Bradley W. Parks
@bradleywparks.bsky.social
Journalist and weekday writer of OPB's First Look newsletter. Faster than your average hobby jogger.
Layoffs and service cuts at TriMet. A possible compromise at C-TRAN. The Mark Rothko Pavilion opens at Portland Art Museum. An election mapping controversy of another variety in Deschutes County. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: A tale of 2 transit agencies
OPB’s Lillian Karabaic and Erik Neumann report on the state of public transportation on both sides of the Columbia River. Here's your First Look at Friday's news.
www.opb.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Layoffs and service cuts at TriMet. A possible compromise at C-TRAN. The Mark Rothko Pavilion opens at Portland Art Museum. An election mapping controversy of another variety in Deschutes County. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Signs of progress for Oregon public schools. Some Oregon National Guard troops remain federalized after court order. Why do sharks love Willapa Bay? Blazers lose another heartbreaker. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Signs of progress in Oregon schools
New data is out today showing attendance, progress toward graduation, teacher retention and other metrics for Oregon schools. Here's your First Look at Thursday's news.
www.opb.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Signs of progress for Oregon public schools. Some Oregon National Guard troops remain federalized after court order. Why do sharks love Willapa Bay? Blazers lose another heartbreaker. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Checking in on the social safety net and SNAP, one of its signature programs, in Oregon. Is it time for Oregon vintners to rethink their reliance on pinot noir? A geologic tour of the Columbia River Gorge. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: The state of SNAP
New restrictions and the targeting of food stamps during the government shutdown suggest the program may be under threat. Here's your First Look at Tuesday's news.
www.opb.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Checking in on the social safety net and SNAP, one of its signature programs, in Oregon. Is it time for Oregon vintners to rethink their reliance on pinot noir? A geologic tour of the Columbia River Gorge. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Kotek convenes group to advise on Medicaid cuts from behind closed doors. Trump tries to keep control of Oregon National Guard troops. Washington goalball players gear up for a national competition. Thorns lose. Blazers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Oregon readies for Medicaid cuts in private
A group of financial stakeholders has been meeting privately to plan for looming cuts to Oregon’s Medicaid program. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
www.opb.org
November 17, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Kotek convenes group to advise on Medicaid cuts from behind closed doors. Trump tries to keep control of Oregon National Guard troops. Washington goalball players gear up for a national competition. Thorns lose. Blazers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
ICE activity spikes in Oregon. The public defense crisis eases slightly. Corvallis considers closing two schools. Portland floats using climate dollars to hire police officers. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: ICE activity spikes in Oregon
Data shows a dramatic increase in immigration detentions in Oregon last month. Here's your First Look at Friday's news.
www.opb.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:04 PM
ICE activity spikes in Oregon. The public defense crisis eases slightly. Corvallis considers closing two schools. Portland floats using climate dollars to hire police officers. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Shutdown ends. Newport expresses unease over possible ICE facility. Vancouver picks a new flag. Seattle picks a new mayor. Blazers win. OPB premieres a new doc on descending the undammed Klamath River. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Government shutdown ends
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is over. Here's your First Look at Thursday's news.
www.opb.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Shutdown ends. Newport expresses unease over possible ICE facility. Vancouver picks a new flag. Seattle picks a new mayor. Blazers win. OPB premieres a new doc on descending the undammed Klamath River. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Northwest senators reject deal to end shutdown in procedural vote. Oregon comes up short on a major education goal. Imagining a car-free future. Thorns win. Timbers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: A step toward ending the shutdown
Congress last night inched closer to a deal to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
www.opb.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Northwest senators reject deal to end shutdown in procedural vote. Oregon comes up short on a major education goal. Imagining a car-free future. Thorns win. Timbers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Kamala Harris visits Portland. Notable Republicans lose elections in Southwest Washington. Grand Ronde Tribes search for a missing artifact. Blazers win. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Kamala Harris visits Portland
During her book talk, the former vice president briefly criticized President Trump for his attempts to deploy the National Guard to Portland. Here's your First Look at Thursday's news.
www.opb.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Kamala Harris visits Portland. Notable Republicans lose elections in Southwest Washington. Grand Ronde Tribes search for a missing artifact. Blazers win. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
It's the last day in the trial over Trump's troop deployment to Portland. Bend paid its equity director a lot of money to resign even though he'd already quit. Plus, the 50th anniversary of Portland-filmed "Deafula." Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: National Guard trial comes to a close
A federal trial over whether President Trump can legally deploy the National Guard to Portland is set to wrap up today. Here's your First Look at Friday's news.
