Beat Check with The Oregonian: Recent Episodes
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Podcasts editor Andrew Theen takes you inside Oregon's biggest news stories with the journalists who know them best.
Less than three years ago, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize minor possession of street drugs through an initiative that also promised to expand addiction-treatment services to people experiencing substance use disorder. Yet voters who overwhelmingly approved Measure 110 are already souring on the law amid a disastrous rollout and an explosion of fentanyl that’s fueled overdose deaths, petty crime and jarring scenes of public drug use in Portland and other cities. Meanwhile, a coalition of political, civic and business leaders is now seeking to unwind the centerpiece of the law by again treating minor drug possession as a misdemeanor crime. On the latest Beat Check, I speak with Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Noelle Crombie about the challenges confronting Measure 110 and the efforts by its proponents to protect it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Intel appears to be doubling down on its key research and development sites in Oregon, with plans to spend billions of dollars to expand its computer chip factories in Washington County. Mike Rogoway, who covers the tech industry for The Oregonian/OregonLive, broke the news of Intel’s plans earlier this month. He joined business editor Elliot Njus on the Beat Check with The Oregonian podcast to talk about the Intel’s big investment in Oregon – and the challenges ahead for Intel, which happens to be the state’s biggest corporate employer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss whether you should confront your neighbor about their screaming children when you work from home. For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A proposed $24.6 billion merger could bring together Kroger, the parent company of Fred Meyer and QFC, and Albertsons, which has also owned Safeway since 2015. The Pacific Northwest is one of the regions where the two companies compete directly, so the combination could leave Oregonians with fewer choices for grocery shopping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss whether it's appropriate to ask someone not to hang out with someone you mutually know. For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Tina Kotek is convening a panel of local elected officials, business executives and civic leaders to focus on how to best bolster downtown Portland’s economic future. The move comes as Portland’s urban core remains among the nation’s slowest to recover in the aftermath of the pandemic amid blocks of empty offices and storefronts as well as pervasive homelessness, open drug use and public safety concerns. On the latest Beat Check with The Oregonian podcast, city hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh speaks with Kotek about her initiative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss the freedom to have bodily autonomy and making the right choice for your kids and the judgement that can come from it. For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Maxine Bernstein has covered a lot of stories in her more than two decades with The Oregonian and now OregonLive. A recent Saturday run along the waterfront quickly gave way to a long day’s work when she heard reports of a shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, not far away in Northwest Portland’s Nob Hill District. In this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Bernstein and Editor Therese Bottomly walk listeners through the chaotic day, which took Bernstein from Good Sam to the Stadium Fred Meyer to Gresham and then home, where she confronted an unusual ethical challenge. Bottomly recently wrote about challenges that day, July 22, in getting solid and accurate information from official sources to reassure the public, which had been told an assailant was on the loose and Good Sam under lockdown. The Portland Police Bureau gave detailed responses explaining their reasoning in releasing what information they did and describing what they must consider before letting information out to the public. Read the responses here. Bernstein, meantime, was able to confirm key details through the day to keep OregonLive readers informed hour by hour, along with breaking news reporter Austin De Dios, who was at the hospital much of the day. The Oregonian/OregonLive followed the day’s news with a deeper story about the victim, Bobby Smallwood; concerns Legacy Health and other health care workers have about safety; and measures Legacy pledged to take to increase security at its hospitals. Bernstein describes two conversations she had with Smallwood’s father. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss the Jonah Hill controversy with his former girlfriend Sarah Brady and what boundaries actually are. For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, environmental reporter Gosia Wozniacka talks to the executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper Travis Williams. His Oregon City-based nonprofit, which aims to protect and restore the river, had spent the past two decades cleaning up trash up and down the watershed. But since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the organization had watched massive and unprecedented amounts of garbage accumulate in and along the river as a rising number of people experiencing homelessness set up tents, shacks and makeshift cabins along the shore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss "birthday people." For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Climate change is upon us – it’s a reality affecting us personally. Hot days are getting hotter and more frequent in Oregon, across the U.S. and in other parts of the world. Wildfires and “unhealthy air” days are becoming more frequent. As extreme heat becomes common and more severe, it’s leading to more heat-related illnesses, emergency room visits and deaths.
The 2021 heat dome killed 69 people in Multnomah County, which until then had been known for its typically mild summer weather. Five more people in the county died of overheating last year. And this summer, we’re again likely to see temperatures climbing over 100 degrees.
CIties, in turns out, are particularly vulnerable to heat – from the way they’re designed to the materials used for decades to build homes and businesses. Local leaders here and across the globe are rethinking how urban development and how to prepare for severe public health emergencies related to extreme heat.
Why and how should Portland best protect its residents from heat? What can people do individually to ease the burden of extreme heat?
Vivek Shandas, a professor at Portland State University in the geography department, studies the impact of climate change on cities and figures out the strategies they can use to reduce those impacts.
He talked about a new effort to map temperatures across the tri-county region, how Portland can require developers to dial down the heat inside buildings and what strategies we can all adopt to prevent heat illness.
Read more about what extreme heat does to neighborhoods in and around Portland at The Oregonian/OregonLive:
Multnomah County sues big oil, coal companies for $51 billion over deadly heat dome
Study after deadly Portland heat dome shows air conditioners not the sole answer in public housing
Hundreds sought refuge at cooling centers during record Portland heat wave
What the heat dome tells us about Oregon’s future climate
Report: 2021’s heat dome produced 53 times the number of E.R. visits for heat illness
Historically racist housing policies exacerbating climate change effects in low-income Portland neighborhoods
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss the Jonah Hill controversy with his former girlfriend Sarah Brady and what boundaries actually are. For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Voters last fall delivered a stinging rebuke of Portland’s status quo and handily backed a sweeping ballot measure to reshape the city’s form of government and expand the City Council from five to 12 members. The crucial, painstaking work of delivering that package of reforms is now well underway. On the latest Beat Check, I talk with Portland Chief Administrative Officer Michael Jordan about one of the most consequential efforts in the city’s recent history. (Programming note: This interview took place before news surfaced Wednesday that a pair of Portland city commissioners, Rene Gonzalez and Dan Ryan, are exploring potential changes to the voter-approved measure.) Read More:
How best to distribute political power in Portland? Fault lines erupt over charter ballot proposal
Portland’s first-ever City Council districts are coming. Check out 3 map options
Citing ‘anti-oppressive’ salary model, Portland panel proposes big pay raises for future elected leaders
Portland leaders prepare to approve new campaign finance rules, public matching funds with unclear costs
Portland Commissioners Rene Gonzalez, Dan Ryan float potential changes to city government overhaul
Portland government, elections overhaul will cost millions more than city originally claimed
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss if it's okay to pick fruit if it's hanging over a sidewalk or is on a parking strip? For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian's Politics and Education Editor Betsy Hammond sits down for a one-on-one with Editor and Vice President of Content Therese Bottomly to talk about some of the issues in politics and education facing Oregonians. She reflects on how her team has done exemplary watchdog work in the realm of politics and about how she ended up as the politics expert she is now.
Find politics and education stories: https://www.oregonlive.com/education/ https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/
Support this podcast by leaving a 5-star review! You can support our local journalism at oregonlive.com/podsupport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss whether or not you get what you pay for with free childcare. Can you ask your free babysitter to clean up after your kid? What degree of mess constitutes this? For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a rare interview, Brian McMenamin, who along with his brother Mike founded the McMenamins chain of pubs, breweries, and other venues in the 1980's, talks to Oregonian beer writer Andre Meunier about what the past 40 years have been like. Hint: a lot of fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss the perils of public transit and whether they'd approach a stranger. For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This month, The Oregonian and OregonLive broke the news that hackers had accessed Oregon DMV data, including what state officials described as personal and sensitive information on 3.5 million drivers license and state ID holders. That’s most Oregonians. And everyone potentially affected was advised to keep a close eye on their credit report for possible fraud. So how did this happen, and what exactly do Oregonians need to do to protect themselves? We asked James E. Lee, the chief operating officer of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit that advises identity crime victims — or anyone who wants guidance on how to protect their personal information — free of charge. The center offers online chats at its website, idtheftcenter.org, and runs a toll-free hotline at 888-400-5530. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss how to live in the moment when you're feeling stuck in life. For a more distilled version of this, check out Lizzy's column, which will publish at Oregonlive.com/whytho the Tuesday following the airing of this podcast!
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian's city hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and business reporter Mike Rogoway discuss downtown Portland and how it's doing from an business and economic standpoint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker and Destiny Johnson as they discuss your conundrums for Lizzy's advice column "Why Tho?" This week they discuss who is the "bad guy" in a situation with a pregnant bridesmaid and possible bridezilla. What do you think?
More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The past year has brought tremendous change in Oregon’s newspaper landscape, with the closure of the Mail Tribune in Medford and the struggles of the Register-Guard and Statesman-Journal under corporate ownership. Business reporter Jeff Manning took a extensive look at the decline of the two longstanding daily newspapers in the Willamette Valley. He found the corporate ownership of the papers resulted in diminished newsrooms and resources for reporting. Just six people remain in the Register-Guard’s newsroom, for instance. Since his article was published, the Albany Democrat Herald and Corvallis Gazette Times, which share ownership, announced they would reduce print publication to just three days a week and move to the postal service for delivery. The Oregonian/OregonLive moved to four-day home delivery 10 years ago, while still publishing seven days a week. On this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Editor Therese Bottomly discusses Manning’s findings with him and also Regina Lawrence, lead author on last year’s report, “Assessing Oregon’s Local News and Information Ecosystem 2022.” Along with co-author Agora Journalism Center Director Andrew DeVigal, Lawrence described in detail the decline of local newsrooms as well as the cost to local communties in terms of civic engagement and public oversight. Both Lawrence and Manning point to bright spots as well: increased collaboration among Oregon news organizations and the rise of some online-only newsrooms around the state such as the Salem Reporter, the Oregon Capital Chronicle, YachatsNews and more. As well, locally owned EO Media Group moved to establish a new Rogue Valley publication and the Grants Pass Daily Courier expanded into Medford as well.
What happened to Medford’s Mail Tribune newspaper?
What happened to Salem and Eugene newspapers?
Some bright spots as new news sites emerge
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What should you do if you find out your hairdresser is sending violent memes to public figure on social media? Is that cause to break off your relationship with them? The Oregonian's Lizzy Acker is here to give you advice for life on this and more. She's joined by producer Destiny Johnson and they talk out this conundrum (and share stories) that will be distilled into her popular advice column Why Tho, which comes out on Tuesdays on Oregonlive.com. Come spend ~30 minutes with your new internet BFFS. More:
Read the most recent Why Tho (and columns past): https://www.oregonlive.com/whytho/
Lizzy’s advice also appears in our weekly advice newsletter. Want to get it? Subscribe now: https://link.oregonlive.com/join/6fk/signup
Have a burning question for Lizzy? Send her an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker!
You can reach producer Destiny by emailing her at djohnson@oregonian.com or tweeting her @hello_destiny!
