The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss where the Blazers stand after losing three consecutive games entering the All-Star break and once again dealing with injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

When Oregon became the third state in the United States to legalize recreational marijuana use, proponents envisioned a double dose of green. Residents were given a chance to light up legally, finally bringing the state’s underground cannabis culture out of the shadows. Nowadays, Oregon boasts twice as many cannabis shops as Starbucks coffeehouses.…

The Blazers were one of only four teams to sit out the trade deadline, a decision that sets the stage for what should be a competitive final two months of the regular season. On this week's episode of the Oregonian Sports podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene break down the state of the Blazers, their chances to actually reach the play-in and …

The hosts of the Blazer Focused podcast‚ Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discuss the team winning nine of 10 and what that means for the rebuild, Thursday’s trade deadline, coach Chauncey Billups and the future of the franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

It’s no secret that Oregon has an affordable housing problem. Gov. Tina Kotek has set an ambitious goal of building 36,000 units of housing a year, but so far, the state is nowhere close to hitting that target. Housing and real estate reporter Jonathan Bach recently went to Bend to spotlight a small but meaningful piece of the affordable housing pu…

The Blazers’ recent run of success has created something of a conundrum. They have won five of their last six games, are playing hard and delivering an entertaining style of basketball. They are also at risk of locking the franchise in the NBA’s version of no-man’s land. That’s the main topic of discussion on this week’s episode of the Oregonian Sp…

Oregon’s residential electricity rates have gone up nearly 50% in the Portland area in just the past four years. Those increases have primarily been driven by the rising costs to buy power from the open energy market. But there’s growing concern that the rapid expansion of power-hungry data centers could significantly drive up residential power bil…

The Trail Blazers have hit a winning stride. Is that a good thing for a team that is attempting to rebuild through the draft? It seems likely the roster is headed for another second-half shutdown after the trade deadline. Plus, Brenna eats crow for her confidence that her beloved Gonzaga would have no problem at Oregon State. Learn more about your …

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, jumps all over the latest developments surrounding the team. Scoot Henderson continues to shine. Anfernee Simons bounced back. Shaedon Sharpe lost his starting role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

A housing, homelessness and behavioral health crisis. Flagging student test scores. Billions of dollars needed for road and bridge repairs.Oregon legislative leaders will kick off their 2025 session this week at the Capitol with no shortage of significant challenges to tackle and tame. And while Democrats and Republicans say right now that they sha…

Oregon fans harbored hopes of watching the Ducks play in the national championship game on Monday in Atlanta. That dream was crushed about three plays into the Rose Bowl as Ohio State overwhelmed Oregon, bringing an abrupt end to one of the best seasons in program history. With the Buckeyes now in the championship game against Notre Dame after edgi…

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, offers well-earned praise to Scoot Henderson for his performance against the Nets. But was it just a fluke? Also, why does Deandre Ayton coast at times, and should the Blazers regret not trading Damian Lillard to Miami for a package including Tyler …

Business reporter Matthew Kish just completed a three-part series on one of Oregon’s signature companies, Nike. He took a deep dive into the so-called “Starfish” surveys, a clandestine effort to document problems employees had with harassment and discrimination. The surveys are at the heart of a court case set to be argued this winter at the 9th Ci…

We’ve had a week to process Oregon’s 41-21 loss to Ohio State in Pasadena. While the Ducks were badly outplayed by their opponent, the system that put them in that matchup remains a topic of much debate and scrutiny. On this week’s episode of the Oregonian Sports Podcast, hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene of KOIN unpack the New Year’s debacle, incl…

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines the team's solid play lately, especially that of Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija. Plus, the trade deadline is coming up on Feb. 6. What should the Blazers do? And would we trade for Zion Williamson? Learn more about your ad …

Large solar farms are on the rise in Oregon, in a push to fulfill the state’s ambitious clean energy mandates. But their rapid rise is leading to worries about how they could reshape the state’s agricultural economy and rural vistas. In November, the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council, a board that oversees the siting of large energy facilities,…

It’s finally time for the Grandaddy of Them All. On the eve of the Rose Bowl, co-hosts Ryan Clarke and Bill Oram preview Oregon vs. Ohio State for this special edition of Ducks Confidential. Does recency bias favor the Buckeyes, and which position groups will decide this one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Schools may be closed for the holiday break, but there’s a lot ahead for Oregon’s public education system in 2025. We asked three of the superintendents of Oregon’s largest public school districts — Kimberlee Armstrong of Portland Public Schools, Gustavo Balderas from the Beaverton School District and Andrea Castaneda from Salem-Keizer Public Schoo…

