Opb Politics Now

For a month and a half, protests over police abuse have led to clashes on Portland streets. And with no end to the demonstrations in sight, the debate over how police react is fiercer than ever. This week, we take a look at the protests, and the growing war of words they’ve created.

Oregon lawmakers met for an unusual special session last week focused on COVID-19 and racial justice. But there’s a lot they didn’t get done. This week, we look at what has and hasn’t changed in police accountability and the big questions still to come on Oregon’s coronavirus response.

Oregon legislators are going back to work next week for the first time since the pandemic began and protests against police became two of the biggest issues of our time. This week, we discuss what the governor and legislators want to accomplish at this special session.

Protests against racial injustice and police brutality are leading to big policy shifts around the country. Oregon’s Capital is no different. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we discuss the police accountability push that’s spurring quick action in Salem, and what challenges lie ahead.

After a wild few days, Sens. Shemia Fagan and Kim Thatcher have emerged as the Democatic and Republican candidates for secretary of state, Oregon’s second-highest office. On this week’s show, OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes, Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake break down their philosophical differences and the potential impact this campaign will on state audits, redistricting and future races for governor.

It’s a special post-election episode of OPB Politics Now, and we have election results to analyze -- or at least some of them.

regon’s primary election is just days away. This week, we discuss questionable claims on mailers, negative ads and strange trends in endorsements.

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden is retiring this year, giving up the only Congressional seat in Oregon held by a Republican. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for GOP politicians, and crowded ballot faces voters. OPB’s Emily Cureton and Jeff Mapes look at the leading candidates – and why Democrats are not all in – in this special election preview episode.

Ted Wheeler is trying to accomplish something no one in Portland has managed in almost a generation -- win a second term as mayor. He faces a crowded field of challengers -- most coming at Wheeler from the left -- and challenges from COVID-19. OPB’s Geoff Norcross, Rebecca Ellis and Dirk VanderHart break down this campaign in a special election preview.

Two candidates are vying to be Multnomah County district attorney. They bring similar backgrounds, but different approaches to the job. OPB's Conrad Wilson and Tiffany Camhi break down the race between Mike Schmidt and Ethan Knight in this special election preview episode.

The death of longtime Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish earlier this year created a void on the Portland City Council. But for the nearly 20 hopefuls who have tossed their hats into the ring to run for his seat -- it has presented an opportunity. OPB reporters Lauren Dake and Rebecca Ellis join Geoff Norcross now to preview this race.

In this episode, we lay out a ballot measure that Portland-area voters are considering in the upcoming primary election that is expected to generate about $250 million a year to help expand homeless services in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.

Commissioner Chloe Eudaly stunned an incumbent four years ago to win her seat on the Portland City Council. Now she’s the one facing serious challengers, including former Portland Mayor Sam Adams. We preview the May 19 primary.

Secretary of state is the number two statewide office in Oregon. And it’s the only statewide office currently held by Republicans. We break down the crowded Democratic primary, and the far less-crowded GOP race.

It’s hard for unknown candidates to win elections in normal times. But how about when the only way to campaign is at a distance? This week, we talk about how coronavirus is changing politics as we head into Oregon’s May primary.

Oregonians are slowly growing used to social distancing, but there are some places where staying six feet from your neighbor isn’t possible. This week, we look at what Gov. Kate Brown and others are doing to stem an outbreak in the state’s prison system.

The Oregon legislature will not come back for a special session to deal with COVID-19 -- at least not yet. And despite coronavirus, the most controversial public works project in the state got a bright green light this week.

The coronavirus pandemic has upended life in the Pacific Northwest -- including campaign politics in Oregon. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’ll look at how your May and November ballots are changing.

The coronavirus pandemic has Oregon leaders scrambling to help people who have lost their jobs. And they’re facing pressure to do more to help -- and help curb the spread.

Our reporters are busy covering COVID-19. In the meantime, please wash your hands!