Or better yet, text Lizzy your question as a Why Tho? insider. Sign up here: https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2022/03/read-more-why-tho.html
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Walter Cole is perhaps the most prominent living Portlander, but many people likely don’t know him by that name. Instead, they know him by his stage name, Darcelle XV. The Oregonian's Beth Nakamura and Brooke Herbert talked about Cole's life and legacy and about their contributions to a recent video and profile. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you get your podcasts [This episode first aired in December, 2019] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A massive new warehouse is coming to Northeast Portland in an area that is already choked with diesel pollution. It also happens to just across a major street from a high school with one of the most diverse student populations in the state. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we chat with Gosia Wozniacka, environmental justice reporter for The Oregonian and OregonLive. Gosia joined the paper in recent weeks – but you may recognize her byline. She covered immigration and latino affairs for the paper from 2006 to 2010, and has worked for a number of outlets since then. We talked about environmental justice, why she focused on one project in northeast Portland and what it says about the broader effort in Portland to focus on equity and just how far we have to go. Got a story tip for Gosia? You can reach here at gwozniacka@oregonian.com Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What a week, eh? On this week’s episode of Beat Check, we're replaying a conversation Andrew had with Hillary Borrud and Shane Dixon Kavanugh last Friday. They took to Twitter Spaces to talk about the election, Governor-elect Tina Kotek, the Portland City Council race and the charter reform effort successfully passing. They chatted a few hours before Christine Drazan formally conceded the race to Kotek in a YouTube video. Twitter Spaces are a fun forum where listeners can tune in live and ask questions. It’s recorded on a cell phone instead of our usual digital recording platform. We may do more of these episodes from time-to- time. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Intel’s race to recapture its throne atop the microchip industry continues to hit choppy waters. The tech giant announced layoffs are imminent, and Oregon employees will be included. On the latest episode of Beat Chec, we chat with business and technology reporter Mike Rogoway. We talked about the latest news surrounding Oregon’s largest corporate employer, why the reboot plan led by CEO Pat Gelsinger is still a work in progress that could possibly pay off years from now – and how other chip companies in Oregon and elsewhere are faring much better. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From its first days publishing as a daily in 1861 until well into the 20th century, The Oregonian existed as a newspaper by white men, for white men. The consequences were profound. Its white supremacist worldviews — excusing lynching, supporting segregation, stigmatizing people of color — helped shape the state today. This is Beat Check with The Oregonian. Last week we heard from editor and vice president of content for the Oregonian and OregonLive, Therese Bottomly. This week we turn to a family that was directly affected by The Oregonian’s racism. This week, investigative reporter Rob Davis takes the mic. In the second half of the show, Rob interviews Zachary Stocks, the executive director of the Oregon Black Pioneers. But first, Rob chats with Vicki Nakashima. Vicki’s dad Ted, wrote a searing piece for The New Republic in 1942 about his experience in a prison camp during World War II. Ted Nakashima was a second-generation Japanese American who was imprisoned without due process, one of 120,000 people nationwide, two thirds of whom were U.S. citizens like Ted. Shortly after his magazine piece, the Oregonian sent a young reporter to an Oregon prison camp. The story downplayed the horrors, saying “a vast majority seemed to consider their detention a vacation.” On October 6th, Bottomly apologized to Vicki Nakashima for the xenophobic article. Related: See the JAMO Exhibit entitled, "Resilience - A Sensei Sense of Legacy" until Dec. 22nd See the Pittock Mansion's exhibit on Black Oregon from 1840-1970 until Nov. 13. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts to hear new episodes each week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prompted by the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that followed, The Oregonian/OregonLive chose to examine this newspaper’s racist history. The first installment of the new series looks at the two white men primarily responsible for The Oregonian throughout its first 60 years as a daily paper: Henry Pittock, the publisher and majority owner, and Harvey Scott, the editor and minority owner. “The Oregonian was a racist newspaper,” said Darrell Millner, an emeritus professor at Portland State University and authority on Black history in Oregon, calling the paper both a reflection of a racist society and a force helping to perpetuate it. The overtly racist words Pittock and Scott printed from 1861 to 1919 made Oregon a more hostile place for people of color to live, excusing lynching, supporting segregation, opposing equal rights. They are still honored throughout Portland today as the namesakes for a mountain, mansion, city park, university building, downtown building and two elementary schools. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, editor Therese Bottomly discusses the series, her apology and the future. Bottomly outlines how the newspaper plans to better engage with communities of color going forward. Learn about some of the modern impacts of the newspaper’s historically racist coverage, which included supporting segregation and advocating for a discriminatory jury system. Read it all here. The Oregonian/OregonLive would like to hear from you. Please share your comments about this project, provide ideas for future stories or tell us about your experience with racism in Oregon. Contact us at equity@oregonian.com or leave a voicemail at 503-221-8055. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s finally time. Ballots will start arriving in mailboxes across Oregon in the coming days and weeks. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with state politics reporter Hillary Borrud, who is covering the unprecedented three-woman governor’s race. We talked about Hillary’s profiles of each candidate, what their final pitches are to voters, why Tina Kotek is trying to distance herself from Governor Kate Brown and much more. Related Reading: -Betsy Johnson profile -Tina Kotek profile -Christine Drazan profile -Campaign finance records smashed -Race is super close, poll says ** Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The pandemic’s effect on our healthcare system is still playing out in real time, and it goes beyond the burnout felt by frontline workers who’ve borne a heavy cost for years now. Hospitals say they are hurting financially, and that will invariably trickle down to affect patients. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we chat with investigative reporter Jeff Manning. On the first half of the show, we talked about the financial situation at some of Oregon’s largest and smallest hospitals, how it got to this point and what the looming crisis means for patients. On the second half of the show, we talked about the late advertising giant Dan Wieden and his legacy. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts to hear new episodes each week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A good rule of thumb – it’s probably not great when a memo from a state high school soccer official makes headlines. But a letter with sexist language directing high school referees to treat girls soccer players differently than boys sent last month did just that. The memo infuriated coaches across the state. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we chat with Nik Streng, high school sports coordinator for The Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about the Oregon School Activities Association’s letter, what it says about the broader inequities in high school sports, what may happen from here – and some of the broader societal issues that have spilled over into youth sports in recent years. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A few months ago, Portland seemed poised to finally change its unusual form of government. But now the reform effort headed to voters is anything but a slam dunk. On the latest episode of Beat Check, Portland City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh talked about what happened to all the positive vibes surrounding the charter reform movement, why one commissioner is leading a charge to present a different proposal next year, and all the nitty gritty details. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
School is back in session – youngsters are already back and college students at Oregon’s public universities return in coming days. Where do things stand with, you know, everything? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with Sami Edge, higher education reporter for The Oregonian and OregonLive. First off we talked about those younger kids and what we know – and don’t know – about just how far behind they are in achieving key reading and math related milestones, then we talked about the many changes in higher education, why community colleges are struggling and how the state is trying to open doors to tribal members. Related Reading: What we know about learning loss in Oregon Community colleges host expungement events Oregon expands grants for low-income students, people of color Tribal members will have full cost of college covered Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts to get new episodes every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the more interesting stories in Oregon is playing out in Morrow County. It includes a nonprofit internet provider, a handful of local politicians and… Amazon – one of the world’s most powerful companies. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with business and technology reporter Mike Rogoway. We talked about his three part series examining Amazon’s role in Morrow county, the unusual arrangement that put many local politicians and civic leaders on all sides of the decision and boosting carbon emissions – and how Oregon’s decades old program to give local governments the ability to hand out massive property tax breaks has transformed into a windfall for some of our nation’s most prominent companies. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts to get the latest episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thousands of wind turbines soar toward the sky along the Columbia River gorge. Earlier this year, a blade came cascading down. No one was hurt, but the failure was more than just a one-off. As America increasingly moves to wind, solar and other renewable energies, who maintains that infrastructure and keeps it safe – and who holds the industry accountable is a big unanswered question. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with investigative reporter Ted Sickinger. We talked about when he first caught wind of this story, why Oregonians should care, what has gone wrong out at Biglow Canyon in the gorge and much more. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There’s something of a beer explosion going on in the Portland area. And I don't mean an over carbonated beer explosion – I'm talking about new and exciting breweries and taprooms opening left and right. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we chat with our beer writer and newsletter editor, Andre Meunier. We talked about this latest beer boom, what it means, some of his recent beer travels to Eugene and Bend and much more Related: Bend's best patios Eugene's hot spots Grand Fir Brewery to open Entre Compas Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Seemingly out of the blue, an obscure Oregon government agency was suddenly in the limelight for big issues and big drama. Never heard of the Office of Public Defense Services? You’re probably not alone. But it’s an agency with an important mission and many of its issues aren’t new. On the latest episode of Beat Check, investigative reporter Noelle Crombie discusses the dustup between the top official at that agency and the state’s chief justice, why Oregon has so many people waiting for a public defender, and much more. A programming note – we recorded this interview before Stephen Singer was fired by a new 9-member state commission. He likened the state’s chief justice to an autocrat like Vladimir Putin during his last meeting as leader. But the larger issues are all still relevant. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Numbers – data – are vital to our understanding of our society. But they don’t make sense in a vacuum. That’s where reporters – and journalism come into play On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with investigative editor Brad Schmidt. We talked about the past year of data-driven journalism Schmidt and others spearheaded – including detailed and illuminating stories on the use of roundup in parks, the number of marijuana stores per capita across the state and so many other topics. We also talked about another initiative designed to quiz readers on their knowledge of the news. Related reading: Data Points News Quiz Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you get your podcasts to listen to new episodes every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Another weekend in the books, another heat advisory for the Portland metro area. Census figures estimate that 78% of Portland metro residents have air conditioning, but that means 22% don’t. And those people are still suffering. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with breaking news reporter Austin De Dios, who covers public safety issues and diversity, equity and inclusion issues for the Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about his recent reporting trip to a mobile home park, why people are still thinking about last year’s deadly heat dome, which killed nearly 100 people across the state, how things have improved a bit this year in terms of government outreach but why there’s so much work to be done. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week was a momentous one for President Biden – a major bill moved through Congress that directed billions of dollars toward intel and other chip manufacturers. So why is Intel stock plummeting? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we connect with Mike Rogoway, who covers business and technology for the Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about the CHIPS Act passing with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, what it may mean for Intel, why the company’s stock is in free fall and much more. On the second half of the show we discussed the latest state audit of the Employment Department. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
World records fell. American records fell. Legends grew bigger or were born in Eugene at the new Hayward Field. So how exactly did Eugene fare, and what was the reception locally and from TV sets and computer screens around the world? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chatted with sports editor Joel Odom about the World Athletics Championships in Eugene. We talked about Sydney McLaughlin and Noah Lyles, the big takeaways from the meet, what it looked like inside and outside the stadium and much more. Coverage on OregonLive Listen to Beat Check anywhere you get your podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A single block of NE Portland has, for years, been a microcosm for all the issues Portland and other cities face: homelessness, drug use, sex trafficking and rampant crime from homicides to property crime. It has seen the killings of four people in just eight months. People who live in and around the area are looking for answers, but no one seems to have any.
