Podcast appearances and mentions of Ted Wheeler

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has just over a week left in the mayor’s office. And he’s in a reflective mood. This week on the podcast we’re letting him look back on his eight years in office, give advice to his successors, and talk about what’s next. OPB Portland city government reporter Alex Zielinski sat down with Wheeler. He spent nearly two decades in elected office – starting as Multnomah County board chair, then as state treasurer. He entered the mayor’s office in 2017, and has overseen a uniquely tumultuous period of time that included the COVID-19 pandemic, massive racial justice protests, an explosion of deadly street drugs and a spike in homelessness. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts. And if you have a question for the OPB Politics Now team as we head into 2025, shoot us an email at opbpoliticsnow@opb.org.

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There's a mayoral race taking place in the city of Portland to replace outgoing mayor Ted Wheeler. Wheeler announced last year that he would not be running for reelection. The two leading candidates in the race are Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio, both of whom are city council members looking to move up to the top job.

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about Portland scoring a WNBA team and mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio's latest car-related infraction. Plus, updates to this week's big stories, including Mayor Ted Wheeler's chief of staff Bobby Lee resigning after reports that he directed $60,000 in taxpayer money to a city art project. Joining host Claudia Meza on this Friday news roundup are KBOO news director, Althea Billings and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Portland Lands WNBA Expansion Franchise Set to Play in 2026 [Oregonian] Portland Mayoral Hopeful Carmen Rubio, Dogged by Driving Record, Damages Parked Tesla, Then Walks Away [Oregonian

U.S. Bank announced they will not be renewing their lease at the U.S. Bancorp Tower, more commonly known as "the Big Pink" in downtown. While they are moving out of downtown, the regional headquarters will remain in Portland and will now be found at the Columbia Center in Northeast Portland. The banks four branches and their client center will remain downtown at 900 Southwest 5th Avenue. Still, people are expecting an economic hit from the headquarters leaving the downtown area. “These are hundreds of employees that are going to be leaving downtown; that's going to affect restaurants, the bars, the ancillary businesses that work with US Bank," said Andy Giegerich, managing editor of the Portland Business Journal. "The vacancy rate downtown right now is 31%, according to Colliers, and so that means 1 out of every 3 office spaces is empty," he continued. City commissioners also were not thrilled about the news. “It's disappointing, but it tells us where our work is cut out for us, to keep investing and doubling down in community safety, public safety," said Commissioner Carmen Rubio. "It's never a good time, especially right as we're trying to recover in our economy." During Thursday's city council meeting, Mayor Ted Wheeler also said that the news was disappointing, and they tried to work through issues with U.S. Bank and Unico, the property owner, but the bank still made the decision to not renew. In a statement, U.S. Bank does not address any issues and instead provided this reasoning for the decision to move to northeast Portland: "In the simplest terms, the decision came down to a confluence of factors — an expiring lease on our space in the building, a reevaluation of our space in 24 key markets we have identified for future growth like Portland, and the availability of a nearby facility that the bank owns where we would accommodate our teams that are not client-facing. These changes have no impact on the way through which most in the local community engage with us, our branch presence in Portland and the surrounding area." In a separate statement to the Portland Business Journal, U.S. Bank also said no employees will lose their jobs. They also said that all employees will move to other locations around town by the end of the year. The city also noted how since the pandemic, many businesses have left downtown and are aware crime and the issue of homelessness contribute to some. However, they said there have been improvements. “Downtown is getting cleaner; it is safer than it was two years ago, but it's not nearly where it was in 2019," said Commissioner Rene Gonzalez. “We have to dramatically change the environment in our city in terms of tax burden and public safety." During the city council meeting and in a statement, the mayor explained more businesses have come to Portland in recent years, and crime has dropped a bit. Part of the statement from the mayor's office reads: "We are continuing to see promising data trends in crime rates, a 16% increase in business openings in 2023 (including Hoka, The Ritz Carlton, SoHo House, and Daimler Truck North America), notable increases to downtown foot traffic, progress on homelessness, and we led in the development of a business tax incentive to encourage businesses to lease office and retail space." Despite this, