. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, editor Ryan Haas and reporter Antonio Sierra discuss the political acrimony in Baker City and much more.


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‘OPB Politics Now’: How homelessness became a statewide crisis in Oregon

Homelessness may be the biggest political story in Oregon. And it’s complicated: intertwined so closely with other big issues like the housing shortage, a lack of mental health care options and a surging drug crisis. On this week’s episode of "OPB Politics Now," reporters Lauren Dake and Alex Zielinski take a deep dive into the history of houselessness in Oregon.


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‘OPB Politics Now’: Why Democrats are now willing to tackle Measure 110 reforms

During the 2023 legislative session, Democrats were not interested in making system-wide changes to the state’s drug decriminalization experiment. Now, that seems to have changed. On this week’s episode of OPB’s Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart talk about the politics behind the sudden change of heart and what it means for the future of the state’s drug policies.


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‘OPB Politics Now’: Fentanyl, overdoses and Measure 110 in the spotlight

Fentanyl use in Portland and other cities is a national crisis, but in Oregon the passage of Measure 110 harkened something entirely different. Now the political repercussions about that measure continue to reverberate. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart, Lauren Dake and Jonathan Levinson discuss fentanyl, Measure 110's critics and much more.


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‘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.


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‘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.


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Podcast logo imageOPB Politics Now is a weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into the hottest political topics in Oregon and the Northwest. Every Friday, OPB’s political reporters and special guests offer in-depth analysis, discussion and insight into candidates, events and issues

Growing Oregon

OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes spent more than a year researching, reporting and producing “Growing Oregon,” a six-part podcast and web series looking at the evolution of Oregon’s unique approach to growth and the impact it has on our lives today. You can find the full series here.