This week on Beat Check with The Oregonian, you’ll hear from Savannah Eadens, a breaking news reporter with the Oregonian, who spent months reporting on the intricacies of Portland’s deadliest block. Savannah's stories: Portland’s deadliest block: ‘People are getting murdered here on a regular basis. Why?’ Mayor Ted Wheeler calls for special patrol of Portland’s deadliest block Support local journalism and read stories like Savannah's by subscribing to The Oregonian/Oregon live at oregonlive.com/podsupport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the first time in two decades, the Oregonian has a new sports columnist. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with Bill Oram. We talked about his extensive experience covering the Los Angeles Lakers, why he wanted to come home to Oregon, what he thinks of some of the major stories in the sports landscape today and much more. A quick programming note – we talked right before – like minutes before – Damian Lillard signed a max contract extension, but the questions about the franchise’s future are still relevant. Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No one wants to talk about gas prices but everyone is. This week on Beat Check with The Oregonian we talk to reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan who has been reporting on the record-high gas prices for the last couple of weeks. We talk about what’s causing the price hikes, how you can find the cheapest gas and more. Links: https://www.gasbuddy.com/ https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2022/06/portland-gas-prices-dip-before-july-fourth-weekend.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One year ago, Portland and much of the Pacific Northwest experienced an unprecedented and deadly heat wave. As many as a thousand people died across the pacific northwest and British Columbia. Multnomah County saw upwards of 100 die due to the heat. Was it a sign of things to come or a one-off event? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with Kale Williams, who covers breaking news and the environment for The Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about the heat dome, what it may say about our climate future, why kids are so stressed about the situation and much more. Subscribe to Beat Check on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has a new plan when it comes to addressing large homeless encampments – and it sure sounds much like the city’s old plan –– sweep the people out and remove all the tents and belongings. In many ways, it’s a return to an old policy. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with Nicole Hayden, who covers homelessness for The Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about why the mayor believes these sweeps are necessary and a good policy move, where people are ending up, what advocates have to say about the policy and the potential ripple effects from the plan that started in earnest in Old town Chinatown last month. A quick note – You will hear some construction noise in the background behind Nicole. starting about 10 minutes into our conversation. We’ve been doing this podcast remotely since March 2020, and sometimes things just happen out of our control. We always try our best. Subscribe to Beat Check on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A month from now, Track Town USA will officially be at the center of the track and field world. The World Athletics Championships will be held in the U.S. for the first time in history. Is Eugene ready the world's largest standalone track and field event, which will be broadcast to an audience across the globe? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we speak with The Oregonian and OregonLive’s Jayati Ramakrishnan and Jeff Manning. We talked about how Eugene businesses – and the city – are preparing for the championships, what types of crowds are expected, some of the events and athletes to watch and what we suggest visitors should do for fun in and around Eugene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s typically smooth vote by mail system saw its biggest mistake in history last month. A defective barcode on the printed ballots meant tens of thousands of votes would need to be duplicated by hand, and the top official overseeing Clackamas County’s election knew about it at least a week earlier. But for Sherry Hall, the woman at the center of the crisis, it wasn’t her first error or her first political storm. Reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh wrote an in-depth profile of Hall. We talked about her background, the litany of major issues under her watch in Clackamas County for the past two decades, what her former staffers have to say about her and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the most unusual murder trials in recent Portland history wrapped last week. Nancy Crampton Brophy, the self-published romance novelist, was found guilty of killing her husband. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, breaking news reporter Zane Sparling, who covers Multnomah County courts, talks about the unusual case and the even more remarkable trial. We talked about the crime, the closure for chef Daniel Brophy’s family and why it took four years to bring this case to justice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The school year comes to an end next month, COVID-19 isn’t going away, and a new investigation from The Oregonian/OregonLive found many public schools aren’t doing enough to ensure the air students, staff and teachers breathe is as clean as possible. And that’s not just a COVID problem. On the latest episode of Beat Check, investigative reporter Aimee Green discusses her months-long investigation into ventilation and air filtration inside public schools across the Portland metro area. We talked about why she wanted to look into this issue, how Portland public, the state’s largest school district is falling behind most suburban districts, why it’s not just old buildings that are failing to regularly filter and ventilate classrooms and why this issue is about more than just COVID. Read the investigation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tina Kotek cruised to the Democratic party's nomination. Christine Drazan appeared to lock up the Republican nomination. Betsy Johnson, the former Democratic state lawmaker-turned-unaffiliated-candidate awaits. On this instant reaction episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, politics reporter Hillary Borrud looks ahead to the three-way race for governor in November. [FYI - Andrew flubbed the year when Bud Pierce snagged the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Pierce was the Republican nominee in 2016] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stand-up comedy is in the midst of a cultural resurgence – with new specials available seemingly on every streaming service on a weekly basis. A new book from a Portland author goes deep on the trail blazing women who burst onto the scene, grabbed the mic and changed the medium for the better. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Amy Wang chats with Shawn Levy. Levy was film critic at The Oregonian from 1997 until 2012. And he’s written a slew of books. His latest, “In on the Joke,” looks at the original queens of stand-up comedy. Amy and Shawn talked about those pioneering funny people, how their work still resonates today and what modern day female comics are shaking up the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Portland metro is in the midst of an ongoing gun violence crisis – and homicides are already on pace to eclipse last year’s record in the city. But there’s another crisis that claimed more lives in Portland and Multnomah county last year that doesn’t get as much attention: fentanyl overdoses. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we talk with Maxine Bernstein. We talked about her recent deep dive into fentanyl, what fentanyl is, where it comes from, the two Northeast Portland teens who died and what their parents have to say, and how social media – as with any other part of our society – is playing a major role. [A note: May 10th is National Fentanyl Awareness Day] Related reading: Merchants of death Violence follows fentanyl trade 'They poisoned my baby' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s election time again and this year Oregonians have a ton on their minds – and not all of it is positive. How will that affect the Democrats who hold power in the governor’s mansion and beyond? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with politics reporters Hillary Borrud and Chris Lehman. Chris and Hillary break down some of the big storylines in the May primary – when Democratic and Republican candidates try to win their party’s nomination as we head toward the November election. We focused on the governor’s race and some of the more interesting congressional races. We talked about the wide open Republican field for governor, how Tina Kotek and Tobias Read are trying to differentiate from one another, what to make of the new 6th congressional district and some of the candidates in that crowded Democratic field. Related reading: How Tobias Read and Tina Kotek differ Rare to see Oregon incumbent Congressman see big challenge Who is Carrick Flynn? Nearly one in four Congressional candidates can't vote for themselves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Perhaps you’ve missed the memo, but Beaverton is where it’s at. Yes, Beaverton -- the previously sleepy suburb in Washington County, smaller than its neighbor Hillsboro -- is suddenly home to a slew of new bars and restaurants. Oh, and a performing arts center. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we go deep on Beaverton. We invited Andre Meunier, Grant Butler and Michael Russell to talk about all things about this destination suburb. Andre is our beer writer – and breaking news editor, Grant is an editor who’s written about food for decades for The Oregonian and OregonLive and Michael Russell is our food critic. We talked about why Beaverton has so many new bars and restaurants, what Portland’s woes have to do with it, how the pandemic factored into the expansions and much more.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been a bit of an anxious time for Oregon’s largest employer. A change at the top. A gargantuan new campus in suburban Ohio. Stocks took a big hit. But last week Intel celebrated the completion of a massive expansion in Hillsboro, and the tech giant effectively reaffirmed Oregon’s importance to its present and future. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, business and technology reporter Mike Rogoway talked about Intel’s big week, why the company renamed its flagship Oregon campus, what it can – and can’t -- do about its greenhouse gas emissions and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For more than a century, Portland’s been keeping its form of government weird. Portland's government was always odd but now it's an outlier. No large city has a government like Portland. Eight times in the last century, voters have had the chance to ditch Portland’s commission form of government. Eight times they said no. Could the ninth time be different? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat withPortland City Hall Reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh. We went deep into the charter reform effort, what it would mean for voters, some of the recommendations on the table and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Maybe you’ve seen messages about it on NextDoor, or on Facebook, or heard from a friend. Maybe it’s happened to you. People are stealing Catalytic converters at unprecedented rates from vehicles across Portland. And for many residents, the property crime goes beyond mere inconvenience. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we talk to breaking news reporter Savannah Eadens. Savannah went deep looking into the incredible rise of this very specific crime in Portland. We talked about catalytic converters, what they do why people are stealing them and what lawmakers are trying to do about it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues into a second month, Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans in Oregon are still having trouble wrapping their minds around what they’re seeing and hearing on the news. Russia and Ukraine have a long history as “brotherly nations,” explains Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Fedor Zarkhin, who speaks Russian and has spent time living and working in Ukraine. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Zarkhin talks about local Ukrainians’ anxiety over their loved ones across the ocean, what they’re doing to help and to maintain awareness of the conflict, and more. Read more: https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2022/02/heres-how-oregonians-are-helping-ukrainians-and-what-you-can-do-to-help-too.html https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2022/03/nothing-more-precious-portland-area-ukrainians-grapple-with-grief-over-their-homeland.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland is still struggling to help people into safe housing – and street camping, trash and other visible signs of the crisis continue to be big issues inside City Hall and across the Rose City On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporter Nicole Hayden discusses the latest developments on her beat. Hayden covers homelessness. We talked about her street survey that found hundreds of people experiencing homelessness never heard from an outreach worker, other takeaways from her first year reporting on the beat in Portland, why Mayor Ted Wheeler keeps issuing executive orders and what advocates say are feasible ideas to help people off the streets. All that and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland needed a win, and it came in the form of a $425 million donation to the University of Oregon from Connie and Steve Ballmer. UO wants to buy the former Concordia University campus in Northeast Portland for $60.5 million. But it’s far from a done deal -- that school’s old ghosts continue to complicate the present and future of the former Lutheran school’s campus. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, investigative reporter Jeff Manning talked about the proposed Ballmer institute for Children’s Behavioral Health, what it means for the neighborhood, city and the UO and how and why Concordia’s financial and spiritual past are still playing a role in that real estate deal.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon and the nation are at another COVID crossroads – And this time things look more optimistic But that doesn’t mean everyone is in the same proverbial boat. Up next, Aimee Green and Fedor Zarkhin, two of my colleagues who’ve reported on the pandemic extensively, in Fedor’s case, before we knew COVID was in Oregon. We talked about this moment in time two years into COVID life, what the end of the indoor mask mandate March 12 means symbolically and practically speaking, what this moment means for our most vulnerable residents and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland has rarely seen a deadlier weekend. A mass shooting at Normandale Park left one dead. A drive by shooter killed a mother and wounded her 1 and 5 year old. Portland police fatally shot a man while responding to a disturbance call. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we chat with Maxine Bernstein and Shane Dixon Kavanaugh. Max has covered police and law enforcement issues for the Oregonian since 1998. Shane is our Portland City Hall reporter. We talked about the unprecedented – and continued – gun violence in Portland, what police and political leaders are saying, the potential ripple effects, the devastating shootings last weekend and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland lost another of its earliest and most significant breweries, and a newcomer to town in search of beer glory in Beervana abruptly shuttered its Portland operations. It’s time for our occasional check in with Andre Meunier, the Oregonian and OregonLive’s beer writer. Meunier is also a breaking news editor. We talked about Hair of the Dog’s closure, Modern Times flaming out in Portland, what it all means and what trends he’s highlighting in his weekly newsletter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What a city, state or nation recognizes, and preserves is a good indicator of what it values. A trio of Portland landmarks that are vital to the city’s Black history may soon be listed on the national register of historic places. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we talked to Kimberly Brown, owner of Dean’s Beauty Salon and Barber shop in Northeast Portland and Kim Moreland, who owns Moreland Resource Consulting and is president of the historical society Oregon Black Pioneers. We talked about Brown’s family business, the oldest continuously owned Black-owned business in the state, what the historic designation would mean, how Portland has changed since her grandparents opened it decades ago and what other businesses and landmarks deserve to be remembered. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Governor Kate Brown leaves at the end of the year, conversations about her legacy will likely focus on the pandemic and the state’s response to it. But there’s another story that hasn’t received as much attention – Brown’s record setting pace of commutations or pardons to incarcerated people. In an interview with The Oregonian, Brown said, “While it is not a replacement for criminal justice reform the power of clemency can be used to address systemic failures while we work to make lasting change. But not everyone is pleased. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we catch up with Noelle Crombie, criminal justice reporter for The Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about why the governor has turned so aggressively to commutations and pardons, how she makes her decisions and what victims’ families think about the issue. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s largest employer is expanding – big time – but it won’t be in Oregon. Last month, Intel announced a $20 billion expansion in Ohio, promising to hire 3,000 for two new factories. And that sparked big concerns in the Beaver State. But the decision wasn’t surprising. On this bonus episode, we talked with Mike Rogoway, business and technology reporter for the Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about his recent story on what Oregon leaders were saying and thinking last year as Intel’s expansion talk heated up, what the expansion means for Oregon’s largest employer and what it may portend in the governor’s race. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon is home to one of the only saltwater lakes in the country: Lake Albert. And twice in the past decade the southeast Oregon lake has all but dried up. The once vibrant landscape has turned into an abandoned salt pan. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, investigative reporter for the Oregonian and OregonLive Rob Davis discusses why the state prevented an environmental staffer from continuing research once she started making troubling discoveries. We talked about the lake’s ecological benefits, why he revisited Lake Abert again, why the lake matters in a broader sense and how Oregonians should be thinking about its present and future. Related reading:
