KGW’s Straight Talk

In this week's Straight Talk with Laural Porter, House Speaker Tina Kotek reassures Oregonians that state lawmakers are listening to their concerns and fears about the future created by the coronavirus crisis. Also, representatives from Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers talk about how the pandemic is breeding ground for addictions and the resources that are available for people to overcome their addictions.

This week's guests on Straight Talk with Laural Porter are Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury and Oregon Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle. They talk about how the agencies they oversee are handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

On this week’s episode, Laural Porter talks with Andrew Hoan, the executive director of the Portland Business Alliance, about the impact the coronavirus has had on Portland’s economy. Laural also speaks with an organizer from Street Roots and a woman who is homeless in Portland to find out how the public health crisis is affecting them.

The coronavirus outbreak is sending far-reaching shockwaves through our communities. But the CEO of the Oregon Food Bank said the organization is determined it will meet the need of those hurting in this crisis. Also, we get an update on U.S. census collection. Since field operations have been suspended, crews are using social media, texting, and phone calls to contact people now, with hopes they'll be able to get out in the field later.

Jules Boykoff, a political scientist who studies the Olympics, wrote an op-ed in the New York Times in March 2020 about why the Summer Games should be canceled amid a coronavirus pandemic.

The full economic impact of COVID-19 is still unknown, but the executive director of the Portland Business Alliance, Andrew Hoan, said it's already had significant impact on the traded sector, the hospitality industry, and everything in between. Those ominous headwinds come at a time the region has been surging economically.

Hoan said the Portland metro area has been in uncharted waters with an 11-year economic expansion, the longest in history. But no one knows what lies ahead.

Congressman Kurt Schrader (D), who is being challenged by Milwaukie Mayor Mark Gamba in the Democratic primary, talks about why he should continue to represent the 5th District. He also discussed a coronavirus case reported in his district, climate change and health care.

According to the Oregon Food Bank, one in nine people in Oregon and Washington face food insecurity. Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan hopes there comes a time when her job is no longer necessary.

Local experts explain how trees can help us prepare for a warming climate. Laural Porter is joined by KGW Meteorologist Matt Zaffino, Reed College Professor Dr. Aaron Ramirez, and Portland State University associate professors Dr. Paul Loikith and Dr. Todd Rosenstiel. 

Investigative reporter Cristin Severance, and photojournalists Gene Cotton and Kurt Austin, are spending the school year telling stories about Woodlawn Elementary's students, staff and parents. It's a project providing insight into not only education in Portland, but also the community's history and a glimpse at where it might be headed.