OPB Audio

A wildfire that started Wednesday afternoon near Rowena, Oregon, grew to an estimated 3,500 acres by Thursday morning. OPB's Kristian Foden-Vencil saw the Rowena Fire firsthand.

Six years ago, the public learned that Oregon child welfare officials were sending children placed in foster care to facilities in other states. After widespread stories of abuse -- kids being restrained and assaulted -- Oregon largely stopped the practice. But now, as Lauren Dake reports, lawmakers are considering changing the law to once again make it easier to send kids out of state.

OPB reached out to local and state officials in Oregon, as well as Portlanders who protested in 2020, to find out what they learned from the federal law enforcement deployment during that time — and what it might mean if tensions rise locally.

Dr. Robert Macauley of OHSU is one of the few pediatricians in the U.S. who is certified in palliative medicine. His memoir is called, "Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed A Doctor's Soul"

Scientific research programs across the nation are being impacted by Trump administration policies… and Oregon’s no different. The National Institutes of Health has gotten rid of grants for training programs that help young scientists from underrepresented communities. It’s a move advocates say will mean losing out on future leaders and scientific advancement. Here to explain how this affects one...

Newport’s historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse expected to reopen this fall after renovation

Tongue Point is one of 99 Job Corps centers facing closure, after the Department of Labor announced the abrupt pausing of the program last week.

Billie McBride-O'Neel transitioned in 1985 after a career as a professional figure skater. She stayed in the closet for four decades, until trans youth were threatened.

Once a band nerd, always a band nerd with the One More Time Around Again Marching Band

Portland city councilors build Teamwork with paddles

Philosopher Devin Fitzpatrick designed his new course, “Data for Good,” to challenge students to get their hands dirty — both in messy datasets and in the soil, through a partnership with a gardening-focused nonprofit.

Special education makes a big difference -- when it's available

Data for Good puts a human spin on numbers

For the latest installment of OPB’s ‘At Work With’ series, we get to know Oregon tattoo artist Ruby Gore. She specializes in helping people cover up scars with tattoos, and taking a trauma-aware approach to tattooing.

Newport is expanding its paid parking

Oregon's fishing industry weathers tariff uncertainty

How one former Oregon foster youth used financial literacy training to launch her own clothing business

College students see greater success when their basic needs are met

A pregnant mother-of-four is raising concerns about their detention in a single room for 24 days.

Danger lurks in the summer sun

The Void Fest puts the focus on tatoo artists

A pair of Portland tattooers are hoping to fill a gap in the market with a new tattoo convention that focuses on the artists themselves. The three day event will also focus on inclusivity and education.

Oregon Replublican's are Podcasting

Robert Atrops was convicted last month for the cold case murder of his wife. Statements made during the trial showcased the flexibility attorneys have in their closing arguments to interpret the evidence.

The Portland Trail Blazers are officially for sale. Who could buy them and for how much