Think Out Loud

Oregon Public Broadcasting
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NEWS
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OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts. Hosted By Dave Miller.

  1. 20 HR AGO

    What does it take to protect bighorn sheep?

    The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were recently recognized by the Wild Sheep Foundation for their ongoing efforts to preserve bighorn sheep populations. They’ve been taking measures to protect wild sheep in Oregon since the 1980s, helping to manage disease and predation.    Austin Smith, general manager of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs branch of natural resources, joins us to discuss what’s threatening the population, and what it takes to protect these animals in Oregon.

    13 min

  2. 20 HR AGO

    New OHSU study finds nearly a third of Medicaid-enrolled physicians don’t see Medicaid patients

    Earlier this month, Oregon Health and Science University released new nationwide data that found low physician participation in Medicaid.  Researchers deemed these physicians “ghost” providers: physicians who are enrolled in Medicaid, but don’t care for even a single patient covered by the federal health insurance program. Those findings also revealed that another third of physicians who are enrolled in Medicaid may be overburdened, with higher-than-average yearly patient volumes. Dr. Jane Zhu, associate professor of medicine at OHSU, joins us with more details.

    19 min

  3. 20 HR AGO

    New head of Oregon Public Defense Commission optimistic about the future of the embattled system

    The Oregon public defense system has been in crisis for many years. The number of defendants who need representation has far outstripped the number of available public defenders. Previous reports found the state’s system violated Oregonians’ constitutional rights. Earlier this month the Oregon Supreme Court ruled unanimously  that criminal charges against defendants must be dropped if an attorney cannot be found. Oregon lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at alleviating the crisis. We sit down with Ken Sanchagrin, the new head of the Oregon Public Defense Commission, to talk about the progress that’s been made in turning the crisis around and the future of the system.

    21 min

  4. 3 DAYS AGO

    Portland doctor says many factors behind rising burnout, has recommendations for relief

    According to recent surveys, the number of people who say they are experiencing burnout is on the rise. Dr. Zarya Rubin practices functional medicine in Portland who specializes in identifying and relieving burnout. She started a podcast last year that she both produces and hosts called “Outsmart Burnout.” She says burnout can manifest as physical and mental exhaustion, brain fog, an increase in anxiety and a decrease in productivity. The factors that contribute to this phenomenon can include almost every aspect of life from work and family dynamics to national politics. We sit down with Rubin to hear more, including her recommendations for getting relief - and take your calls. Our call-in number is 888-665-5865.

    31 min

  5. 3 DAYS AGO

    Two Oregon school districts on the first month of statewide school cell phone ban

    Last month marked the beginning of a statewide ban on cell phones in Oregon schools. The executive order, issued by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, prohibits the use of personal devices such as phones, smart watches and earbuds during instructional hours, including lunchtime and between periods. School districts were to adopt policies by October 31, 2025, and enforce the new rules beginning January 1.   Grant High School in Northeast Portland adopted a phone-free policy in 2024. South Eugene High School began implementing its cell phone policy last month.   James Mcgee, principal of Grant High School, and Kee Zublin, principal of South Eugene High School, join us to give us more information on how parents, administrators, students and teachers are adjusting to the new policies.

    21 min

  6. 4 DAYS AGO

    Hood River art exhibit anchors Black History Month events by Black in the Gorge group

    The Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River is currently hosting “Black Infinity House,” a free, immersive art exhibit on display for Black History Month until March 29.  The exhibit is arranged into three spaces - an artist’s studio, a living room and a porch – that visitors walk through to experience art made by more than 30 Black Oregon artists whose work spans different genres and generations. It includes fabric art illustrating timeless vistas of the Columbia Gorge; painted portraits of Black, tattooed youth; a series of works made by burning designs and illustrations onto wooden canvases painted with imagery of snakes, skulls, hair and hands; handmade beaded jewelry.   August Oaks, a Hood River-based producer and designer, is the curator of “Black Infinity House,” which he created to celebrate the expansiveness of Black identity. Oaks is also a member of Black in the Gorge, a grassroots organization that started five years ago in Hood River to ease the isolation Black, biracial and multiracial youth and adults can feel living in the Gorge. From organizing the first Juneteenth celebration in Hood River in 2023 to its Black History Month events this year, the group has been expanding its programs and its profile among the communities it serves. Oaks and Black in the Gorge co-founders Evelyn Charity and Stephanie Harris, whose jewelry is featured in the exhibit, join us for more details.

    21 min

  7. 4 DAYS AGO

    Black community leaders in Portland say void left by The Skanner shutdown will be hard to fill

    The Black newspaper The Skanner was founded more than 50 years ago by Bernie and Bobbie Foster. It became something of an institution and community organization for Black communities in Portland. The paper went entirely online in 2020 but continued to play a critical role in the lives of many Black Oregonians. Recently, the Fosters announced the paper had shut down as of Jan. 30. We sit down with former reporters for the paper, writers Donovan Scribes and Bruce Poinsette, along with Margaret Carter, the first Black woman elected to the Oregon Legislature in 1984. We hear about their personal connections to The Skanner and get more details about the paper’s importance to members of the community.

    20 min

  8. 4 DAYS AGO

    Investigation reveals impact of federal immigration raids on agriculture workers in Oregon and other states

    Last August, a van carrying seven farmworkers in rural Marion County was stopped by immigration agents. OPB reported on the arrest of the farmworkers, including a man identified as LJPL in court documents. He was arrested even though he had no criminal record and had a pending asylum application. That case and others involving the arrests of workers at dairy farms in Wisconsin and Vermont and a beef processing facility in Nebraska are described in a recent article by Investigate Midwest. The investigation offers a rare glimpse into how the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics are playing out in rural farming communities in different states.    It found, for example, that these arrests happen even when immigration agents know that the individual has no criminal record. Attorneys also face obstacles getting access to their clients to challenge their detentions before they’re moved across state lines or deported. Meanwhile, the immigration raids are leaving employers such as family-owned farms and meatpacking plants scrambling to fill shifts or find reliable, non-immigrant labor for these jobs.   Sky Chadde, senior reporter at Investigate Midwest, joins us to share more details.

    10 min
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About

OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts. Hosted By Dave Miller.

Information

  • Creator
    Oregon Public Broadcasting
  • Years Active
    2008 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.8K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Oregon Public Broadcasting
  • Show Website
    Think Out Loud

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