It’s time for another episode of Ducks Confidential, an Oregonian Sports podcast about the Oregon Ducks. In this edition, columnist Bill Oram and senior writer Joe Freeman discuss the connection between Dillon Gabriel and Marcus Mariota, the two Hawaiian-born quarterbacks who have engineered the most successful seasons in Oregon history and share a…

As one year closes, we take a look ahead to the next one on the Oregonian Sports podcast, setting goals for the local sports teams and figures as they enter into 2025. Can the Blazers shed some weight — at least contractually? And can the Timbers and Evander decide that what they really want is to work things out? And the Portland Diamond Project..…

Bill and James discuss Oregon’s upcoming matchup with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. What might apply from the Oct. 12 classic in Eugene? What’s changed? What will perception be with a win or loss for each team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Oregonian/OregonLive による

On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 7, a series of curious and unusual red lights illuminated the Oregon night sky. They moved around dramatically, zooming up and down at speeds so extreme, so uncharacteristic, nearby pilots were left in awe as they watched it all unfold from 30,000 feet. “I don’t even know how to describe it,” one pilot said. “It’s p…

It’s time for another episode of Ducks Confidential, an Oregonian Sports podcast about the Oregon Ducks. In this edition, columnist Bill Oram and senior writer Joe Freeman dissect five burning questions surrounding the Rose Bowl and the No. 1 Ducks’ chase for the first championship in school history. Who should they want to play in the quarterfinal…

In this season of giving... out college football awards, is a bit of consistency too much to ask? If Dillon Gabriel was the highest-regarded quarterback among Heisman Trophy voters, then how can he be the country’s third-best quarterback by AP All-American voters? Distinguishing the impact of Gabriel’s season against the years of Miami’s Cam Ward a…

With stars Bryce Boettcher and Dillon Gabriel busy on award stages, Oregon football has been putting in work in the transfer portal as it prepares for the Rose Bowl. We recap the week gone by on both fronts and discuss the upcoming Ohio State-Tennessee matchup — which will decide Oregon’s next opponent — on this week’s Ducks Confidential. Learn mor…

Last week, plans for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history imploded in spectacular fashion. First, an Oregon federal judge blocked the $24.6 billion bid by Kroger to take over Albertson’s, its next largest rival. Less than 24 hours later, Albertsons, which also owns Safeway, pulled out of the deal entirely — and then filed a massive lawsui…

The Oregon Ducks are Big Ten champions. A thrilling win against Penn State earned Oregon the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff and a Rose Bowl berth. What to make of Oregon’s historic season so far, and their much-discussed path in the playoff? Ducks Confidential has you covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic…

For decades, The Oregonian has sponsored an annual fundraising drive, featuring local nonprofits making a difference in our community. Its part of The Oregonian/OregonLive’s mission to strengthen and empower the communities we serve. This year, we are featuring 13 nonprofits. Once the board chooses a nonprofit, reporters and photographers find an e…

Oregon is going to the College Football Playoff. That’s a given regardless of what happens in the Big Ten Championship game against Penn State. The question is whether the Ducks will earn a first-round bye and a direct pass to, presumably, the Rose Bowl, or if they will have to host a home game at Autzen Stadium in December. As the playoff field ta…

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines all that went right and all that went wrong for the 8-14 Trail Blazers during the first quarter of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Oregonian/OregonLive による

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks capped an undefeated regular season with a thrashing of rival Washington on Saturday. Next up? A Big Ten championship game tilt with Penn State. Some in the sports media sphere think Oregon would benefit from a loss in this game to ease their hypothetical path in the College Football Playoff. This is not one of those podcasts…

Roger A. Pearce Jr. spent three decades as a successful attorney in the Northwest, representing prominent people and high-profile businesses in Oregon and Washington. He dedicated his free time to nonprofit boards and planning commissions. He spent countless hours doing pro bono legal work. He was well-liked in social circles and part of a happy ma…

Should Oregon State have started Ben Gulbranson at quarterback from the outset? Does the defense need a tweak, or a major overhaul? What are the Beavers’ biggest transfer portal needs? With Oregon State’s 2024 season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to get cracking on improvement and returning to bowl eligibility. Former Beavers defensive end Isaa…

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, goes over the impact of recent injuries, the inconsistent play of Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and others, and if the 7-11 Blazers have played a little too well for their own good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

