KGW’s Straight Talk

Fifty years ago professional soccer came to Portland — now the dedicated Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters — help fuel a $187 million soccer economy in the city.

Four of Oregon's congresswomen describe current state of union petering on constitutional crisis in President Donald Trump's second term.

Is Portland in an Urban Doom Loop? – Economic experts discuss whether Portland’s decline is temporary or part of a worsening trend.

President Donald Trump's executive order halting all diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the federal workforce has prompted some major companies to change their policies. Meanwhile, changes at the National Institutes of Health mean hospitals and universities could lose billions in funding — potentially including Oregon Health and Science University.

Two guests joined "Straight Talk" this week to tackle those topics. Dr. Steve Stadum is currently interim president at OHSU, having come out of retirement in November to take over after the resignation of former president Dr. Danny Jacobs. Shari Dunn is a journalist, attorney, professor and author of the book "Qualified," which tackles how DEI initiatives and race collide in the workplace.

A wave of labor action is sweeping across the nation, unlike anything in recent history, and many of the cases have been in the Pacific Northwest — from the first Portland teachers strike last fall to Oregon's first major doctors strike and then from the largest healthcare strike in state history that began last month. Two guests joined "Straight Talk" this week to break down what's fueling the resurgence in organized labor and what it means for employers, workers and the economy at large.

Eric Fruits is a senior scholar at the International Center for Law and Economics and an adjust professor of economics at Portland State University. He's also the president and chief economist of Economics International Corporation, a consulting firm that specializes in economics and finance. His areas of expertise include consumer protection, financial regulation and corporate governance.

Dr. Marc Rodriguez is a professor of history at PSU who received his PhD in American History from Northwestern University, as well as a juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He's an expert in social and protest movements, and a contributor to the academic journal "Labor: Studies in Working Class History."

Oregon’s legislative leaders break down the state’s housing crisis, immigration laws, and policy changes needed to address the state's most urgent issues.

Nathan Vasquez addresses federal immigration pressure, rising crime, and challenges in public defense to reshape justice in Multnomah County.

Unpack Donald Trump’s unprecedented return to the presidency, his promise of unity, and the political and historical context shaping this pivotal moment.

U.S. House Rep. Earl Blumenauer reflects on 50-year journey of leadership, advocacy, and transformation for Portland and beyond.

During his time as mayor, Portland endured civil unrest, weather emergencies, wildfires, the COVID-19 shutdown and record-high homelessness, homicides and crime. In this episode of Straight Talk, Ted Wheeler reflects on his two-terms as Portland Mayor and talks where the city needs to fully revitalize.