OPB Politics Now

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.

 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 Paul Holvey. Plus, they address why Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell is leaving and what to make of his short-term successor.

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 o 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.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler is not seeking a third term. On this bonus episode of OPB Politics Now, Wheeler chats with Think out Loud's Dave Miller about that decision, what he hopes to accomplish in the next 15 months and much more. We'll be back Friday with a regular podcast episode

Portland wants to ban public drug use on sidewalks or public property, but it isn’t a simple fix. And the state’s largest homeless shelter, which was founded with assurances no public money was needed, is suddenly saved by Multnomah County. All that and more on this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now.

On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, politics reporter Dirk VanderHart explains the history of Oregon’s kicker tax rebate, why taxpayers will see a record return next year and the politics surrounding it.

The massive task force convened by Gov. Tina Kotek, which aims to address Portland’s many issues, met for the first time this week. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, politics reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss the meeting, what people had to say and what might come out of the process.

With two quiet vetoes, Governor Tina Kotek has slowed the push to decriminalize sex work in Oregon. And it turns out the city of Portland’s top public safety official has been living in Sin City, not Stumptown. On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, Anna Griffin, Jonathan Levinson and Alex Zielinski tackle those two topics.

Oregon lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session earlier this summer with a flurry of bills. Plenty of topics were discussed in the final days of session, but one wasn’t at all: How, and why a mega project to renovate the Capitol was nearly $100 million over budget. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss that project and Gov. Tina Kotek swooping in to try and solve Portland’s problems.

Intel growing, gas pumping, Congresswoman Hoyle testifying
On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, politics reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss a surprisingly busy week despite the dog days of summer. They discussed Intel's big expansion and the state role, Oregon's new gas pumping future and a Congresswoman testifying.