Think Out Loud

M110 implementation struggled due to lack of stability and coordination, audit shows

A new audit [https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/17/measure-110-programs-substance-use-treatment-audit/] from the Secretary of State found that the implementation of Measure 110, the drug discrimination ballot initiative, faced a number of challenges with unclear results. The audit notes that despite the roughly $800 million dedicated to programs aimed at helping in-recovery and substance-use treatment, the outcomes — including the number of people served — are unclear. Beyond that, the audit also says frequent revisions “undermined confidence in the program.” Secretary of State Tobias Read joins us to share more on the audit and M110.

Policy expert, district superintendent weigh in on Oregon’s push to improve reading scores

In 2023, Oregon lawmakers passed HB 3198, which created the Early Literacy Success Initiative, an effort to address the state’s dismal reading test scores. The bill aimed to more fully adopt a phonics-based teaching approach — often referred to as "the science of reading" — in schools across the state. Education experts broadly agree this approach is the best way to teach kids to read. But the question became: How will the state hold school systems accountable for implementing it? Earlier this year, Oregon passed another bill aimed at just that, but some experts worry it’s toothless.   Christine Pitts is the president and CEO of Open School and an Oregon-based policy expert. She joins us to unpack the many reasons Oregon's ability to implement the "science of reading" has been stalled. Steve Cook, the superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools and president elect of the Oregon Association of School Executives, also joins us for a closer look at how districts are tackling Oregon’s literacy problem.

Beaverton schools official on how district is supporting students and families amid concerns over ICE activity

Last Monday, hundreds of students in Beaverton, Forest Grove and Hillsboro walked out of classes [https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/08/washington-county-students-walkout-ice-arrests/] to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in their communities in Washington County. The Beaverton School District has made available resources to assist immigrant and refugee students and their families [https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/teaching-learning/equity-inclusion/supporting-immigrant-refugee-students-and-families], including reminders of its online school option and partnerships with nonprofits like the Latino Network that provide “Know Your Rights” workshops at the district’s schools. Shelly Reggiani, associate superintendent for teaching and learning at Beaverton School District, joins us to share more details about the district’s response to concerns from students, parents and staff about immigration enforcement.

University of Oregon psychologists share tips for navigating stress during the holidays

It’s that time of year when many of us are getting ready to celebrate the holidays, whether that’s finalizing travel plans, preparing to host visitors or buying last minute gifts. But the holidays can also stir up stress, from parents struggling to maintain some semblance of routine for kids out of school to intergenerational conflicts over expectations about traditions to uphold. And for some immigrant families, a season that’s supposed to be filled with joy and socializing may instead be another reminder of the fear, anxiety and isolation they’re currently experiencing.   Two licensed psychologists from the University of Oregon join us to share tips for managing stress [https://news.uoregon.edu/faculty-members-offer-tips-finding-way-happier-holidays]during the holiday season and what they’re hearing from community members in Eugene and Springfield who receive free or low-cost counseling at UO’s HEDCO Clinic [https://hedcoclinic.uoregon.edu/contact]. Anne Marie Mauricio is an associate research professor at the Prevention Science Institute and faculty in counseling psychology and human services at the UO College of Education. Cindy Huang is an associate professor in counseling psychology and human services at the UO College of Education.

Coffin Butte Landfill in Benton County inches toward expansion. Opponents are still trying to stop it

The Coffin Butte Landfill, located about 10 miles north of Corvallis, takes in trash from around two dozen Oregon counties and accepts more than a million tons of waste every year. But its shelf life is expiring, and Republic Services, the company that owns and operates the landfill, is trying to expand it.   Now, it’s one step closer. Last month, Republic won Benton County’s approval for a permit that greenlights the expansion, so long as Republic complies with certain criteria to mitigate the dump’s environmental impact.   Opponents are trying to stall the expansion at the Land Use Board of Appeals before any shovels hit the ground, but it’s unclear whether the expansion will happen safely, or at all. Mason Leavitt is a geographic information systems analyst and programs manager at Beyond Toxics. He joins us to revisit the expansion’s continuing saga, what we know about the site’s environmental impact and what alternatives there might be.