OPB Politics Now

Latest Episodes:

The Fight Over Freeway Expansion Dec 20, 2019

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In this episode, we discuss the growing political fight over the plan to widen Interstate 5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter.

'OPB Politics Now:' The Race To Replace Greg Walden Dec 13, 2019

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The race to replace U.S. Rep. Greg Walden get even more interesting this week as former gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler joined what is proving to be a crowded Republican field.
On this week's episode of "OPB Politics Now," political reporters Dirk VanderHart, Jeff Mapes and Lauren Dake look at the dynamics of Walden's district, the potential field to replace him and whether Buehler has any damage to repair after his failed 2018 run for governor.

Tobacco, Vaping Tax And Another Failed Recall Effort Dec 06, 2019

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Historically, the tobacco industry has spent millions of dollars to protect itself from new regulations and tax increases. But now health care providers are pledging big money to a ballot measure that would raise the price of cigarettes in Oregon and impose the state’s first ever tax on vaping products. We look at what could be the most costly measure on your 2020 Oregon ballot.

'OPB Politics Now': Climate Change Legislation And Zombie Bridge 2.0 Nov 22, 2019

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Just five months ago, an unprecedented drama over climate change legislation shook the state Capitol. Now lawmakers are gearing up to meet again in three months — and the rush is on to avoid a similar outcome. And Oregon and Washington officials are once again in serious talks about a new Columbia River bridge on I-5. This time, they say they can get the job done.

The Rising Cost Of Pristine Water Nov 15, 2019

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The Portland region is headed for big fights over how it gets its water. And we’re also about to see much higher bills. This week, we dive deep into expensive problems facing Portland-area leaders — and the almost 1 million people who drink the city’s water.

Rep. Greg Walden Calls It Quits, Washington Affirmative Action Debate Nov 01, 2019

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Oregon’s only Republican in Congress announced he’s retiring next year. We break down Greg Walden’s announcement and talk about the battle in Washington over affirmative action.

Women of Color In Politics new messages Women of Color In Politics Oct 25, 2019

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In this special episode, we share a conversation from OPB's Think Out Loud that features four women of color who share their experiences in running for office in Oregon.

Grab Bag: Brown Recall Effort, Sondland Testimony, Wheeler Reelection Campaign Oct 18, 2019

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Governor Kate Brown’s job is safe for now. We can’t say the same for Ambassador Gordon Sondland. Ted Wheeler wants to be the mayor of Portland for four more years. And a bunch of people are applying to become Oregon’s next secretary of state.

The Power Of Public Employee Unions In Oregon Oct 11, 2019

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Public employee unions have historically been one of the reasons Democrats enjoy a stranglehold on Oregon politics. But that might be changing. In this episode, we look at how a vote on state employee pensions is coming back to bite Democratic legislators.

Gordon Sondland’s Connection To The Impeachment Inquiry Oct 04, 2019

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National news was dominated by impeachment talk this week, but amid all the conversation about the Trump administration and Ukraine, there’s an Oregon angle. We’ll tell you how a Portland hotel owner found himself at the center of the fight.

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