City Cast Portland

Today, we have updates on major local stories, including the millions more in unspent dollars found in our city’s Housing Bureau, the return of the Gresham family taken by federal agents to a Texas ICE facility, and the uncertain future of the Trail Blazers and the Moda Center. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Portland’s Pile of Unspent Housing Dollars Surges to $106M, Top Bureaucrat Says [Oregonian] Oregon Family Returns Home After Three-Week ICE Detention in Texas [KGW] I Hope I’m Wrong, but This Is Why I Fear the Trail Blazers Could Be As Good As Gone [Oregonian]  Moda Center Funding Bill Introduced in Salem With Few Specifics, Broad Support From Top Democrats [Oregonian]  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 11th episode: Portland Art Museum D'Amore Law Pivot Portland

Portland has no shortage of award-winning cocktail lounges and dive bars, but there's still something extra special about a neighborhood bar. They're your community hub, therapist office, and place to make friends: they're an essential piece of our city's cultural fabric. So today, producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni are joining host Claudia Meza to discuss our favorite neighborhood bars, why we keep going back, and share a few listener recommendations. Mentioned in Today's Episode: LaVerne's The Old Gold Mosaic Taphouse Lucky Horseshoe Lounge Prost! Wilder Dear Sandy   Dream House Tulip Shop Tavern Side Eye   Le Bistro   Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 10th episode: Portland Art Museum D'Amore Law Pivot Portland

According to data recently published by the Portland Business Journal, the most popular shopping district in our city is located in Southeast Portland's Richmond neighborhood. In the last three months of 2025, Hawthorne Blvd. saw 1.6 million visitors, more than any other business strip in our city. So today, we're revisiting our neighborhood guide where executive producer John Notarianni spoke to Greg Raisman who's lived in Richmond for over 20 years. Greg knows all the best spots and has some pretty interesting history, as he also works for PBOT, creating public plazas and street art all over our city. This episode originally aired on May 5, 2025. Mentions in Today's Episode: Bagdad Theater Powell's Books on Hawthorne Steeplejack Union on Hawthorne Presents of Mind QuarterWorld Pinolo Gelato Little Beast Brewing Jacqueline Broder Cafe Clinton Street Theater Hawthorne Theatre Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and 37th Avenue Plaza 3 Doors Down Capes & Crepes The Barmuda Triangle Common Grounds Coffeehouse Sewallcrest Park Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 9th episode Portland Art Museum D'Amore Law Pivot Portland

Today we’re talking about a drug market that moved into a local affordable housing complex, as well as yet another surplus of unspent funds found in the city Housing Bureau’s budget. Plus, a local psychiatrist’s connection to the Epstein files, the Lake Oswego marquee that upset Amazon, and so much more. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week reporter and author, Brianna Wheeler, and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: A Drug Market Moves Into a Home Forward Apartment Building [Willamette Week] Portland Housing Bureau Finds at Least Another $15 Million in Unspent Funds [Portland Mercury]  Lake Oswego Theater Loses Rights To Screen ‘Melania’ After Marquee Jokes [Lake Oswego Review] Portland Lawmaker Pushes Tear Gas Ban After ICE Protest Crackdown [Oregonian]   Prominent Portland Psychiatrist Corresponded With Jeffrey Epstein, Emails Show [Willamette Week]  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 6th episode: Oregon Ballet Neo Home Loans Pivot Portland

Everyone knows Nike and Tillamook, but countless other popular products and brands got their start in our region —  and many of them have unexpected stories. Today on City Cast Portland, we're sharing a fresh round of our favorite city and state exports: things that got their start here, but have become household names well beyond our fair city. Joining host Claudia Meza on the show are our very own producers, John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th episode: Oregon Ballet Neo Home Loans Pivot Portland

Today, we’re talking with Portland Mercury reporter Jeremiah Hayden about the string of protests that happened in town this past weekend, including Saturday’s march, where federal agents shot tear gas and flash bangs into a crowd that included children. We're also looking into responses from local leaders and what exactly they can do about any of this. Discussed in Today's Episode: Hundreds of Students Walk Out of Class Across Portland To Protest ICE [OPB] Portland Officials Condemn ICE After Federal Agents Tear Gas Peaceful Protesters and Children [Portland Mercury] Hundreds Shut Down Streets Marching From City Hall to ICE Facility in Downtown Portland [KPTV] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 4th episode Oregon Ballet Neo Home Loans Pivot Portland

Today we’re continuing our neighborhood guide series with a trip beyond the city limits to Oregon City. This history-rich suburb is full of unique shops, great food, and its own municipal elevator. Our guide is Oregon City resident and Portland-area event planner, Amy Theberge. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 3rd episode Oregon Ballet Neo Home Loans Pivot Portland

