City Cast Portland

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  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

Last year, Portland leaders took big swings at addressing homelessness in our city. But even so, homelessness has continued to rise. As the new year begins, the big question is what happens next — especially with the threat of major federal funding cuts. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Oregonian homelessness and mental health reporter Lillian Mongeau Hughes. She’s giving us an update and a look ahead on one of our city’s biggest ongoing issues. 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 13th episode: West Lombard D'Amore Law OMSI Cascadia Getaways SkillCharter

For more than a decade, Oregon pursued one of the most ambitious education goals in the country: that every student who entered kindergarten in 2012 would graduate by 2025. To see how that promise played out, OPB followed 25 students for 13 years, from their first days of school to the brink of adulthood. Today on City Cast Portland, OPB’s Rob Manning and Elizabeth Miller join host Claudia Meza to recap the Class of 2025 project and break down what worked, what fell apart, and what Oregon’s schools are still struggling to fix. OPB is hosting a screening of “Class of 2025: Growing Up in Oregon Schools,” tonight at The Redd on Salmon Street. Registration is free but tickets required; sign up at opb.org/growingup.  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 12th episode: West Lombard D'Amore Law OMSI Cascadia Getaways SkillCharter

Two people were shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in East Portland yesterday. On a special breaking news episode, host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni break down what we know so far. 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.

First, an update on yesterday's breaking news about the two people shot by federal immigration agents in Portland. Then we’re talking about National Guard troops in Oregon finally being told to go home, Governor Tina Kotek’s push to repeal a transportation package she supported, and TriMet’s plan to cut bus lines in response to their budget crisis. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Residents Raise Funds for Town With Nearly Nude Calendar [CBS] Trump Warns Portland, ‘We’ll Go Back In When the Crime Starts,’ as National Guard Demobilizes [Oregonian] Gov. Tina Kotek Calls for Repeal of Controversial Transportation Package She Championed [Oregonian] TriMet To Eliminate Portland-Area Bus Routes, Shorten MAX Green Line Amid Budget Crisis [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 January 9th episode: Lan Su Chinese Garden Neo Home Loans

The new year is the perfect time to explore where you live a little deeper. Today we’re revisiting a conversation with Eden Dawn, author of The Portland Book of Dates and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni, looking at our city through that newcomer’s gaze. Think of it as an unofficial guide of sorts on how to be a local tourist. This episode first aired on June 26, 2023 Locations mentioned in the episode: Wine tours Pine State Biscuits Peninsula Park International Rose Test Garden Silver Falls State Park Multnomah Falls Jetboat Excursions  Huber’s Cafe Hale Pele “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Clinton Street Theater Dots Cafe Portland Japanese Garden Kick Ass Walking Tours Previously aired episodes mentioned: The Great Portland Doughnut Throwdown  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 8th episode Lan Su Chinese Garden Neo Home Loans

Today we're talking about some of the new state laws going into effect this year, a city councilor’s push to ban foie gras, the closing of a beloved North Portland gastropub, and more. We also dive into our mailbag and hear from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: New Year, New Rules: A Look at Some of the Oregon Laws That Kick in Jan. 1 [OPB] Councilor Mitch Green Defends His Priorities: 'We Can Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time' [Willamette Week} ‘Change Is Hard’: North Portland Gastropub To Shutter After 14 Years [KOIN] Portland Food Cart Up for Sale as Owner Undergoes Visa Process [KOIN] This Once-Toxic Industrial Wasteland Could Become Portland’s Most Expansive Botanical Gardens [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 January 7th episode Lan Su Chinese Garden Neo Home Loans

For bars and restaurants, January is usually the quietest month of the year. That makes it a great time to visit some of Portland's new food spots. Today, Portland Monthly associate editor of food and drink Alex Frane is here with five recently opened restaurants and bars that you should put on your must-visit list. From farm-to-table French food to rotisserie chicken at a 70s-themed bar, Alex is telling us exactly what we should order when we’re there.   Mentioned in today's episode: LaVerne's Bar Nouveau  L'Echelle Pal's Lil' Barbeque 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 6th episode Lan Su Chinese Garden Neo Home Loans D'Amore Law

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 5th episode ⁠Cat Adoption⁠ ⁠Lan Su Chinese Garden⁠ ⁠DUER ⁠- Mention code CCPDX for 15% off ⁠Neo Home Loans⁠ ⁠SkillCharter⁠ ⁠DUER ⁠- Mention code CCPDX for 15% off 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.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes to go snowboarding on Mount Hood or staying inside to watch a Studio Ghibli film with themed snacks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy January in Portland — both indoors and out. City Cast Portland has picked the best of the month’s food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you kick off the new year in style. Plus, a bonus suggestion from our episode archive: Portland Bartenders Are Reinventing Cocktails — Without the Alcohol 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 January in Portland, check out the City Cast Portland newsletter’s take on what to do this month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 2 episode: Simply Eloped Cat Adoption D'Amore Law DUER - Mention code CCPDX for 15% off