Lake Abert, Oregon's only saltwater lake, is disappearing and scientists don't know why (2014 story)Polluted by Money (2019 investigative series)
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Change is hard. Oregon’s Legislature is about to see a boat load of change – with different people set to lead the house, senate and the governor’s office in the span of the next year. It’s a fascinating time in Salem. On this episode, Hillary Borrud, state government reporter for the Oregonian/Oregon, explains all the retirements, appointments and moving chairs. We talked about Peter Courtney and Tina Kotek’s legacies, who may – or In Kotek’s case likely will succeed them, the governor’s race and Betsy Johnson’s presence in the race, and the legislative session starting February 1 There’s a ton to unpack. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Travis Boersma helped start an iconic Oregon company, and the Dutch Bros cofounder is suddenly one of the state’s wealthiest residents. But in recent months Boersma’s other passion – horse racing – is suddenly at the center of a political drama. And Boersma is threatening to lay off more than 200 employees if his plans aren’t approved in Salem. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, business reporters Jeff Manning and Mike Rogoway talked about Boersma’s race track and gambling and restaurant center called the Flying Lark, why tribal governments see it as a huge threat to their casinos, how Dutch Bros is faring on the markets a few months after it went public and whether the race track controversy is a one off or the first indication of a new billionaire flexing his political muscle. Related: How Dutch Bros became an iconic Oregon company See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hillsboro is Oregon’s fifth largest city. It’s not a small place. But as Mayor Steve Callaway will tell you, downtown Hillsboro is special. Now, that downtown is hurting. A shocking four-alarm fire the first Sunday of the year destroyed eight businesses and displaced 20 more. It wasn’t the only fire of the weekend. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Samantha Swindler talks about the devastating fire in downtown Hillsboro. We talked about the fire, the businesses affected and how the blaze revealed the close knit community that was already there. [A programming note, we recorded this interview last week before Hillsboro Police arrested a 34-year-old man and charged him with arson and burglary.] Related reading: Samantha Swindler's coverage on HereIsOregon.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes all you need to get through a given day is an unexpected ray of light in the form of a cursing crow (or raven) named Cosmo who befriended an entire Oregon elementary school. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with Lizzy Acker, reporter for the Oregonian and OregonLive. Acker talks about how she got the story, why it resonated so much and a lot more about Cosmo than could make it into print. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is episode four of Public Plea, a five-part series reported and produced by current and former University of Oregon journalists and professor Ed Madison. We're sharing the five-part series here over the next few days. Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts to get the episodes in your Beat Check feed. Here's the Public Plea website. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is episode four of Public Plea, a five-part series reported and produced by current and former University of Oregon journalists and professor Ed Madison. We're sharing the five-part series here over the next few days. Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts to get the episodes in your Beat Check feed. Here's the Public Plea website. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is episode three of Public Plea, a five-part series reported and produced by current and former University of Oregon journalists and professor Ed Madison. We're sharing the five-part series here over the next few days. Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts to get the episodes in your Beat Check feed. Here's the Public Plea website. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is episode two of Public Plea, a five-part series reported and produced by current and former University of Oregon journalists and professor Ed Madison. We're sharing the five-part series here over the next few days. Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts to get the episodes in your Beat Check feed. Here's the Public Plea website. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A team of journalists at the university of Oregon spent the past year and a half delving deep into an issue that turned out to be exceptionally timely – what to do with young Oregonians who were convicted of serious crimes as juveniles. Current and former UO students and a journalism professor at the school produced a documentary and a podcast series that examines Oregon’s landmark mandatory minimum sentence law that voters approved decades ago. Since then, Oregon has taken steps to soften the legal blow for young people convicted of Measure 11 crimes but it was not retroactive. The project is dropping just as Governor Brown is considering what to do with dozens of young people who are serving time for these crimes On this episode, we hear from Ed Madison and Jordan Bentz. Madison is a journalism professor at the University of Oregon. Bentz is a freelance producer who partnered with Madison and the young journalists on the project We talked about these young people, including one the main characters in the series, Ricky Gaters, who was convicted of robbery and assault before he turned 18. We talked about measure 11 and its history, what victims advocates have to say about reforms and more. Related: The UO project page See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is episode one of Public Plea, a five-part series reported and produced by current and former University of Oregon journalists and professor Ed Madison. We talked with Ed Madison and Jordan Bentz, a freelance producer who worked with Madison and the students on the documentary and podcast project, on our regular episode this week. Listen to that episode to learn more about the project. We're sharing the five-part series here over the next few days. Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts to get the episodes in your Beat Check feed. Here's the Public Plea website. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dozens of restaurants opened their doors in the past two years and are still standing – creating a business and winning customers in a pandemic and thriving in some cases despite the odds. So where does a hungry person go when there are so many great options – that’s where Michael Russell comes in. I’m Andrew Theen and this is Beat Check with The Oregonian. Up next – another conversation with Michael Russell, the restaurant reporter and critic for The Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about his restaurant of the year, why he held off on doing his exhaustive list last year, what trends he’s seeing in the food scene and what might be in the offing in 2022. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Winter break is just around the corner. Then it will be 2022, somehow. Portland Public School teachers have a new year’s resolution: more time to prepare lessons, grade and help students falling behind. Their bosses say – not so fast. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we chat with Eder Campuzano, education reporter for the Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about how the first three months of the school year went, what students staff and administrators have to say about the latest unusual school year, what next year may look like and much more. Related reading: Portland teachers seek more prep time ‘We just can’t support that’: Portland Public Schools leaders respond to union’s virtual instruction proposal
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[This is a rebroadcast of an episode from March] Nora the polar bear has lived a tough life, and the fact that she’s alive — and back in Portland at the Oregon Zoo — is a miracle of sorts. Nora’s story represents so much more than the life and struggles of one bear. It’s about climate change, the effect it’s had on indigenous people and their livelihoods, and how we — humans — can respond to it. It also shows how zoos have evolved over the last century or more, from the 1890s to today. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we’ll hear from my colleague Kale Williams, a staff writer at The Oregonian and OregonLive who has been reporting and writing about Nora since 2016. His new book, “The Loneliest Polar Bear,” expands on his award-winning 2017 series in The Oregonian. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For millions of Oregonians, Thanksgiving 2020 was smaller than expected. But with widespread vaccination – and now booster shots – Delta subsiding, many families are getting back together and can feel safer about doing it. The CDC has some recommendations for people traveling to visit loved ones, if you are vaccinated Like getting tested in advance. But the main recommendation or everyone is simple – get vaccinated. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we chat with Grant Butler, the longtime food writer and editor for the Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about how to mix up your thanksgiving recipes this year, and why it’s OK to try new things for a dish or two. We discussed our deep reservoir of recipes, some stories about the newsroom’s old test kitchen, and much more. Recipe Box: Here's the radical recipe database Grant discussed. More: Check out all our amazing food coverage See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The conservative majority on Newberg’s school board tripled down last week on its controversial policy to ban so-called political symbols like the Pride Flag and Black Lives Matter from classrooms and campuses. The board voted 4 to 3 to oust the popular superintendent who helped steer the exurban district to financial stability in recent years. It’s the latest surprising step from a school board of elected volunteers, but Newberg isn’t alone. It’s part of a broader movement. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we hear from Ryan Clarke and Eder Campuzano. Ryan just joined the Oregonian last week and broke countless stories about the controversial policy this summer as a reporter for the Newberg Graphic. Eder covers Portland Public Schools and education for the Oregonian. We talked about last week’s remarkable meeting, what students of color and LGBTQ+ students are saying, where the story may go from here and how Newberg fits into the larger American narrative today See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the country’s most famous companies is expanding in Oregon, and one city is carrying the water, legally speaking. That town sued to the public from knowing key details about the company’s plans. I’m Andrew Theen and this is Beat Check with The Oregonian. Up next, Mike Rogoway, business and technology reporter for The Oregonian and OregonLive. We talked about Google’s plans along the Columbia River and why The Dalles is suing the Oregonian. We discussed data centers in general and what they mean to our economy, what other companies are doing and what information they share and on the second half of the show, we talked about Intel’s bold new plans and why resistance and skepticism are so strong. Related reading: The Oregonians's series "Draining Oregon" 2015 story from Mike on rural economies/data centers See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The University of Oregon’s track and field program is one of the best in the world, and the school has pushed the limits for decades to help athletes trim their times, boost their throws and jumps and live up to Eugene’s Track Town USA nickname. But some former female athletes said the school went too far. On the latest episode of Beat Check, we hear from Ken Goe, the longtime and now retired reporter for the Oregonian and Oregon live who worked at the paper for 4 decades and has covered track since the late 1980s. We talked about his story on how UO’s data-driven approach to weight and body fat percentages have put female athletes at risk of unhealthy behaviors, like eating disorders and body dysmorphia. We discussed why he thinks the story reverberated nationally and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes in journalism, it’s like pulling teeth trying to obtain records from public agencies. Other times, the state accidentally sends sensitive records to your email box. Then it’s decision time. Therese Bottomly, the editor of The Oregonian and Oregon Live and Vice President of Content for The Oregonian Media Group, talks about the latest public records and transparency questions in our newsroom on the latest episode of Beat Check. You might also hear from her pandemic puppy, Ruby, at times, on this episode. We talked about the state accidentally sending our newsroom and the Salem Statesman Journal records identifying tens of thousands of workers and their vaccination status. We talked about how the newsroom handles those quandaries, what it says about our broader transparency fights and the rationale for how we are handling those ethical questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s state run prisons have had some of the worst workplace outbreaks during the pandemic. Now as the clock ticks toward a key deadline where prison staff must be vaccinated, a large number of workers are not. The state’s top prison official is saying those people may lose their jobs. Aquick thank you to our sponsor PacificSource Health Plans for supporting the show. On the latest episode of Beat Check, criminal justice reporter Noelle Crombie is back to discuss the latest saga occurring at correctional institutions across Oregon. We talked about what correctional leaders are saying, why they are holding firm and what this stare down with unvaccinated union workers may mean for incarcerated people. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland is on pace to shatter the record for most homicides in a calendar year. It’s a confluence of factors. People lost their lives in all corners of the city, and there is no clear consensus on how to address the crisis On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, veteran reporters Maxine Bernstein and Noelle Crombie talk about the rise in gun violence. Max has covered law enforcement in Portland for more than two decades. Crombie has also covered criminal justice issues for the Oregonian for more than 20 years We talked about the victims, what’s driving the surge here, whether Portland is an outlier, how petty disagreements and gang violence factor in here and the ongoing discussions about how to address the homicide crisis. Related: Read The Oregonian/OregonLive's full coverage of the crisis More about the package See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Willamette Falls is one of Oregon's most impressive natural wonders, but chances are you've never seen it up close. That may eventually change. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, travel and outdoor writer Jamie Hale (also the co-host of the fantastic Peak Northwest podcast) talks about the long range plans that the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and other tribes have for the falls. We talked about the cultural significance of the falls, the long road to this moment and what the tribes' purchase says about the future possibilities of ancestral lands going back into tribal hands. Related reading: Demolition of vacant mill at Willamette Falls begins, tribes excited about future Celilo Village housing stories in The Oregonian See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Perhaps nothing in our lifetimes has so universally affected humans than the coronavirus pandemic, and a new book from a Portland-based journalist has the ambitious goal of sharing more than two dozen stories from all around the country. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, books columnist Amy Wang interviews Eli Saslow, the Portland-based reporter for The Washington Post and Pulitzer Prize winner who is one of the nation’s preeminent storytellers. Saslow’s third book, Voices From the Pandemic: Americans Tell Their Stories of Crisis, Courage and Resilience, comes out Sept. 28. Amy and Eli talked about how he picked who to focus on in the book, which started as a series in The Post, the reporting process in a pandemic, the connective tissue between his previous work on white nationalism and the conspiracy theories tied to the pandemic and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--Students at Reynolds high school will be learning from home once again this week. Dozens of students have had to isolate so far for potential exposure on school buses in Portland and Lake Oswego. But all in all – students are back in classrooms and teachers are back in person. How’s it all going a few weeks in? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporters Aimee Green and Fedor Zarkhin break down how things are going a few weeks into the school year. We talked about buses, quarantines, how districts are notifying parents about exposure – or not -- and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The summer doldrums are here and fall is just around the corner – but some things don’t seem to change – Portland City Hall is filled with uncertainty and the mega project to expand I-5 through the rose quarter is once again filled with question marks. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we’ll tackle both of those ongoing stories. On the first half of the show, City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh breaks down the latest in Portland politics – and we didn’t even hit on the police vaccine saga. On the second half of the show, transportation reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan talks about the latest on the $1 billion-plus Rose Quarter freeway project.