www.opb.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:47 PM
It's the last day in the trial over Trump's troop deployment to Portland. Bend paid its equity director a lot of money to resign even though he'd already quit. Plus, the 50th anniversary of Portland-filmed "Deafula." Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Oregon and Washington send money to food banks as the SNAP cutoff looms. A revelatory start to the National Guard trial. A Happy Valley man paddles a giant pumpkin again. Blazers win. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Filling the SNAP gap
Oregon and Washington are sending money to food banks as the federal government cuts off food assistance during the government shutdown. Here's your First Look at Thursday's news.
www.opb.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Oregon and Washington send money to food banks as the SNAP cutoff looms. A revelatory start to the National Guard trial. A Happy Valley man paddles a giant pumpkin again. Blazers win. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Reposted by Bradley W. Parks
With SNAP benefits for 750,000 Oregonians at risk, here's how we can help each other — starting with free Savers Club memberships to those in need and the best grocery deals across Portland.
An Urgent SNAP Crisis Looms — Plus This Week's Must-Have Grocery Deals
With SNAP benefits for 750,000 Oregonians at risk, here's how we can help each other — starting with free Savers Club memberships to those in need and the best grocery deals across Portland.
stumptownsavings.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:13 PM
With SNAP benefits for 750,000 Oregonians at risk, here's how we can help each other — starting with free Savers Club memberships to those in need and the best grocery deals across Portland.
Christine Drazan makes her 2026 gubernatorial gambit. Meanwhile, what's on the ballot in next week's off-year election? A permanent memorial for Barry Washington Jr. is unveiled in Bend. Blazers win. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Oregon inches closer to a gubernatorial rematch
Republican Christine Drazan's announcement that she's running for governor sets up a likely rematch with Democrat Tina Kotek. Here's your First Look at Tuesday's news.
www.opb.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Christine Drazan makes her 2026 gubernatorial gambit. Meanwhile, what's on the ballot in next week's off-year election? A permanent memorial for Barry Washington Jr. is unveiled in Bend. Blazers win. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
The National Guard is still not on the ground in Portland as the legal process plays out. An arson investigation is underway after a Portland city councilor's home caught on fire Sunday. Blazers lose. Timbers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Wet weekend protests in Portland
The legal back-and-forth over whether President Trump can send in National Guard soldiers to protect the facility carries on. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
www.opb.org
October 27, 2025 at 4:03 PM
The National Guard is still not on the ground in Portland as the legal process plays out. An arson investigation is underway after a Portland city councilor's home caught on fire Sunday. Blazers lose. Timbers lose. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
An appeals court ruling could pave the way for Trump to send the National Guard to Portland. Food stamps may lapse if the federal shutdown continues. And the Mariners blow a 3-1 lead. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Appeals court rules on National Guard in Portland
A federal appeals court seems to have cleared the way for President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard to Portland. Here's your First Look at Tuesday's news.
www.opb.org
October 21, 2025 at 2:35 PM
An appeals court ruling could pave the way for Trump to send the National Guard to Portland. Food stamps may lapse if the federal shutdown continues. And the Mariners blow a 3-1 lead. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
What's happened between Trump announcing troops on Sept. 27 and 'No Kings' this weekend — and what comes next. The government shutdown is taking a toll on Oregon. Plus, some cozy murals of the place we call home. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: What led to ‘No Kings’ and what comes next
It's been a busy three weeks since President Trump first announced he would send the National Guard to Portland. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
www.opb.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:35 PM
What's happened between Trump announcing troops on Sept. 27 and 'No Kings' this weekend — and what comes next. The government shutdown is taking a toll on Oregon. Plus, some cozy murals of the place we call home. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Portland protests take a turn for the whimsical (with a big one expected this weekend). Immigration arrests have spiked this week in western Oregon. Max Scherzer dusts the Mariners. Plus, pumpkin enmoladas. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Portland’s inflatable era
Protests in the Rose City have taken a turn for the whimsical. Here's your First Look at Friday's news.
www.opb.org
October 17, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Portland protests take a turn for the whimsical (with a big one expected this weekend). Immigration arrests have spiked this week in western Oregon. Max Scherzer dusts the Mariners. Plus, pumpkin enmoladas. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
What can the National Guard do if they're actually deployed to Portland? Is Oregon's governor going to sign the transportation bill she urged lawmakers to pass? And why did Hermiston stop testing for PFAS in water? Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: What can the National Guard do in Portland?
