KGW’s Straight Talk

Sen. Jeff Merkley discusses tariffs, Gaza, Epstein files and why he's running for reelection in wide-ranging interview.

It was a key promise on the campaign trail, and now President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration across the country is in full effect — but not without opposition, spawning an ongoing wave of legal challenges and protests. This week on Straight Talk, two experts in the field of immigration try to detangle some of the misconceptions surrounding the president's efforts, aiming to peel back some...

Oregon's 2025 legislative session wrapped up on June 27, a couple days before the deadline but without passing one of the top priorities: a comprehensive overhaul of the way the state funds its roads and bridges. The transportation package's failure dominated the final stretch, but there were plenty of other notable bills that did make it to the governor's desk. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Wlnsv...

What happens when a city's restaurant scene reaches the pinnacle of culinary recognition — yet the chefs behind the accolades can barely keep their doors open? Portland's food scene is experiencing a golden moment. The city that once parodied on "Portlandia" for obsessing over farm-to-table dining is now earning serious national respect. Oregon restaurants are sweeping James Beard nominations like...

Some legal psilocybin therapy centers are closing in Oregon, as high costs and regulations are having a negative impact on the industry.

After 40 years in journalism, retiring editor reveals what separates local media from national networks and how big tech threatens the industry.

Democratic Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez, who represents a Trump district, explains why she votes against party lines on key issues despite criticism.

It's been less than two years since Chief Bob Day took the reins at the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), but he says the city has made meaningful progress in that time on some of its most pressing issues, with substantial declines in homicides, gun violence and car thefts, even as public safety remains a top-of-mind issue. Serving as chief was an unexpected new chapter for Day; he had retired in 2019...

The Trump administration's cuts to USAID have dramatically impacted international aid groups, including Portland's Mercy Corps, affecting global health diplomacy.

Oregon Rep. Cliff Bentz defends the Trump administrations federal cuts, immigration and tariff policies.

Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong addresses the district's alarming financial state and federal policy scrutiny.

The growth of artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked-about trends in recent years as the technology has become more commonplace. It started with the launch of Open AI's Chat GPT in 2022 and the industry quickly exploded, with many of the world's biggest technology companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft and Apple releasing AI models. This week's episode of Straight Talk features...

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson marks 100 days in office with an ambitious promise to end unsheltered homelessness within a year. But will the city's $93 million budget deficit get in the way.

Ex-National Parks Service director talks impacts on US parks due to workforce cuts, campgrounds and visitor centers closures, and staffing challenges.

Vancouver considers annexation to become Washington's second-largest city to better accommodate growth.

Gov. Kotek warns of "devastating" impacts to Oregon Health Plan if Trump's proposed $2 trillion cuts happen. Over 1.4 million Oregonians rely on Medicaid coverage.

Fifty years ago professional soccer came to Portland — now the dedicated Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters — help fuel a $187 million soccer economy in the city.

Four of Oregon's congresswomen describe current state of union petering on constitutional crisis in President Donald Trump's second term.

Is Portland in an Urban Doom Loop? – Economic experts discuss whether Portland’s decline is temporary or part of a worsening trend.

President Donald Trump's executive order halting all diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the federal workforce has prompted some major companies to change their policies. Meanwhile, changes at the National Institutes of Health mean hospitals and universities could lose billions in funding — potentially including Oregon Health and Science University. Two guests joined "Straight Talk" this w...

A wave of labor action is sweeping across the nation, unlike anything in recent history, and many of the cases have been in the Pacific Northwest — from the first Portland teachers strike last fall to Oregon's first major doctors strike and then from the largest healthcare strike in state history that began last month. Two guests joined "Straight Talk" this week to break down what's fueling the re...

Oregon’s legislative leaders break down the state’s housing crisis, immigration laws, and policy changes needed to address the state's most urgent issues.

Nathan Vasquez addresses federal immigration pressure, rising crime, and challenges in public defense to reshape justice in Multnomah County.

Unpack Donald Trump’s unprecedented return to the presidency, his promise of unity, and the political and historical context shaping this pivotal moment.