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eighteen months into the pandemic, healthcare workers in hospitals and intensive care units in Oregon are still at it. They are tired, frustrated and feeling forgotten. It’s a tense time and unvaccinated Oregonians continue to show up at their doors, some failing to believe in the very virus that sent them there in the first place. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Jeff Manning and Beth Nakamura talk about their recent trip into a critical care unit at Providence Portland Medical Center. We talked about what they saw, how it felt to be in that ward right now, what healthcare workers had to say and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the first week of class for Portland public school students and many others around the state return in a matter of days. But the Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading and most students are still unvaccinated. It’s an exciting and nerve-wracking time. What do we make of it all? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporters Eder Campuzano and Aimee Green talk about how school districts are preparing for yet another abnormal school year. We talk about what school and activities will look like, why lunch is such a critical time and stuff like MERV 13 furnace filters and all kinds of nitty gritty details. Related reading: What you need to know as kids go back to school PPS capped enrollment for online academy at 500, then Delta hit Portland kids will eat outside for 6 weeks Where to find KN95, N95 masks How to protect your COVID-19 vaccine card See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Public students are going back to school full-time in the coming days for the first time in 18 months. We figured this was worth a couple episodes of the podcast. My colleague, Julie Evensen, interviewed Dr. Whitney Casares, a Portland pediatrician, about what parents should keep in mind when it comes to Delta, return to school, the vaccines and much more. This conversation ran on our Facebook account as well. We'll be back Monday with a regular episode featuring reporters Eder Campuzano and Aimee Green talking about the return to school and how parents, students and districts are preparing themselves. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beer is part of the culture in Oregon, and a year and a half into the pandemic, the renowned industry is tired, but still standing. Some big names are gone. Others expanded. And Beervana is once again seeing new businesses enter the crowded field. Oh and Delta is still looming On the latest episode of Beat Check, Andre Meunier, breaking news new editor and beer writer for The Oregonian, talks about all things beer. We talked about how breweries have adapted to survive the pandemic, we said goodbye to some operations that are now gone and we discussed what new features [home delivery] are here to stay. Related Reading: Here's how to sign up for Andre's beer newsletter Hammer & Stitch review Steeplejack video See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon has been one of the best performing states. We had some of the lowest infection rates, hospitalizations and deaths per capita in the nation. But now the Delta variant is surging here, infection rates and hospitalizations are a big concern. Mask mandates are back. How did we get here? On the latest episode of Beat Check, reporters Aimee Green and Ted Sickinger talk about where things stand in Oregon today and why things may get worse before they get better. We talked about who is getting infected, why vaccination incentives haven’t worked, the looming school year and much more. Related reading:
‘Grim news’ of soaring COVID-19 hospitalizations prompts governor to send in Oregon National Guard
Oregon to resume statewide indoor mask mandate as COVID hospitalizations break records
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Where do people experiencing homelessness go when their campsite is swept away? And how does Portland fare on the issue compared to other cities? Is it possible that Portland has more resources and a better plan? On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporter Nicole Hayden talks about the latest issues surrounding homelessness in Portland We talked about the recent sweep of a long established camp site at Laurelhurst Park, the plan pushed by Commissioner Dan Ryan to build more rest sites with social services at six places across Portland, how she gets her sources when people are often pushed from one area of town to another and whether things are really as bad as they feel right now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What companies belong on Oregon’s Mt. Rushmore? Nike. TexTronix. Les Schwab Tire Centers….and now Dutch Bros? The Grants Pass based drive through coffee company’s success isn’t new, but it’s decision to go public is putting the company in rarefied air. It may soon be one of Oregon’s most valuable companies. On the latest episode of Beat Check, business reporter Mike Rogoway talks about Dutch Bros and its remarkable rise from Grants Pass novelty to a caffeinated juggernaut. We talked about the Dutch mafia, their brand awareness, why even some notable coffee purists are all in on company’s future and what its rise says about the state’s business climate. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How far would you go to investigate a murder in your family? What if one parent was accused and convicted of killing the other? One Vancouver woman has made reopening the case her life. On the latest episode of Beat Check, reporter Doug Perry talks about his four part series digging deep into a murder in Vancouver that occurred more than three decades ago. It’s a story of a family torn apart and one woman’s mission to seek justice. The story brings together old-fashioned shoe leather investigation, new genetic technology and a potential tie to an international crime. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For decades the holy veneer of amateurism surrounding big time college sports largely stood untouched and unblemished. It was sacrosanct, even as coaches made millions. Then come July - poof. It was gone. College athletes were free to make money off their names images and likenesses. On this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporters Aaron Fentress and Jeff Manning talk about the brave new world in Oregon where college athletes are free to get paid by companies big and small. We talked about the change in public perception surrounding this issue, how quickly it accelerated, the recent Supreme Court ruling, what it means for big time athletes and less well known ones as well. This episode was brought to you by PacificSource. Related reading: New NCAA name, image, likeness rules could shift power in college sports, marketing College athletes begin cashing in on name, image, likeness, but many questions remain See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland is still emerging from a deadly pandemic, and we’re seeing a record number of homicides plus dozens of deaths due to the recent heat wave. But another troubling issue continues to bubble beneath the surface: Traffic deaths are on pace to shatter records as well. On this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporter Savannah Eadens talks about the ongoing crises of people dying either walking, driving or biking on Portland’s streets. We talked about one of the recent victims, Natalie Gray, her life story, what we know about her death and much more. Related Reading:
50 people died in traffic crashes in 2019
54 people were killed in 2020, the most since 1996
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it mean to have one of the nation’s premier food shows shoot in Portland and what should we make of the controversial winner? Despite our national reputation and several celebrity chefs, Portland has never hosted a season of Bravo’s Top Chef until now. On this bonus episode of Beat Check, resident food and TV gurus, Michael Russell and Kristi Turnquist, discuss the Top Chef season. They talked with engagement editor Julie Evensen about the controversial winner, what the show may mean for the city and what they enjoyed most about it. Related reading: Top Chef names a winner, but controversy hangs over the feel good season How to devour Portland’s restaurant scene, ‘Top Chef’-style ‘Top Chef’ Portland’s Sara Hauman on self-confidence, yogurt and the importance of little fish See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been one week since Portland had its hottest day in recorded history — and that came on the heels of two days that were also record breaking. 116 degrees. What do we make of it? Is this a one off or a scary preview of our future? On the second half of the show, criminal justice reporter Noelle Crombie talks about the unprecedented death toll tied to the heat wave. We talked about what we know about those who lost their lives On the first half of the show,, staff writer Kale Williams discusses the heat dome that turned Portland and much of Oregon on its head for three days. We talked about how climate change plays a role, what scientists say about the phenomenon and what we can do to prepare. What we know as of Sunday: - Umatilla construction worker died in trailer, his 6 year old survived - There will be a next time - 90 year old Washington County woman was one of the dead - Sebastian Francisco Perez dreamed of being a parent See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian/OregonLive's Janet Eastman discusses the red-hot Portland housing market, why millennials are hopping into the buying spree and why prices are unlikely to go down even as inventory increases. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s longest tenured Congressman has a critical seat at the table in Washington as the Biden administration pushes for a massive transportation package. On this episode of Beat Check, Rep. Peter DeFazio talks about the latest twists and turns in the years long effort to pass a major transportation package. The Springfield Democrat chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. We talked about his own $547 billion bill that is expected to go before the full house for a vote later this month, what he makes of the ongoing talks in the Senate, what the various bills may mean for Oregon’s Interstate Bridge and Rose Quarter freeway projects, and much more. Related reading: My 2019 profile on his relationship with-then President Trump See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We all had to summon something to get through the past 15 months or so. Call it resilience or whatever you want. But the pandemic invariably hit some people harder. For people living with drug and alcohol addiction, the pandemic presented a massive roadblock. On this episode of Beat Check, staff reporter Fedor Zarkhin, who’s been covering COVID-19 since before the virus hit Oregon, talks about life in these times. On the first half of the show, we talked about his recent series that profiles people living with addiction. We talked about their struggles and their successes. On the second half of the show we discussed Fedor’s decision to head to southeast Portland’s Mount Tabor park on a recent sunny day to chat up strangers. We talked about what he learned and the simple joys in post-pandemic life.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have the water wars returned to Klamath county? Federal officials announced last month that no one -- not the tribes or farmers in the Southern Oregon county -- will get water from upper klamath lake this year. The impact goes beyond Oregon’s border. No one is happy. On this episode, reporter Kale Williams breaks down just what is going on in Klamath County. Related reading: Draining Oregon investigative series See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been one year since George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. And since then Oregon lawmakers have taken concrete and bipartisan steps toward addressing how officers can deploy force in the state. More bills aimed at holding officers accountable are likely to pass this session. And Oregon’s lone Black woman lawmaker Janelle Bynum has been at the center of those policy changes. She is openly aiming for higher office. On the latest episode of Beat Check, criminal justice reporter at the paper Noelle Crombie talks about why she decided to write an in-depth story about Bynum right now. We talked about how the Happy Valley Democrat got into politics, how she became a power broker in Salem, what her reputation is in the capital and why she doesn’t shy away from vocally opposing people in her own party. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A year ago this week, protests against racial injustice sprang up in cities nationwide, and Portland was no different. Iconic images of thousands of protestors marching across Portland bridges made national headlines and Portlanders took to the streets night after night. What’s the state of that movement in Portland today, and has the message been lost amid headlines about broken windows and vandalism. And what do protesters think of those headlines. Are they fair? On the latest episode of Beat Check, Catalina Gaitán, a reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, tries to answer those difficult questions. Gaitán spoke with protesters and current and former politicians to take the pulse one year after George Floyd’s name suddenly became a national and international rallying cry. Gaitán was born and raised in Portland and covered the protests for countless nights as a freelancer, for the Portland Mercury and for The Oregonian. We talked about what sticks with them from those long tear-gas filled nights, how it’s fundamentally changed their memories of some parts of the city and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Downtown Portland is a complex place. In some ways, it’s struggling mightily. There’s the weight of the pandemic, the boarded up businesses and widespread trash there. In others, its excelling. See the lines for the new Gucci store for example. But how downtown is perceived is in some ways more important than its actual reality, especially for its economic future. And Portland area residents don’t have good things to say about downtown right now, even if they haven’t gone down there to check it out. On this episode, business reporters Jamie Goldberg and Mike Rogoway talk about the state of downtown today, what a recent poll commissioned by our newspaper revealed about that perception issue, and what it may take to bring people back to the city center. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Linfield University normally doesn’t make big news. But in the past month, the private school has attracted the attention of the NAACP, Anti Defamation League, Oregon Board of Rabbis and national news outlets. On the latest episode, cops and courts reporter Max Bernstein discusses the still unfolding situation at Linfield, where a tenured Shakespeare scholar was fired last month. The school now faces criticism that it fired a whistleblower who was drawing attention to sexual misconduct allegations against multiple school trustees. Its embattled president said the professor was fired for cause We talked about the controversy, how it’s played out on campus and how the university is handling it. Reading: Miles Davis talks about the firing Fourth Linfield trustee named in harassment claim See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With 15 Oregon counties moving back to extreme risk of COVID spread, the state will likely see jobless claims rise as restrictions on indoor activities return. Those newly out-of-work Oregonians will go back to the state's clunky unemployment system that remains one of the slowest in the country On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, business reporter Mike Rogoway talks about the still ongoing woes at the state’s employment department. A year into the economic crisis, some workers are still stuck dealing with a system that has fundamental flaws that can’t be fixed anytime soon. We hit on that and much more. Then, on the second half of the show, state politics reporter Hillary Borrud discusses Oregon landing a 6th congressional seat, the first expansion in 40 years. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For many of us, normal life ground to a halt during the pandemic. For Luke Wirkkala, his life is about to start anew. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, crime and justice reporter Noelle Crombie talks about Luke Wirkkala’s story. Wirkkala was convicted of murder in 2014 and acquitted of the same crime earlier this month. It’s a remarkable story that legal observers say is virtually unprecedented. Here's his story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
