News You Can Use

5 Oregon Stories to Watch this Week, November 15–21

A big budget vote at the Portland City Council, more backstage drama for the Trail Blazers, and a deadline looms for Oregon renters

11/15/2021 With Julia Silverman

Real Estate

Will City Council's Vote on Historic Neighborhoods Help Address Our Housing Crisis?

Some supporters of change say the current system has been shaped by and contributes to racial inequities.

11/05/2021 By Karly Quadros

Politics

It's Official: New York Times Writer Nick Kristof Is Running for Governor

The Pulitzer Prize winner and Yamhill County native has thrown his hat in the proverbial ring.

10/27/2021 By Fiona McCann and Julia Silverman

Q+A

Q&A with Portland Tenants United: What’s With the Delay in Rental Assistance Funding?

Eviction is looming for thousands of renters. Aid is available, but the state's been far too slow in getting it out, an organizer for Portland Tenants United says.

10/22/2021 By Karly Quadros

Police

This Group Has a Plan to Change Policing at Protests

But will the Portland City Council listen?

09/22/2021 By Karly Quadros

Demographics

Oregon’s Getting More Diverse, According to the US Census

The state's long had a rep as one of the whitest, least diverse in the country. But that's changing, according to new census data

08/12/2021 By Julia Silverman

Politics

The Campaign to Recall Mayor Ted Wheeler Is Sputtering

Organizers admit they are way behind on signature gathering goals, and the heat wave won't help.

08/11/2021 By Cami Hughes

Coronavirus

Just Like That, Indoor Mask Rules Are Back in Oregon

The new mandate takes effect on Friday and applies to everyone over the age of 5, regardless of vaccination status

08/11/2021 By Julia Silverman

Oregon Women

These 3 Oregon Campaigners Are Claiming Political Space for All

Candace Avalos, Carina Miller, and Jessica Vega Pederson are using their political experience to open doors for others.

03/27/2021 By Margaret Seiler

Oregon Woman

Nafisa Fai Is a Groundbreaker, in More Ways Than One

“We have a right to represent our community, to show the power of diversity. There is nothing scary about representation. There is power in it."

03/27/2021 By Julia Silverman

Politics

Filibuster Reform Is Having a Moment. Jeff Merkley Can Take a Lot of the Credit.

Oregon's junior senator has been agitating for changing the system since 2009.

03/25/2021 By Julia Silverman

Politics

Oregon Futures Lab Is Shaking Up the State’s Elected Leadership at Every Level

“We realized getting people into public office isn’t enough,” says OFL executive director Ana del Rocío. “We need to follow through with the support during t...

03/08/2021 By Gosia Wozniacka

Government

Dr. Markisha Smith Has Some Advice for Mayor Ted Wheeler

Good thing she's just accepted a job as his special adviser on racial justice and equity.

02/03/2021 By Julia Silverman

Politics

Hear Ye, Hear Ye: The Oregon Legislature Is Now in Session

Here’s what to watch for in Salem over the next six months.

01/11/2021 By Julia Silverman

Long Story Short

From Army Captain to CEO and City Council: Beach Pace Talks About Her Path Into Community Work

The former Army captain and current Hillsboro City Council member shares what it's like being an elected official, running nonprofits, and leading during a p...

12/22/2020 Edited by Christen McCurdy

Politics

5 Juicy Subplots to Watch before Election Day

Election results start coming in tomorrow. Here’s what we’ll be reading up on until then.

10/29/2020 By Julia Silverman

Politics

The Busiest Man in Oregon Right Now Is Also One of the Country’s Foremost Early Voting Experts

The past seven months have been a blur. But forecasting what’s to come keeps professor Paul Gronke up at night.

10/16/2020 By Julia Silverman

Viewpoint

Ted Wheeler’s Strange Odyssey into the Portland Protests

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler came to hear the people—and stayed for a taste of tear gas.

07/23/2020 By Gabriel Granillo

Protest Geography

A Guide to the Buildings around the Main Portland Protests

Justice means jail, federal means fenced, and parks used to be single-sex.

07/23/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Portland Protests

Oregon's Leaders React to the DHS Presence in Portland

“The President is intentionally provoking unrest and discord, and our community will not stand for it. He purports to be a law and order President, but his Administration’s actions are political bluster and are making our city and our country less safe.”

07/17/2020 By Gabriel Granillo and Eden Dawn