As we count down to the new year and brace for the cold, rainy weeks ahead, we’re revisiting a conversation with Ryan Hashegen about some of the best ways to keep moving and have fun while staying dry this season. They’re the founder of ⁠Icicle Tricycles⁠, the managing director of ⁠Better Block PDX⁠, and the director of the ⁠Steel Bridge Skatepark Coalition⁠.  This episode first aired on Jan. 6, 2025 Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Indoor Sports: ⁠Portland All Wheels Welcome⁠ ⁠Skate Like a Girl⁠ ⁠Push Movement⁠ ⁠Stronger Skatepark⁠ ⁠Commonwealth Skateboarding⁠ ⁠Cal Skate Skateboards⁠ ⁠Oaks Park Roller Rink⁠ ⁠Skate Oregon School⁠ ⁠Shift 2 Bikes⁠ ⁠Rose City Futsal⁠ Dancing and Music: ⁠Contra Remix⁠ ⁠The Showdown⁠ Square Dancing ⁠Stomptown⁠ Line Dancing and Country Two-Step ⁠Portland Country Dance Community⁠ ⁠Aztec Willies⁠ Bachata  ⁠McMenamins Kennedy School⁠ Jam Session ⁠T.C. O'Leary's⁠ Jam 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 sponsors of this December 30th episode ⁠Simply Eloped⁠ ⁠Cat Adoption⁠ ⁠D'Amore Law⁠ ⁠PBOT⁠ ⁠DUER⁠ - Mention code CCPDX for 15% off

Now that the holidays are almost over, it's time to think about staying active all winter long. In addition to experiencing our beautiful wilderness during one of its most magical seasons, cross-county skiing is also a pretty great workout. Today we're revisiting a conversation with Portland Monthly's Rebecca Jacobson. She published a beginner’s guide to the sport to help first-timers navigate getting out on the trails and gliding on the snow.  This episode first aired on Dec. 17, 2024 Mentioned in today’s show: Mountain Shop Sno-Park Parking Permits Teacup Nordic Pocket Creek Sno-Park Atkisson Sno-Park Guler Ice Caves Cabin Rentals - Gifford Pinchot National Forest Meissner Nordic Mt. Bachelor Nordic Methow Trails Stumptown Birkebeiner 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 December 29th episode Simply Eloped Cat Adoption D'Amore Law PBOT DUER - Mention code CCPDX for 15% off

As 2025 comes to a close, we're reflecting on everything we’ve lived through this year. Today on City Cast Portland, producers John Notarianni, Giulia Fiaoni, and a few of our contributors join host Claudia Meza to discuss the biggest, wildest, and most surprising things that happened in our city this year.  Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition Hotline: 1(888) 622-1510    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. If you enjoyed this interview with Ivan Hernandez, the Oregon Food Bank Digital Communications and Engagement Manager, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 23rd episode Simply Eloped Cat Adoption D'Amore Law PBOT DUER - Mention code CCPDX for 15% off

This was a big year for Oregon writers. Some of the most talked-about books of 2025 came from authors living right here — including a couple of National Book Award finalists. Today, Portland Monthly senior associate editor Matthew Trueherz is here to walk us through a few standouts in fiction and nonfiction, featured on the magazine’s annual best books list.  Discussed in today's episode: Wolf Bells, by Leni Zumas God and Sex, by Jon Raymond One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, by Omar El Akkad Reading the Waves, by Lidia Yuknavitch 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. If you enjoyed this interview with Ivan Hernandez, the Oregon Food Bank Digital Communications and Engagement Manager, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 22nd episode: Simply Eloped Cap Adoption D'amore Law PBOT DUER - Mention code CCPDX for 15% off

This week in Portland, we’re looking into why five city council members are lawyering up, the controversial multibillion-dollar idea to revitalize a coastal town, and a check-in on three local labor disputes. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Law Firm That Regularly Sues the City Over Police Misconduct Is Representing Peacock Councilors [Willamette Week]   Oregon’s Leading Politicians Want To Bet Billions of Dollars on a New Shipping Terminal. Critics Say It’s a Costly Mistake. [Willamette Week]   Strike Averted: New Seasons Grocery Workers Secure First Labor Contract [Portland Mercury]  Legacy Health Strike Grows as 80 Urgent Care, Pediatric Care Providers Plan Walkouts [Oregonian] Starbucks Workers Rally One Month Into Strike [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 December 19th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare PGE

Today, we're talking about one unexpected activity that might stir your spirit for the outdoors this winter — snow camping. How do you even do it, and is it really worth it? Joining us is outdoor expert and Portland ambassador for Women Who Explore, Karrie Carnes. She has tips for how to pull off a safe winter camping trip this season that doesn’t involve getting frostbite. 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 December 18th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off PG&E

This week, we’re discussing our official new city administrator, the reason the state's new gas tax is now on hold, the latest local government declaring an emergency over Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, and much more in our news lightning round. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this midweek round-up is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: City Council Hires Raymond Lee As Next City Administrator [Willamette Week] Local Homelessness Prevention Could See $21 Million Funding Bump [Portland Mercury] Oregon Tax Opponents Turn in ’Nearly 200,000′ Signatures [OPB] Ethics Commission Investigates Progressive Portland City Councilors Over August Retreat [Oregonian] Multnomah County Declares Emergency in Response to ICE Enforcement [Fox12] Bring Erik Téllez Home to His Family [GoFundMe] 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. If you enjoyed this interview with Janessa White, the Director & General Manager of Simply Eloped, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off PGE