All Oregonians 16 and older are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, but the virus continues to spread, and the state so far hasn’t lived up to its promises to ensure people of color and those most at risk of the virus get their shots first. In the second half of the show, we’ll hear from The Oregonian and OregonLive’s Rob Davis about how a public records request filed by our newspaper laid bare the full scale of the inequities and why where you live may be the best indicator of whether you’ve been vaccinated yet. But first, The Oregonian and OregonLive’s Aimee Green, who talked about the worrisome public health models that indicate the pandemic is not yet over, what it all means and whether the state is ready to vaccinate millions more Oregonians. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland is on pace to hit 100 homicides this year, an unprecedented tide of violence that many other cities also are facing. Last week, the City Council unanimously acted, funneling millions to violence prevention groups and creating a new police unit. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and cops and courts reporter Maxine Bernstein talk about Portland’s new plan to tackle gun violence without boosting spending on police. We discussed how the deal came about; how it compares to the Portland Police Bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team disbanded last year; what the money will allow these groups to do, and much more. Related reading: Portland hopes $6 million plan stems violence PPB plans to shift resources See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the Beavers men’s basketball team made an incredible run to the Elite Eight, Oregon State University also saw its new president resign under pressure after revelations of culture of sexual harassment at his previous post. On this episode, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Jeff Manning talks about the fallout from F. King Alexander’s brief tenure in Corvallis and where the state’s largest university goes from here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The stories of Black Oregonians, like those of many people of color, often aren’t given the space they deserve in history books. Oregon Black Pioneers, a Salem-based historical society, is trying to bring them more attention. On this week's episode, we hear from Zachary Stocks, the group's executive director. Stocks’ background in colonial history; Beaver Hill, the long forgotten mining town that was briefly home to perhaps hundreds of Black workers and their families; the racism that predated the state’s founding; his thoughts on past year's racial justice and renaming movements; and much more. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nora the polar bear has lived a tough life, and the fact that she’s alive — and back in Portland at the Oregon Zoo — is a miracle of sorts. Nora’s story represents so much more than the life and struggles of one bear. It’s about climate change, the effect it’s had on indigenous people and their livelihoods, and how we — humans — can respond to it. It also shows how zoos have evolved over the last century or more, from the 1890s to today. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we’ll hear from my colleague Kale Williams, a staff writer at The Oregonian and OregonLive who has been reporting and writing about Nora since 2016. His new book, “The Loneliest Polar Bear,” expands on his award-winning 2017 series in The Oregonian. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A month from now, many middle and high schoolers across the Portland area will return to in-person teaching at least part time or the first time in a year. Bars and restaurants in the Portland area can now open up indoor dining to half of their normal capacity. Are we inching back to something resembling normalcy? On this episode, you’ll hear from two of my colleagues about these baby steps toward our old lives. In the first half of the show, education reporter Eder Campuzano talks about how students are faring. Campuzano spoke to four metro area teens and pre-teens about their last year and what it means to go back to in-person instruction. Then, food writer Michael Russell talks about the state of the Portland bar and dining scene, the takeout revolution and when he plans to eat indoors. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, we hear from three staff writers about the state of affairs in Oregon: Hillary Borrud, our state politics reporter; Mike Rogoway, who covers business and technology; and one of our newest staffers, homelessness reporter Nicole Hayden. We talked about the the economy, the state of homelessness services in the city, the legislature and another Republican walkout, the pandemic, and why things feel like they're looking up. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. Background reading: Borrud: Oregon economists expect $571 million kicker Hayden: On the proposed alcohol tax increase and what critics, supporters say Rogoway: Oregon businesses are, by and large, still in business See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One year ago, Oregon announced its first known case of the coronavirus. It’s changed all of our lives, and few are untouched by toll the disease has taken on our society, our economy and our politics. In those 12 months, life — and its many challenges — have continued on. Up next, we’ll hear from Katrina Thompson, a Springfield nurse who worked with COVID patients throughout the year, then lost her house in the Holiday Farm Fire. Then she came down with COVID-19 herself. On the second half of the show, The Oregonian and OregonLive’s Tom Hallman reflects on some of those we’ve lost. He’s written nearly a dozen life stories about people who have died of COVID-19. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. Background reading: Portraits of the Pandemic Hallman: Corvette story Hallman: Sharon McGovern story
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Renee Watson grew up in Northeast Portland, and the acclaimed author and poet has built a sterling career putting the experiences of Black girls and women at the center — and on the cover — of books sold around the country. Amy Wang, the books columnist for The Oregonian and OregonLive, interviewed Watson for the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian. They talked about Watson's newest book, Love is a Revolution; her writing process, how Watson, who splits time between Portland and New York City, has been unable to visit the Rose City since the pandemic hit, how she decides to create her characters, what other projects she has in store and much more. Watson is also the coauthor of the 2019 book “Watch us Rise,” and the second book in her middle-grade Ryan Hart series, which is set in Portland, comes out in April. She's received a Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor. She's appearing, virtually, at Powell's Books March 3. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the pandemic raged last fall, some families decided not to enroll their kids in public online-only kindergarten. According to enrollment data, white families were twice as likely as Black and Latino families to skip kindergarten. Eder Campuzano, an education reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, explains what's going on. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, there was no easing into the new gig. No honeymoon period. The prosecutor, elected in a landslide last May, was thrown right into the fire. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporter Noelle Crombie talks about Schmidt’s first six months on the job as one of the state’s most prominent attorneys. On OregonLive: Portland protests shape District Attorney Mike Schmidt’s young tenure: Now what? You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh talks about what’s going on with Mayor Ted Wheeler. Obviously Oregon, Portland and the nation are coping with a lot right now. We talked about that, but also discussed Wheeler’s policy priorities, the two high profile public confrontations he experienced this January, why he hired former mayor Sam Adams and what all of his staff shakeups may mean for the city and his governing plans. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Public health officials in Josephine County were headed home from a vaccine clinic in Cave Junction as a snowstorm hit Tuesday. A jackknifed semi blocked their way home, and six doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were about to expire. Up next, reporter Noelle Crombie talks to Mike Weber, Josephine County’s public health director, about the fateful trip and how staff administered the six doses to lucky travelers caught in the traffic jam. Read more: 6 stranded motorists win the coronavirus vaccine jackpot See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Donald Trump’s presidency is over, and President Joe Biden has pledged sweeping immigration reforms. Those plans may include a path to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of people brought to the US as children. It’s a familiar story, but this time there may be some momentum. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporter Eder Campuzano talks about what a new administration in Washington DC may mean for some 10,000 so-called Dreamers in Oregon. Campuzano talked to two men — Esli Becerra and Leo Reyes —who were granted protections under President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. They discussed President Biden’s proposals and their thoughts on the insurrection at the Capitol three years after they attended Trump’s first State of the Union address. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
COVID-19 has affected everything in our world — including the long-term plans for people hoping to start a family with help from fertility clinics like those housed at OHSU in Portland. The pandemic proved to be a fatal blow for IntegraMed, an obscure company with a decade long relationship with OHSU. The she company went bankrupt, owing nearly $20 million to thousands of people around the country. The company’s demise had ripple effects from Oregon to Florida. On this episode, investigative reporter Jeff Manning talks about what IntegraMed’s implosion means for OHSU’s patients and how the company’s demise added further stress to couples during an already calamitous year. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It hasn’t yet been a month since Oregon received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines. How are we doing? In typical Oregon fashion – we’re doing OK. Better than some states, not as well as others, but demand for the vaccine is outpacing supply, and even supplies aren’t reaching Oregonians – and their arms – as quickly as anyone would like. On this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporter Aimee Green talks about the vaccine rollout in Oregon so far. We talked about where we rank nationally in terms of administering vaccines, WHICH states are doing well, how Oregon could improve and why some health care workers are frustrated about the rollout. We talked shortly after Gov. Kate Brown’s Friday news conference where she announced the National Guard would be activated in Salem to assist with a weekend vaccination clinic. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did we change in 2020, and what does 2021 have in store as the nation, we hope, gradually emerges from the pandemic? Reporter Lizzy Acker shares perspectives from The Oregonian/OregonLive's readers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s finally time to turn the page on 2020 and look ahead to what 2021 will bring. Reporters Kale Williams and Lizzy Acker and visual journalist Dave Killen joined host Andrew Theen to talk about the tumultuous year. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As 2020 comes to a close, more Oregonians are struggling to pay for their housing. This week on Beat Check with The Oregonian, reporter Jamie Goldberg talks about the challenges facing renters, homeowners and business owners. The state Legislature is expected to confront the issue in some form on Monday, the same day this episode is released. But their action now might only delay — not solve — a looming eviction and foreclosure crisis in 2021. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The first healthcare workers in Oregon were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Wednesday, a historic moment in the pandemic that’s killed more than 1200 Oregonians in less than a year. On this episode, we hear from one of the first Oregonians to receive the vaccine. Jeremy Howard is a respiratory therapist at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland, where he’s worked since 2003. We talked about how he ended up on the short list to receive the vaccine, how it may change his life in the short and long term and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When a serial stalker terrorized multiple families with young daughters earlier this year, a Northeast Portland neighborhood did what the Portland Police Bureau couldn’t – they banded together and tracked down a suspect, who was ultimately arrested on a warrant for a previous charge. On this episode, reporter Maxine Bernstein talks about her recent story highlighting that stalking case and what it says about the city's police bureau. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cole Herrington, the 20-year-old man who survived what experts and observers say was likely a great white shark attack Dec. 6, talks to The Oregonian/OregonLive about his surreal encounter. Herrington spoke with Noelle Crombie from his hospital bed at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in North Portland. Here's Noelle's story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been a hard year — but for tens of thousands of Oregonians, these are desperate times. And amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing recession and the state’s wildfires, help has been even harder to find. On this episode, journalists highlight some of the charities and social service groups featured in The Oregonian/OregonLive's Season of Sharing campaign. You'll hear from newsletters and special projects editors Amy Wang, daily life editor Grant Butler, Portland Trail Blazers beat reporter Aaron Fentress, and breaking news reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan. Read about all 12 beneficiaries of the drive at oregonlive.com/sharing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At nearly two dozen Oregon workplaces that would later suffer major COVID-19 outbreaks, state regulators got an early heads up in the form of complaints from workers or their representatives. State officials inspected just two of these factories, prisons and other potential hotspots before the virus ripped through, sickening dozens in each case. Investigative reporter Rob Davis and business reporter Jamie Goldberg analyzed thousands of workplace complaints and found that state officials missed warning signs at many job sites across Oregon. On this episode, Davis talked about their story, how they went about analyzing the thousands of complaints, what it says about Oregon and the nation’s handling of COVID-19 and why Oregon is sharing more information about its own failings than most of the country. Sign up for free text messages with coronavirus updates. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More than 95,000 people filed sex-abuse claims against the Boy Scouts of America before a key deadline passed last week in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. It's an astonishing figure that, according to victims' attorneys, exceeds the number of claims ever filed against the Catholic Church. The avalanche of sex abuse filings that forced the youth organization into bankruptcy has its origins in a Portland abuse case from a decade ago. A multi-million dollar jury award made it clear the Boy Scouts could face massive liability. And after the case, The Oregonian and other news organizations fought for, and won, the release of the Boy Scout's secret files on known abusers. We're revisiting a conversation from February with Molly Young, an editor for The Oregonian and OregonLive who reported on the bankruptcy, as well as Charlie Hinkle, a longtime First Amendment attorney who argued the case for the news organization. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you thought COVID-19 was in the rear view mirror, you’re wrong. Now, Oregon faces its toughest restrictions since March as cases spike across the state, threatening to overload the healthcare system. On this episode, investigative reporter Brad Schmidt talks about the statewide "freeze" ordered by the governor and answers questions submitted by readers about a whole range of topics. Sign up for free text messages with coronavirus updates sent by The Oregonian/OregonLive's journalists — and text them back with your questions and suggestions. We also have a newsletter devoted to news about the coronavirus in Oregon. Subscribe here. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Winter is coming, and with it, huge questions for Portland’s already struggling food and bar scene. On this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, restaurant reporter and critic Michael Russell talks about the state of the restaurant industry right now. We talked about the big names and brands like Pok Pok and Beast that have closed their doors for good, why businesses are nervous about the long wet winter to come, why some new businesses are opening and a few other reasons for optimism. Yes, cautious optimism. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 110, decriminalizing small amounts of heroin and other street drugs. Now what? On this bonus episode, The Oregonian and OregonLive’s Noelle Crombie talks about Measure 110, how this isn’t the first time the state took a historic step on drug reform, how the Legislature is reacting and how the pioneering vote is creating waves around the country and beyond. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
All eyes were on the top of the ticket Tuesday, but in this election night episode, journalists from The Oregonian/OregonLive discuss the potential impact of down-ballot races in Oregon and the Portland metro area. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregonians love vote-by-mail. Do we actually how it works? On this episode, politics editor Betsy Hammond talks about the nitty gritty details behind our vote by mail system and the task ahead for much of the rest of the country at states are now trying to figure out — during a pandemic no less — what Oregon has been refining since 1998. We talked about voter turnout, what to expect on election night and how she’s helped lead the newsroom’s decision desk for since 2008 to call races quickly and accurately. We've updated this episode to reflect a correction: We incorrectly stated when Oregon counties can start counting ballots. Counties can start scanning ballots up to one week before Election Day with the state's approval. Multnomah County, for example, plans to start scanning ballots on Wednesday, Oct. 28. We regret the error. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Finally, ballots have arrived — or are arriving imminently — at Oregonians' mailboxes. On this episode, politics reporters Hillary Borrud and Everton Bailey Jr. discuss the big stories and issues they are tracking this year. We talked about the Portland mayor's race, the secretary of state contest, the proposed Portland police oversight reform measure and much more. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Businesses across the state are locked into a new normal — and any true economic revival could be years away. But things could actually be much worse. On this episode, reporter Mike Rogoway talks about the latest unemployment figures and the overall state economic forecast and explains why things aren’t as bad as experts feared they would be. We also talked about downtown's struggles, how the recession is playing out differently across the state and much more. Interested in interacting more with Mike and our business team? Subscribe to our new text service to stay informed. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and challenger Sarah Iannarone faced off in their first televised debate this week, making their final pitch to voters before ballots start arriving in mailboxes next week. Wheeler and Iannarone discussed their stances on police reform, homelessness, the COVID-19 pandemic, how to rebuild Portland’s economy and much more. The debate was moderated by The Oregonian/OregonLive's Everton Bailey and KGW anchor Laural Porter. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Oregon starts the monumental task of digging out from the most destructive fires in recent history, Phoenix and Talent, two small towns sandwiched between Medford and Ashland, face an unbelievable challenge. On this episode, reporters Noelle Crombie and Ted Sickinger talk about how the Almeda fire tore through those two Jackson County towns, devastating thousands of homes and ripping the community apart. Related reading:
