The governor’s race is getting most of the attention, but there’s another contest for statewide office in Oregon this year. On May 15, voters will elect the state’s next labor commissioner.  In recent years, that position has generated headlines—and occasional criticism. And as OPB’s Dirk VanderHart reports, this year’s labor commissioner race could be more interesting than you think.

Normally Staid Race For Labor Commissioner Heating Up

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OPB Political Chat - January 18, 2019

Thursday morning, federal agents began dismantling a makeshift encampment in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland. Protesters were able to shut the facility down for more than a week. OPB's Dirk VanderHart reports from the scene. We also visit with alfalfa farmers in Washington state, who get assistance from millions of tiny native helpers. Aaron Scott from Oregon Field Guide reports on the alkali bee's role in the cultivation of this important crop.

Authorities Move In On ICE Protest Encampment; Native Bees Help NW Alfalfa Farmers

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that state and local government workers who are represented by organized labor no longer have to pay dues if they don't want to belong to a union. OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes joins us to talk about how this will affect public employees in Oregon and Washington.

Supreme Court Rules Against Mandatory Union Dues

The largest psychiatric hospital in Washington state has been under scrutiny for two years, and the federal government said this week its reform efforts didn't go far enough. Austin Jenkins of the Northwest News Network joins us to explain the decision and what it means for patients at the hospital.

Normally Staid Race For Labor Commissioner Heating Up

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