Whether you’re seeing the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra perform live or dancing in a Mardi Gras Parade on Mississippi Ave., there are plenty of ways to make the most of Portland's most wintry month. City Cast Portland has picked the month’s top food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you have your best February ever. Plus, a bonus suggestion from our episode archive: Portland's Most Romantic Restaurants. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Portland community. For even more tips on how to make the most of February in Portland, check out the City Cast Portland newsletter’s take on what to do this month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 2nd episode: Oregon Ballet Neo Home Loans Pivot Portland

Today, we’re looking into why city leaders are pushing for more penalties against the landlord of the South Portland ICE facility. We’re also hearing about a gap in Portland's police oversight system and the city-commissioned study that recommends we move away from renovating the Keller Auditorium. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Columbia, Breakside Team Up for Beer Made With Bear Poop for the Super Bowl [KOIN] Portland Councilors Urge Mayor Wilson To Carry Out New Penalties on ICE Facility [OPB] Study Suggests Portland Should Not Renovate Keller Auditorium, Saying City Can’t Support Two Large-Scale Entertainment Venues [KGW] Police Oversight in Portland Is Quietly Falling Apart Amid Transition to New Accountability System [KBOO] Landlord of Portland ICE Offices Admits He Was at the Wheel of a Mercedes That Struck a Protester [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 30th episode: The Ascent by Christopher Walker

It has not felt like a normal winter in Portland. December was the warmest on record, January has been unusually dry, and people are already noticing plants blooming that usually don’t show up for months. Today we're talking with Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding to determine if this is weird-but-normal weather or a warning sign of bigger changes ahead. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 29th episode The Ascent by Christopher Walker

Today on City Cast Portland, we have updates on the shooting that left two police officers injured, and more details on the Gresham family detained and sent to a Texas facility by border patrol agents. Plus, we get a firsthand account of what's going on with ICE in Minneapolis. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni, and City Cast Twin Cities creative producer Adam Sage. Discussed in Today's Episode: Portland Police Arrest Suspect in Shooting That Wounded 2 Officers [Oregonian] Gresham Family Detained by Immigration Officers While Seeking Medical Care for Their 7-Year-Old [OPB] Minnesota Is Under Occupation by Federal Agents From ICE and CBP, and We Need Your Support. [Stand with Minnesota] A Day of Strike and Protest in the Twin Cities [City Cast Twin Cities] City Cast Portland is looking for an Audience Development Manager. Go to ⁠citycast.fm/jobs⁠ for more information and to apply. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this January 28th episode: The Ascent by Christopher Walker

Next week, Oregon lawmakers are heading into a short, five-week legislative session with a very long to-do list. At the top of it is how to keep the state’s transportation system from falling apart. Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking with Dirk VanderHart, OPB’s state politics and government reporter. He’s going to help us make sense of the options, the legal chaos, and what else lawmakers are trying to squeeze into this short session. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this January 27th episode: The Ascent by Christopher Walker

According to recent data, fewer than half of Multnomah County residents were born in Oregon — meaning most Portlanders aren't actually from here. But adjusting to life in our wonderful city can be challenging, and it's hard to know how to start building a community. Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking with two recent transplants and friends of the show, Danielle Mangone and Chris Cary. They have tips for how to quickly find your groove — and all the ways you can make Portland really feel like home. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 26th episode: Beaumont Jewelry The Ascent by Christopher Walker Flatbike SkillCharter

This week, we’re looking into a shooting that injured two local police officers, and what happened when a former Portland journalist went undercover to investigate the Department of Homeland Security's hiring process for ICE agents. Plus, several local restaurants were long-listed for the James Beard Awards, but the news isn’t as good for the James Beard Public Market, whose opening was delayed until 2027. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: 1 of 2 Injured Portland Officers Released From Hospital; Search for Shooter Continues [KATU] A Former Portland Journalist Says She Was Hired by ICE After 6-Minute Interview [Oregonian] With Opening Delayed to 2027, James Beard Public Market Carries Weight of Portland’s Civic Hopes [Oregonian] Oregon’s 2026 James Beard Awards Semifinalists Are Here [Eater] City Cast Portland is looking for an Audience Development Manager. Go to ⁠citycast.fm/jobs⁠ for more information and to apply. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 23rd episode: Beaumont Jewelry Flatbike Neo Home Loans SkillCharter

It’s easy to forget that peak hiking and camping season is a lot closer than you might think. Even though we're in the depths of winter, January is a good time to start planning for the glorious summer months ahead by securing permits and reservations for state and national parks. Today we're revisiting a conversation executive producer John Notarianni had with Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding to prepare you for the season: how to set goals for what you want to accomplish outdoors, what permits and campgrounds to reserve, and how to get your winter body ready. This episode first aired on Feb 11, 2025  Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Washington State Permits and Passes [wa.gov] Oregon State Passes and Permits [oregon.gov] Mount St. Helens Climbing Permits [usda.gov] Mount Margaret Permit [usda.gov] Central Cascades Wilderness Permits [usda.gov] Olympic National Park Permits [nps.gov] Enchantment Permits [usda.gov] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 22nd episode Beaumont Jewelry Flatbike SkillCharter