Almeda fire’s destruction of mobile home parks exacerbates Rogue Valley’s affordable housing shortage
Southern Oregon wildfire razes close-knit Latino community, thousands face housing crisis
How to help
You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A pandemic, months of racial justice protests and devastating fires haven’t stopped TriMet’s buses and trains from running. But where does the transit agency go from here? On this episode, a conversation with TriMet general manager Doug Kelsey about this challenging year and how its affected the agency and its staff, the future of public transit and why he says TriMet needs another federal stimulus infusion. We talked about whether TriMet’s future is with buses or light rail, why Vancouver British Columbia has a greater share of transit riders and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a tumultuous and frightening week of catastrophic wildfires, Oregonians finally have a chance to breathe — literally and figuratively. But for thousands of families, here is no home to go back to. On this episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Jamie Goldberg and Samantha Swindler talk about their experiences covering the Riverside fire, which raced through Clackamas County and led to widespread evacuations In the state’s third most populous county. In the second half of the show, hear directly from people affected by the fires. Support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The cost from the wildfires raging across our state, in damaged property and lives lost, will be unprecedented for Oregon. But the strong winds that stoked the flames and pushed the blazers toward populated areas? Forecasters saw those coming. And the winds fit a pattern that have played out through history. On this episode, reporters Kale Williams and Ted Sickinger talk about how climate change and federal forest management policies have put our state in this terrible predicament, where small blazes can turn into raging infernos — and whether we have any reason for optimism going forward. Related Reading: Wind, fuel heat: 3 factors combined to set Western Oregon ablaze Oregon's historic wildfires: unusual but not unprecedented See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fran Howe and Larry Tripoli built their dream home 13 years ago in Gates, about 35 miles east of Salem along the Santiam River. The couple could see the river, trees and nothing else from their big windows overlooking rural Marion County's majesty. Their house was destroyed this week and Howe and Tripoli narrowly escaped the Beachie Creek fire and spent 18 hours alongside that river before being rescued. Here's their story. Reporter Fedor Zarkhin and photographer/videographer Brooke Herbert interviewed the couple at a Salem hotel where they are currently staying. All parties wore face coverings. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, videographer and photographer Brooke Herbert talks about her documentary exploring the first 100 days of protests in Portland since George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis. Support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In April 2019, the star of a headlining show at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival went out to dinner with donors – then drinks with friends in downtown Ashland. Tony Sancho was intoxicated when police encountered him. Instead of detox, he ended up in county jail for more than 10 hours, handcuffed to a metal grate for hours. For nearly a minute a sheriff’s deputy pinned his knee to Sancho’s neck. The Oregonian/OregonLive's Noelle Crombie talks about her recent story examining Sancho's arrest and how it reverberated across Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's broader acting community. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s strange isn’t it? Time flies, and time also drags on, and on and on – like Groundhog Day when you’re in a pandemic. Oregon's first confirmed case of COVID-19 occurred six months ago this week. The Oregonian/OregonLive's Aimee Green looked at how we've fared so far, why the state is doing better than its neighbors and why there isn't cause to celebrate just yet. A reminder, you can support the show directly by subscribing to OregonLive. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Portland approaches its fourth consecutive month of nightly demonstrations following George Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police, The Oregonian/OregonLive examined a nearly two-decade history of police killings in Portland and found a disproportionate number of those killed were Black. According to a recent story by reporters Noelle Crombie and Shane Dixon Kavanaugh, half of those shot and killed by police also were experiencing mental illness at the time of the shootings. None of the officers involved ultimately experienced disciplinary action. Drugs, alcohol and violent acts play a role in many of these incidents, but some, particularly two fatal incidents involving unarmed Black Portlanders Kendra James and Aaron Campbell, included troubling sets of facts. Also, read vignettes on every fatal shooting. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Americans love a good story, and if it’s a tall tale, all the better. But the stories we tell about our own history are often incomplete – at best – or outright deceptions at worst. A new book from an Oregon-born reporter outlines what he says actually happened to the middle class over the past half century – the truth, lies and omissions by our political leaders -- and explains why a true economic recovery and rebirth of the middle class will require more opportunities for women and people of color first and foremost. On this episode, Jim Tankersley, who covers the economic and tax policy for the New York Times, talks about his new book – “The Riches of This Land.” Tankersley grew up in McMinnville and was a reporter for The Oregonian before landing in Washington DC, where he has worked for the Washington Post, Vox and now the Times. He will be appearing, virtually, at Powell's August 19. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With hundreds of million dollars owed to tens of thousands of unemployed Oregonians, the state employment department made an unusual decision recently -- to wait until August to even touch a long-standing computer problem. But the massive tech problem isn’t new – the state had been putting it off for a decade, despite having money from the feds to fix it. Now, even with those delays, it’s unclear the state will get the job done and ensure unemployed Oregonians receive critical payments during the pandemic. On the first half of the show, politics reporter Hillary Borrud explains the slow road to the sudden crisis. On the second half of the show, two voices from among the tens of thousands of unemployed Oregonians. Read: Hillary Borrud and Mike Rogoway: Why Oregon's leaders failed to address the computer crisis for years Jamie Goldberg: Stories of the unemployed See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon’s timber industry has undergone an extreme makeover in the 30 years since the fight over old growth forests and spotted owls. But despite timber companies’ diminished economic contributions, they have held on to much of their status and influence. They’ve done that with the help of an obscure public agency -- called The Oregon Forest Resources Institute. OPB, The Oregonian and ProPublica teamed up to investigate. Here’s OPB’s Tony Schick, explaining how this public agency has aided industry lobbying and image-making efforts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland’s protests against racial injustice seemed to be dwindling, then the federal government came to town, ratcheting up tension. Now, state and federal leaders said they’ve reached an agreement in which state troopers will protect the courthouse and federal forces will step away, some leaving as soon as Thursday. On this episode, three of The Oregonian/OregonLive reporters most experienced in protest coverage discussed the latest situation on the ground in a small section of downtown. Eder Campuzano, our schools reporter, joined photojournalists Beth Nakamura and Dave Killen to discuss the latest developments. We talked about tear gas and rubber bullets, the best images from the months of demonstrations and what people should know about the nightly protests if they haven’t been down there. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Reporter Celina Tebor discusses how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting a wide range of communities of color in the state. We talked about her reporting on the community that is perhaps hardest hit, Pacific Islanders, and how health officials and community leaders are racing to try and address the crisis. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland Public Schools reporter Eder Campuzano talks about the state’s largest school district’s reopening plan and what it means for everyone involved. Also, why the district is suddenly agreeing to rename Wilson High School, and potentially other public schools, in the wake of national protests surrounding racism in America. You can support this podcast and our local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian/OregonLive's Michael Russell discusses John Gorham's social media attacks on a trans woman of color and how it led to his abrupt downfall and shuttering of his famed Toro Bravo restaurant and several other businesses. Russell also talked about cultural appropriation in Portland's food scene and the other social media stories currently swirling that include allegations of toxic work cultures at several prominent restaurants citywide. Plus, we discussed how restaurants are adapting in the COVID-19 world. Related reading: Inside the Facebook outburst that led to John Gorham's ouster See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Willie Halliburton said he considered quitting a 30-year career in law enforcement after watching the video of George Floyd's death while pinned under a Minneapolis police officer's knee. Soon after, he got a phone call. He was being promoted to chief the Portland State University police department. He talked to The Oregonian/OregonLive's Maxine Bernstein about how he believes policing must change. Bernstein interviewed six other Black police officers about how the death of George Floyd has affected their lives, both on and off the job, over the past month and a half. You can support this podcast and local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In an alternate universe, the University of Oregon and Nike would be celebrating the end of an action-packed week of the track and field Olympic Trials inside the new Hayward Field in Eugene. But we don’t live in that world. The brand-new track and field stadium sits empty. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, veteran sports reporter Ken Goe talks about the lost spring and summer and what might come next. You can support local journalism and this podcast with a subscription to OregonLive. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For years, she was part of a chorus of voices outside Portland City Hall, pushing for change, police reform and recognition that people of color in the Rose City are unfairly targeted by law enforcement. And when the national turmoil and pain swept through the country following George Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police, Jo Ann Hardesty was ready. And this time, the former state legislator and community organizer was on the inside. City Hall Reporter Everton Bailey Jr. interviewed Hardesty following a historic week of police reform inside City Hall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For decades, many Oregonians were told one story about how a small endangered bird -- the northern spotted owl – played an outsized role in undercutting counties that depend on timber revenue to fund schools and other public services. But that wasn’t – and isn’t the whole story. Guests: The Oregonian/OregonLive's Rob Davis, OPB's Tony Schick Read: Rob and Tony's story Respond: Reach out to the reporters See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland is now in its second week of massive demonstrations and protests – with thousands of people in the street every night demanding racial justice in the name of George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor and so many other Black Americans killed by police. On this episode, you’ll hear from six community leaders -- some who have been active in Portland for decades, and others who are among the newest generation fighting for civil rights. They spoke about how they are doing, what they’re feeling, how racism has affected their lives and whether they have hope that true change is coming. Featuring: Markayla Ballard, 21, from Tualatin; Fahim Acuay, 39, from Portland; Avel Gordly, 73, from Portland; Ernest Warren Jr., 60, from Portland; Laquida Landford, 43, from Portland; Stephen Green, 42, from Portland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tens of thousands of unemployed Oregonians are spending a lot of time on their phones right now. But this isn’t mindless scrolling. these Oregonians are waiting, and waiting, and waiting -- on hold trying to get through to the state Employment Department. The past few months have been historic in the country, and they are also unprecedented for the state's employment department, which faces a tremendous backlog, massive wait times for callers and an inability to set any timetable to pay money it said it will pay to unemployed workers. Mike Rogoway, The Oregonian/OregonLive's business reporter, chronicled all those woes during the past few months. The crisis has culminated in Kay Erickson, the department's director, resigning under pressure this weekend. Related reading:
Department director resigns under pressure
200,000 backlog in paid claims
Other states are doing different things to meet the pandemic pressure
Oregon's computer system is a costly failure
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Twenty seven men sit in solitary confinement on death row in the Oregon State Penitentiary. This summer those men will be moved – but they‘re not going far. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, investigative reporter Noelle Crombie talks about her most recent stories about those inmates and the long path toward the end of capital punishment in Oregon. On the second half of the show, we talk about COVID-19's effect on the prison system in the state. After this recording, Crombie reported that the state penitentiary is now the state's largest COVID-19 hotspot. Support local journalism and this podcast by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Reporters for The Oregonian/OregonLive share their top takeaways from some key races in Oregon's May 19 primary election. 1:04: Everton Bailey Jr. on four Portland City Council races 15:57: Noelle Crombie on the next Multnomah County district attorney 21:47: Molly Harbarger on the Metro homeless services funding measure 26:48: Jeff Manning on the 2nd Congressional District Correction: On this episode, we incorrectly stated that Mingus Mapps would be the first African American male on council since Charles Jordan. Dick Bogle was on the council more recently. We regret the error. Support local journalism and this podcast by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emily Powell, the CEO of Powell's Books, is a third generation leader of one of Portland's most famous businesses. But what does the iconic bookstore look like during an age of social distancing? How can it adjust and adapt. as society slowly starts to reopen? The Oregonian/OregonLive's Mike Rogoway interviewed Powell about the bookstore's future, what she's reading right now, what it's like competing against Amazon during the pandemic and how she's considering opening the store for special "sweepstakes" events for individual shoppers. Support local journalism and this podcast by subscribing to OregonLive for just $10 a month. Go to oregonlive.com/podsupport. Thank you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Forty years ago today, Mount St. Helens erupted, spewing a cloud of ash and smoke for hundreds of square miles and reshaping a Cascade mountain ecosystem. But the May 18, 1980 explosion didn’t come out of nowhere, and it wasn't the only eruption that spring. Julie Tripp, a former reporter for The Oregonian, reflects on the mood of the city during that time, how The Oregonian covered the eruption and tells the story of her close encounter with one of the subsequent eruptions and explains how cans of Fresca and beer helped her escape. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Coronavirus has shut down schools across the country. The impact on Oregon students is enormous. So OPB and The Oregonian are teaming up to cover the effects in a state already struggling with chronic absenteeism and low graduation rates. Today we bring you this radio story from education reporters Eder Campuzano and Elizabeth Miller. They looked at how students are faring with the difficult situation, particularly those most at risk due to losing an important connection to their education. Related reading: Without face-to-face contact, Oregon schools struggle to keep disengaged students on track
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Weeks into a coronavirus-induced economic shutdown, some parts of Oregon could see some very small steps toward normalcy within days. Reporters Ted Sickinger and Brad Schmidt break down Gov. Kate Brown's plan for reopening the state. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland voters have one of the most interesting City Hall races in years. Four of the five seats on City Council are up for grabs. The Oregonian/OregonLive's Everton Bailey Jr., who covers City Hall, previews those hotly contested races and discusses why this could be the beginning of the end of the city's unique commissioner form of government. Then, state politics reporter Hillary Borrud discusses the Democratic race for Secretary of State and other legislative races of significance. Programming note: The Everton Bailey Jr. interview, and podcast production, occurred several days before a few developments in the mayor’s race involving Wheeler’s campaign operations. The mayor’s campaign distributed a flyer included several listed endorsements that were not accurate. Read more about that here. The interview also occurred before the city elections officer cited the mayor’s campaign for violating campaign rules by not listing his top donors. Background Reading:
Everton's coverage of the City Hall races.
