A weekly deep-dive into politics and social issues with KGW’s Laural Porter
For the first time since 1986, Portland has a contested race to see who will be the next city auditor. Current auditor Mary Hull Caballero decided not o run for re-election, and for while it looked like no one wanted to take the job next.
The two candidates vying to replace her, Simone Rede and Brian Setzler, joined this week's episode of Straight Talk to make their case to voters.
Jules Boykoff says the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing are under a spotlight because of human rights violations in China and the country's strict COVID protocols.
KGW political analyst Len Bergstein discussed the changes in leadership after multiple resignations in the Oregon Legislature. Later, Oregon state Rep. Ron Noble (R-McMinnville) joined the show to talk about bipartisan police reform.
Peter DeFazio is the longest serving House member in Oregon history and the 65th longest in U.S. history. He was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to reflect on his congressional career and his plans for retirement.
Long-term care executive Phil Fogg is calling on the U.S. to treat the workforce shortage in health care as a national crisis.
Bloodworks Northwest is calling on Washington and Oregon residents to give blood this holiday season as the nationwide shortage continues. We also talk to Josh Schreck with the KGW Great Toy Drive about this year's effort to support the community. Investigative reporter Kyle Iboshi also joins to discuss holiday scams to watch out for.
Portland Commissioner Dan Ryan joined Oregon Recovers co-founder and director Mike Marshall and Oregon State Representative Tawna Sanchez (D-District 43) on this week's episode to discuss behavioral health and homelessness in Oregon.
Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury joined Laural Porter on Straight Talk to discuss the city's homeless crisis and progress being made, thanks in part to Metro's supportive housing bond that passed in 2020. Homeless service providers Mercedes Elizalde from Central City Concern and Stacy Borke from Transition Projects were also guests on this week's episode.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer says he's optimistic the planet can slow global warming. He recently attended the global climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland and joined Laural Porter on Straight Talk to discuss climate change and his new report on preparing for climate disaster, "From Ruin to Resilience."
Gabe Newland with the Oregon Justice Resource Center and Marion County DA Paige Clarkson joined Laural Porter to discuss the pros and cons of clemency for offenders convicted as teens.