Today on City Cast Portland we're discussing the latest in the back-and-forth over some nasty texts seen at City Hall, the major new labor contract at OHSU, the plan for Jefferson High School's enrollment woes, and more in our news lightning round. Plus, we dive into our mailbag and hear from you, our listeners, and share a few of our top event picks for the week ahead. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this midweek roundup is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Update: City Councilor Apologizes After Lashing Out at Press After Mercury Story About Offensive Group Chat [Portland Mercury] OHSU Union Overwhelmingly Approves Labor Deal, Setting Stage for Minimum Wage Hike [Willamette Week] School Board Approves Plan to Fill Jefferson High School [Willamette Week]  Feds Warn Oregon, Other States, on Paying Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers [Oregonian]  Oregon Spirits Brand To Shutter After Opening Nation’s First Alcohol-Free Distillery [KOIN] Forty Drop Few at LaVerne's  Federal Oversight & Accountability Town Hall at Revolution Hall  It's Gonna Be Okay Comedy Show at EastBurn Train Dreams x Movie Book Club at PAM CUT's Tomorrow Theater  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 21st episode: Beaumont Jewelry Flatbike SkillCharter

The Lloyd Center mall is about to go through some big changes this year, with demolition already partially underway. But the Food Court 5000 retro mall walking group is still hoping the building will be saved. They gather every weekend to strut the endless hallways of the mall with neon leggings and big hair — but their future is uncertain without the Lloyd Center. Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza is talking with Krista Catwood, local performance artist and founder and host of the Food Court 5000. She's here to share why she wants to save the Lloyd Center and how to get in on the next mall walk. Discussed in Today's Episode: Food Court 5000 Eastside Kettlebell Class SaveLloyd In this episode, we incorrectly attribute the incoming music venue at the Lloyd Center to Live Nation. The venue will be run by entertainment companies Monqui Presents and AEG Presents. We regret this error. City Cast Portland is looking for an Audience Development Manager. Go to citycast.fm/jobs for more information and to apply. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 20th episode: Beaumont Jewelry Neo Home Loans Flatbike SkillCharter

This week we’re looking into the long and contentious vote for a new City Council president, a recent report showing how well our county's homeless shelter system is working, and the dizzying story of the man who rode a horse to a Portland ICE protest — and all the lies that unfolded. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Fractious Portland City Council Finally Breaks Impasse, Elects ‘Reluctant Hero’ as New President [Oregonian] "Racist, Dehumanizing": Chat Images Show Portland Power Players Disparaging Councilors of Color [Portland Mercury] Few Homeless Shelter Guests End Up Housed; New Report Details Problems, Points to Solution [Oregonian] He Rode a Horse To Portland Ice Protests Claiming To Be Mexican. His Family Says His Story Isn’t True [Oregonian] City Cast Portland is looking for an Audience Development Manager. Go to citycast.fm/jobs for more information and to apply. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 16th episode West Lombard D'Amore Law OMSI Cascadia Getaways SkillCharter

Last year, our city might have set a record for new Italian restaurants. If you want to try them but are overwhelmed by all the options, we've got an expert guide on which ones are actually worth the visit. Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking with Oregonian restaurant critic Michael Russell about his favorites and what to order — plus, which ones are maybe not yet worth the hype. Discussed in Today's Episode: Bistecca Dimo’s Italian Specialties Fantino Hey Luigi Maglia Rosa Monty’s Red Sauce Sunday Sauce Parallel City Cast Portland is looking for an Audience Development Manager. Go to citycast.fm/jobs for more information and to apply. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 15th episode: West Lombard D'Amore Law OMSI Cascadia Getaways SkillCharter

Today, we’re looking into all the latest updates surrounding the border patrol shooting of two people in East Portland, and we’re also hearing from you, our listeners, about the incident. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek news roundup is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Man Shot by Border Patrol in Portland Released From Hospital, Charged With Assaulting Federal Officer [OPB] Border Patrol Agent Fired 2 Shots When Driver Rammed Unoccupied Federal Rental Car, FBI Says [Oregonian] Southwest Portland Shooting Linked to Suspects Shot by Border Patrol Last Week [KGW]    City Cast Portland is looking for an Audience Development Manager. Go to citycast.fm/jobs for more information and to apply. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 14th episode: West Lombard D'Amore Law OMSI Cascadia Getaways SkillCharter