KGW’s Straight Talk

The tightening of Multnomah County’s drug deflection program comes amid what District Attorney Nathan Vasquez describes as low participation — and an even lower level of accountability. Speaking on KGW’s "Straight Talk," Vasquez said many people referred to deflection were technically counted as “engaged” despite never entering or remaining in treatment, with only a small fraction completing what...

Oregon Symphony CEO discusses how the orchestra brings tens of thousands of people downtown on 100+ concert nights annually, helping revitalize downtown Portland.

Amid holiday stress, Latino Network brings hope and gifts to Portland’s immigrant families through the KGW Great Toy Drive.

Mayor Keith Wilson details Portland’s progress on shelter beds, the return of camping ban enforcement, and his plans for housing, parks and public safety in 2025.

Oregon's first Chief Privacy Officer Nik Blosser explains state's AI plans and privacy concerns, while Christine Drazan talks campaign for governor, GOP primary.

Air traffic controllers return to work and Rep. Maxine Dexter defends her vote as the U.S. faces ongoing aviation and health care challenges.

KGW's Stephanie Domurat talks with Oregon leaders about the SNAP benefits crisis and to Republican Danielle Bethell about her bid for governor.

Oregon's adjutant general discusses federalized Guard troops on standby in Portland. Plus, Multnomah County library director on expansion and safety.

Portland councilors explain what the new Protect Portland Initiative does against federal immigration overreach.

Oregon’s seniors face rising scams and housing struggles. Experts warn urgent action is needed to protect older adults and their futures.

Portland has been at the center of a whirlwind legal battle in recent days, with President Donald Trump characterizing the city as a lawless war zone and pushing to send in National Guard troops under federal command — only to be repeatedly blocked by Judge Karin Immergut after Oregon sued, arguing that the anti-ICE protests have been largely peaceful and Trump is mischaracterizing the situation....

Portland Police Chief Bob Day said the city’s police bureau is managing the ongoing demonstrations outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Waterfront without the need for National Guard support. Speaking in an interview Monday, after a federal judge reaffirmed a ban on National Guard deployments to Portland, Day said it was "confirmation to the work that Portla...

Portland has been at the center of a whirlwind legal battle in recent days, with President Donald Trump characterizing the city as a lawless war zone and pushing to send in National Guard troops under federal command — only to be repeatedly blocked by Judge Karin Immergut after Oregon sued, arguing that the anti-ICE protests have been largely peaceful and Trump is mischaracterizing the situation....

U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter recounted trying to locate a Portland mother and her four children detained by ICE after visiting the U.S.–Canada border.

Oregon Health and Science University has been a powerhouse of research and innovation in Oregon for decades, serving as one of the state's largest employers and a leader in areas like cancer research through the Knight Institute. However, OHSU has faced its share of challenges over the past year with financial struggles, capacity issues, layoffs and a failed merger with Legacy Health. OHSU's newes...

Hartman was the lone Democrat to vote against the bill in the House. She also discussed her decision to run for Clackamas County Commissioner.

The Port of Vancouver reported $55M in revenue—one of its best years. Tariffs, electrification, and shore power and a public market are all part of the next chapter.

Portland faces economic challenges as Oregon loses 25,000 jobs. Experts warn national uncertainty could slow the city’s recovery and growth plans.

Nearly two decades of protections for some of the Pacific Northwest’s wildest landscapes may be on the chopping block as federal officials under the Trump administration move to undo the "Roadless Rule" and return parts of the national forest system to the commercial timber base. The rule, created in 2001 at the end of the Clinton administration, restricts road construction and logging on about 60...

For decades, Portlanders have been accustomed to the yearly sight of Vaux's swifts swirling above the chimney at Chapman Elementary School, a punctuation on summer's end. But after a shakeup in the migratory birds' habits last year, the city waits to see where they'll land now. Joe Liebezeit with the Bird Alliance of Oregon was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss why the mig...

In a KGW “Straight Talk” interview, Oregon’s top election official rejected Trump’s claim mail-in voting is “corrupt,” saying the president lacks authority to end it

Growing scientific evidence points to a critical issue impacting younger generations. Nationwide, more children and teens are reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of high schoolers reported experiencing depressive symptoms in 2023 — up from 30% just 10 years earlier. The trend is particularly bad in Oregon...

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk for a wide-ranging interview that touched on changes to Medicaid, the Epstein files, President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the pending sale of the Portland Trail Blazers. Sen. Wyden's interview on Straight Talk also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and his efforts to get the Justice Department to release...

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the U.S. fertility rate dropped to the lowest level on record last year. The news is sparking a lot of conversation — and a lot of questions. Is the decline driven by biology, culture or policy? What can be done? And what does this complex issue mean for Oregon, Washington and beyond? Dr. Paula Amato and Dr. Ethan Sharygin wer...

The Fire has already sold more than 12,500 season ticket deposits, and Interim President Claire Hamill talks milestones, inspiring the city and drafting players.