Julia Brim Edwards takes on a new role, and New Multnomah Commissioner Shannon Singleton, Megan Moyer and Vince Jones Dixon are on the County Commission, Nathan Vasquez is the New DA

It's a history making event for Portland. For the first time, there are 12 members of the city council, representing geographic districts after voters decided they wanted reform and a definite path to a completely new type of government for their city. They met for the first time for their first big decision: electing a new Council President and Vice President.

Last year was the deadliest on record for people in the Portland area who are homeless. Fentanyl drove the biggest spike in Multnomah County, Oregon's deaths, according to the health department, and in Clark County, Washington, there was also a big increase in deaths, even though the overall rate of homelessness seems to be decreasing. In this episode, we'll hear from a mayor, a county commission leader and doctors studying why this is happening.

An historic revamp for Portland as 12 new city council members, a new auditor and a new mayor take their oath sof office, express their thanks and talk about the new direction for the city.

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Oregon's top legislative leaders, House Speaker Julie Fahey, Senate President Rob Wagner and Governor Tina Kotek discuss their priorities for the new year ahead including transportation funding

In recent years, it's become more and more acceptable to talk about mental health. And one area that's getting some badly needed and overdue focus right now is mental health among the young: children, teenagers and young adults. This week, we're looking at new research that Oregon experts are participating in, joining doctors and researchers across the country. They're trying to find out why, for example, one in every five Americans, 17 or younger is suffering from a mental, emotional, or behavioral health problem.

They got addicted to alcohol and drugs early in life. Then, they not only overcame their addictions, they turned it into a way to help others heal. And we're focusing on their stories in this episode. First, Joe Buck, the current mayor of Lake Oswego, tells us about his battle with alcohol at a young age.

And he wants young people in Oregon to be more aware of this danger. Then, we hear more insight from Dr. Marvin Seppala. He is an addiction expert and the retired chief medical officer for Hazelden Betty Ford.

Oregon and Washington voters decided important directions for the states and region. And that includes one of the closest toughest races anywhere in the country won by Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. We hear from her, Oregon Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, Governor Tina Kotek, Portland Mayor-Elect Keith Wilson, City Councilor Elect Steve Novick and Washington Governor Elect Bob Ferguson

New homeowner Eva Miles talks with Brett Reckamp about her journey and help from AAAH

Podcast by KXL-Morning News