After much ado about tiebreakers, Oregon football has clinched a spot in the Big Ten championship game. But first, the Ducks seek an undefeated finish to the regular season with a win against Washington. A preview of that UW game, plus a recap of the week gone by for men’s and women’s basketball, on this week’s Ducks Confidential. Learn more about …

Isaac Hodgins admits he’s not sure he would have had Trent Brays’ go-for-it guts late in Oregon State’s 41-38 win over Washington State. But the Beavers’ former defensive end liked the result, as well as the subtle differences on defense that made a difference. The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel and Hodgins discussed everything that went into …

For more than a decade, Oregon forecasters have underestimated the strength of the state’s economy — and the amount of money it collects each year. That’s led to tax rebate windfalls for Oregon residents, who receive a portion of excess revenue under the state’s unique “kicker” law. It’s also left state lawmakers with less money to spend on schools…

Washington State coach Jake Dickert pushed back on the idea that his Cougars and the Oregon State Beavers are pals, but did anybody really believe that was the case between the lines? On this week’s episode of the Oregonian Sports podcast, co-hosts Bill Oram and Brenna Greene discuss why OSU and WSU’s institutional alliance has little bearing on Sa…

After eight conference games in as many weeks, the only team in the country to endure such a stretch, the No. 1 Oregon Ducks can finally breathe with a bye week. Oregon is 11-0 after a narrow, 16-13 road win over Wisconsin on Saturday. What can be gleaned from that one, beyond the result? And how are Oregon men’s and women’s basketball doing? Learn…

A new investigation published in The Oregonian/OregonLive focuses on the life of an Oregon girl who was repeatedly trafficked for sex and on how the foster care system had failed to protect her. On the latest Beat Check, investigative reporter Hillary Borrud talked about the story, including how sex trafficking of children can happen in a city like…

Is Oregon State on the right track, despite a five-game losing streak and the likelihood that the Beavers won’t play in a bowl game in 2024? Former Oregon State defensive end Isaac Hodgins and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel talked about the ramifications of Saturday’s 28-0 loss at Air Force. What does it mean, and what has to happen to get…

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, discusses the death of Brian Wheeler, the Blazers' incredible two-game sweep of Minnesota, how the play of Donovan Clingan and Shaedon Sharpe offered hope, Chauncey Billips’ performance and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/…

The Blazers went from one of the worst losses of Chauncey Billups’ tenure as head coach to one of the most galvanizing wins in a mere 48 hours. Is there any path for Billups to find long-term success in Portland or will his coaching arc have to follow the path of his Hall of Fame playing career that required many stops before he found his footing? …

Basketball season is here, and both the Oregon men and women are off to strong starts. On the women’s side, an upset win over No. 12 Baylor on Sunday night could spark the turnaround this program needs. Plus, No. 1 Oregon football commits too many penalties but pulls away from Maryland to move to 10-0. Will either of the Ducks’ remaining games befo…

Are Oregon State bowl hopes dashed, or is there hope? In this week’s Beaver Banter podcast, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel and former Oregon State defensive end Isaac Hodgins discuss the possibilities. Hodgins makes a case that OSU coaches will play video clips from Saturday’s 24-13 loss to San Jose State and show players that they’re not …

We’re a few days out from Election Day 2024, and reporters at The Oregonian/OregonLive have been hard at work trying to decode all the results and what they mean for our region. Portland’s got a new mayor, and the new City Council is coming into focus too. Voters chose two new progressive Multnomah County Commissioner candidates over their more mod…

It was no surprise that Oregon was seeded No. 1 in the first College Football Playoff rankings. But Ohio State at No. 2? And what can we learn from these rankings with so much football left to play? On the Oregonian Sports Podcast, columnist Bill Oram and Brenna Greene of KOIN break down the initial reveal, and break down potential matchups and the…

The Blazer Focused podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian/OregonLive and Craig Birnbach, examines the team following a 3-5 start. Young forwards are playing well, but Scoot Henderson is still struggling. What does losing the right way look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

The Oregon football team is showing no signs of slowing down, fresh off a 38-17 road win at Michigan to move to 9-0. What can be parsed out of that game by way of criticism, and what was so dominant about it? Plus, a look ahead to the initial College Football Playoff rankings, and brief previews for Oregon men’s and women’s basketball. Learn more a…

In one of the most contentious and consequential elections in recent memory, Oregon has become ground zero for one of the most intriguing and potentially important races in the United States. District 5, a wide swath of Oregon that stretches from SE Portland to Albany to Bend, is home to a heated and hotly-contested political showdown between Repub…