How could the National Guard could be used if deployed in the Rose City? Here's your First Look at Wednesday's news.
www.opb.org
October 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
What can the National Guard do if they're actually deployed to Portland? Is Oregon's governor going to sign the transportation bill she urged lawmakers to pass? And why did Hermiston stop testing for PFAS in water? Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
No word from the court yet on Trump's troop deployment. AI has arrived in Oregon schools, and some say it's better to face it not fear it. Plus, some Portland frogs not so often in the news. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: The rise of AI in Oregon schools
Artificial intelligence has arrived in Oregon schools. Students, teachers and parents are using it — in some ways more harmful than others. Here's your
First Look at Tuesday's news.
www.opb.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
No word from the court yet on Trump's troop deployment. AI has arrived in Oregon schools, and some say it's better to face it not fear it. Plus, some Portland frogs not so often in the news. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Portland strips naked to protest National Guard deployment and ICE. We rundown the weekend. "Oregon Experience" highlights a Klamath Tribes member doing groundbreaking work on Indian boarding schools. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Portland protests get weird
Portland strips naked in protest as the city awaits word from a federal court on whether the National Guard can deploy in town. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
www.opb.org
October 13, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Portland strips naked to protest National Guard deployment and ICE. We rundown the weekend. "Oregon Experience" highlights a Klamath Tribes member doing groundbreaking work on Indian boarding schools. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Appeals court judges question the block on Trump's troop deployment to Portland. Bend is getting less and less affordable. Farmers and farmworkers are struggling with Oregon's overtime law. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Assessing the legality of Trump’s troop deployment
Appeals court judges seem skeptical of order blocking Trump's troop deployment to Portland. Here's your First Look at Friday's news.
www.opb.org
October 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Appeals court judges question the block on Trump's troop deployment to Portland. Bend is getting less and less affordable. Farmers and farmworkers are struggling with Oregon's overtime law. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal appeals court will hear arguments this morning over whether the president can send the National Guard into Portland over the governor's objections. Oregon GOP politicians stay mostly silent on the Guard. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Oregon National Guard case goes to court
A federal appeals court will hear arguments this morning over whether the president can send the National Guard into Portland. Here's your First Look at Thursday's news.
www.opb.org
October 9, 2025 at 2:54 PM
A federal appeals court will hear arguments this morning over whether the president can send the National Guard into Portland over the governor's objections. Oregon GOP politicians stay mostly silent on the Guard. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Kotek denounces Trump's actions and mischaracterization of Portland. Noem visits the Rose City. Who is Karin Immergut? A new season of "Hush" starts today. Plus, glam shots of Portland sunrise. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Kotek speaks out on Trump’s troop deployment
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has been in the middle of it all as President Donald Trump tries to deploy troops to Portland. Here's your First Look at Wednesday's news.
www.opb.org
October 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Kotek denounces Trump's actions and mischaracterization of Portland. Noem visits the Rose City. Who is Karin Immergut? A new season of "Hush" starts today. Plus, glam shots of Portland sunrise. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Reposted by Bradley W. Parks
Apropos of nothing, Sec. Kristi Noem is currently praying over Burgerville with Portland ICE officials.
October 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Apropos of nothing, Sec. Kristi Noem is currently praying over Burgerville with Portland ICE officials.
A ruling on the Trump administration's appeal of a judge's order blocking troop deployment to Portland could come swiftly. Do we still need soil and water conservation districts? Plus, diving for Mazama newts. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: The next steps in Trump’s troop deployment
Portland and the president continued to trade barbs in letters, legal filings and press statements yesterday. Here's your First Look at Tuesday's news.
www.opb.org
October 7, 2025 at 2:50 PM
A ruling on the Trump administration's appeal of a judge's order blocking troop deployment to Portland could come swiftly. Do we still need soil and water conservation districts? Plus, diving for Mazama newts. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Tensions escalated over the weekend as Trump turned the heat up on Portland. We recap and share where things stand. Plus, a new kind of geothermal energy in Central Oregon. Also Choco Tacos, because why not. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Trump turns up the heat on Portland
The clash between Oregon and Portland leaders and the president of the United States intensified over the weekend. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
www.opb.org
October 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Tensions escalated over the weekend as Trump turned the heat up on Portland. We recap and share where things stand. Plus, a new kind of geothermal energy in Central Oregon. Also Choco Tacos, because why not. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...