Hillary's preview of the Democratic race for Secretary of State.
Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What can Oregonians learn from the coronavirus outbreak at two very different facilities – a veterans’ home in Lebanon and a Southeast Portland care facility that is now home to the state’s largest outbreak? Health reporter Fedor Zarkhin talks tried to answer that question and described his extensive reporting on the COVID-19 outbreaks at each of those two statewide hot spots. Here are five of Fedor's essential stories from those facilities:
"They were going down fast"
Inside the Lebanon veteran's home
The world's oldest coronavirus survivor?
The state withheld extent of virus at nursing homes
10 residents dead at Southeast Portland center
Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kim Stafford is a rarity -- a second generation poet laureate. His father, William Stafford, was a famous poet who served in the state role appointed by Oregon's governor for 15 years. Stafford talks about his poetry during the pandemic, why he decided to share his thoughts and work on Instagram and how his view of the world has shifted during the coronavirus era. On the second half of the show, The Oregonian/OregonLive's Brooke Herbert and Beth Nakamura discuss their recent project that paired some of Stafford's poems with their photos and videos. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There's still so much that we don't know about those Oregonians who have coronavirus. Despite pushing from The Oregonian/OregonLive reporters like Rob Davis, there are still many unknowns. Davis talks about what we now know, including racial demographics, but also what he is still hoping to learn about the virus in Oregon and how the state is responding. Plus, Shane Dixon Kavanaugh talks about his obituary for the state's first known fatality tied to COVID-19, and why we need to know more about all those who've died so far. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura Hillenbrand, the best-selling author of Unbroken and Seabiscuit, moved to Oregon a few years ago. For more than three weeks now, she's endured symptoms consistent with COVID-10, but her test results were negative. Hillenbrand said three doctors said she definitely has the coronavirus. On this bonus episode, The Oregonian/OregonLive's Noelle Crombie talks with Hillenbrand about her illness, how her Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has helped and hindered her through the health scare and what she's doing to cope her respiratory issues. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jamie Goldberg and Joe Freeman, two of The Oregonian/OregonLive's sports reporters, had a ton on their plate in March. Goldberg was covering the Trail Blazers for the first time, and their playoff chase. Freeman, who covered the team for 13 seasons, was stepping back a bit and jumping into enterprise coverage and chasing Sabrina Ionescu and the Oregon Ducks. Then, coronavirus changed everything. Goldberg has written about people receiving food assistance amid the pandemic, those Oregonians trapped overseas and much more. Freeman has written about mental health and living alone, cyber socializing and many other topics. We discussed the transition from sports to hard news. Reliable local journalism matters now more than ever. Please support our work for just $10 a month. Subscribe now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Therese Bottomly, The Oregonian/OregonLive's editor, talks about covering the coronavirus pandemic, the state of the local news industry and her career at the paper. Bottomly, a Portland native, first started working at the paper in 1983. If you value our journalism, please considering subscribing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What are you doing to cope with extensive social distancing and the coronavirus pandemic? Grant Butler, an editor and reporter with The Oregonian/OregonLive, talks about what people and grocery stores are doing in response to the state crackdown. Some people turn to cooking, exercise or therapy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon's economy took a savage hit one week into the potentially months-long reality where bars, restaurants and other social hot spots are shuttered in an attempt to combat the coronavirus. Plus, schools are shuttered through April. Eder Campuzano, The Oregonian/OregonLive's schools reporter, talks about the situation for PPS plus a recent story on how the virus is affecting places like one St. Johns taqueria. Plus, Mike Rogoway talks about the economic fallout. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian/OregonLive's Michael Russell talks about the exceptional week that led more than 130 Portland restaurant and bar owners to demand Gov. Kate Brown take action to shut them down amid the coronavirus crisis, why some restaurants may never return and why delivery and to-go orders weren't in the cards for some of the city's biggest names in food. Tell us about how coronavirus has changed your daily life. Record a voice memo on your phone and send it to podcasts@oregonian.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Melissa Graboyes and Alfredo Burlando are professors at the University of Oregon, but the married couple and their two kids on now on lockdown in Italy. We talked about what life is like in the quarantine, why Oregonians need to let go of social plans and hunker down and what they do to pass the time. Plus, we catch up with The Oregonian/OregonLive's Hillary Borrud to talk about the failed legislative session, the latest Republican walkout and what comes next. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Journalism is the search for truth, but what does a reporter do when a fast-breaking news story is filled with so many unknowns? As the coronovirus situation unfolds in the Portland area and around Oregon, The Oregonian's Fedor Zarkhin is working the phones and trying to get the best information possible. On this episode, Zarkhin talked about the challenges of covering a fast-moving story with so many unanswered questions, how this public health scare compares to other crises he's covered and what one family quarantined in Japan said about their surreal experience. We also talked about his previous investigative work on health issues and how that guides his reporting on this story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been less than a week since Oregonians first learned that the state had a prospective case of the novel coronavirus. We checked in with Dr. Carlos Crespo, a community health professor and vice-provost at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health to get his thoughts on the state’s response so far, why the state isn’t giving out lots of information about the cases we do know about, and why he said it’s not time to panic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Concordia University's path to financial ruin may have been sealed a decade ago. The private Lutheran university, which called Northeast Portland home for more than a century, hitched its fate to an educational technology company known as HotChalk. The Oregonian's Molly Young highlighted that problematic relationship in 2016, but according to documents obtained by Young and Jeff Manning, Concordia's ties to HotChalk went far beyond that. If the school were to completely collapse, it faced a potential $400 million debt owed to the company. Young and Manning talk about their latest story, how the school collapsed, the reaction from students and staff and what it all means for the 24-acre campus.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Boy Scouts of America have declared bankruptcy, an unprecedented move that reverberated around the nation. The wave of sex abuse lawsuits against the nonprofit organization started in Portland a decade ago. A nearly $20 million ruling against the scouts set the stage for more cases nationally. But a lawsuit filed by The Oregonian and other news organizations during that same period may have played a similarly important role. The Oregonian/OregonLive's Molly Young and Charlie Hinkle, an attorney who has represented the news organization for four decades, talk about that history and how it led to the unprecedented bankruptcy case. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Unity Center for Behavioral Health in Northeast Portland was supposed to be a game changer for mental illness in the city. Three years after it opened, the hospital is struggling. The Oregonian/OregonLive's Molly Harbarger and Brad Schmidt talk about the variety of woes -- financial, social and otherwise -- facing the still new hospital. The hospital it was designed to emulate is also in crisis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So many of Nicholas Kristof's friends, neighbors and classmates died young. The New York Times columnist and his wife, fellow Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Sheryl WuDunn tried to figure out what these tragic deaths of despair from so many Yamhill, Oregon friends and their family means and what it says about the United States. The resulting reporting led to "Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope," the couple's latest best-selling book. Kristof and WuDunn talked about the book, why so many white working class Americans are dying young and how challenging it was to report on their friends' deaths. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon's Legislature meets for the next 35 days in Salem, and a cap and trade bill is expected to be the centerpiece of the session. This comes less than a year after Senate Republicans walked out and left the state to prevent Democrats from moving forward with the climate change bill. The Oregonian's Hillary Borrud and Ted Sickinger preview that fight and other legislative battles expected this session. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Catlin Gabel is facing a reckoning. The Southwest Portland private school, known as a progressive educational institution that's educated the city's wealthy and elite for decades, released an explosive investigation in December that outlined serious sexual abuse allegations dating back decades. Jeff Manning, The Oregonian's senior investigative reporter, details the horrific details in the school's report, the nearly two dozen victims he spoke with and whether the school can survive the scandal. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the darkest days in Portland's recent history will be back in the spotlight for the next five weeks. Jeremy Christian is on trial for fatally stabbing Ricky Best and Taliesin Namkai-Meche and seriously wounding Micah Fletcher on a MAX train May 26, 2017. The Oregonian's Aimee Green will be there for the entire trial. She talks about what to expect in the trial, including whether Christian might testify and what defense he might make. Also, Shane Dixon Kavanaugh talks about Christian's criminal past and Fletcher's background. Sign up for updates on the Jeremy Christian trial in your email inbox: oregonlive.com/newsletters See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Danielle Outlaw arrived in Portland as police chief in 2017 to much acclaim. She talked about changing the bureau, repairing the relationship with the public and much more. She quietly left Portland to become Philadelphia's chief just before New Year's. Maxine Bernstein, who has covered every police chief since 1998, talks about Outlaw's legacy, the bureau's challenges and the new chief, Jami Resch. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Life comes at you fast. For Valerie Thompson, the driver of the Aurora-based Target 550 racing team, fast is never fast enough. Thompson is one of the fastest drivers in the world and one of a handful of women who get behind the wheel of the fastest internal combustion engine vehicles on the planet with the sole purpose of setting land speed records. We talked about her quest to set a new land speed record, the death of fellow racer Jessi Combs in 2019 and why she still races. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A look back at the biggest stories in Oregon this year. The Oregonian/OregonLive's Everton Bailey and Kale Williams join Beat Check to talk about the memorable stories from 2019 and their broader meaning. The conversation touched on the Republican walkout in Salem, Portland protests, Gordon Sondland, Keanon Lowe and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian's Andre Meunier approached 2019 with a seemingly impossible task: to visit 49 breweries based in Portland (he squeezed in one more after recording) and designate the best shop in town this year. Meunier talked about his top 10 list, why so many legendary businesses closed up shop this year and how he approaches the job. We also talked about a special project he expects to launch in 2020. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A conversation with Mike Rogoway about some of the biggest business stories of the past year. We talked about Intel and Nike's internal strife but continued profitability, Gert Boyle's death, massive layoffs at a food processing plant in the Willamette Valley and what to watch for in Oregon business developments as we enter 2020. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland has seen a dramatic increase in traffic fatalities this year. The death toll this year is pushing toward 50, well above the average for the past two decades. On the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, Officer Phillip Maynard discusses his time on the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team. Then, Portland Transportation Commissioner Chloe Eudaly discusses the dangerous year on the city’s streets and what we can do as a city to make things better. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Walter Cole is perhaps the most prominent living Portlander, but many people likely don’t know him by that name. Instead, they know him by his stage name, Darcelle XV. The Oregonian's Beth Nakamura and Brooke Herbert talked about Cole's life and legacy and about their contributions to a recent video and profile. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian's Brad Schmidt spent the past year investigating how federal regulators and local housing authorities have failed to test for radon, an odorless gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer nationwide, in low-income housing complexes. He talks about the investigation and how he got the story. Also, a brief discussion of The Oregonian's Season of Sharing holiday fundraising campaign. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oregonian's Jeff Manning reflects on a remarkable day in Washington, D.C., where Gordon Sondland, the Pacific Northwest hotelier and U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, testified before the House Impeachment Panel for hours. There were some revelations and lots of political theater. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get an inside look at how The Oregonian's investigative reporter, Ted Sickinger, approached his series on the state forestry's financial woes, the $1 billion lawsuit facing the agency and why Oregon is owed more than $100 million in past wildfire costs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gordon Sondland is a well-known commodity in Portland business and civic circles, but now the Republican hotelier is an internationally-known character and one of the key players at the center of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Jeff Manning, an investigative reporter at The Oregonian, has reported on Sondland's rise to business power locally and his role in the impeachment inquiry. Manning discussed Sondland's rise, his background and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland hopes a new program will help break a vicious cycle -- where homeless camps pop up, are swept away, only to reappear again in the same place. Molly Harbarger, The Oregonian's homelessness reporter, talks about that program and the recent report documenting how any people experiencing homelessness died in 2018. We also chatted about my recent column regarding the inner struggle over whether to call the police or the emergency line on issues surrounding people experiencing homelessness. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tania Culver Humphrey talks about what her life has been like since The Oregonian published a series of stories documenting her credible sexual assault claims against her father, Mercy Corps’ cofounder. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael Russell, The Oregonian's food critic, talks about his 2019 Restaurant of the Year, how he eats all that amazing food, and the latest trends in Portland's dining scene. More from Russell: Eem is Portland’s 2019 Restaurant of the Year Portland's 40 best restaurants, ranked See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beat Check with The Oregonian is a new weekly podcast from the state's largest news organization. Here's what to expect from the show, which is hosted by reporter Andrew Theen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices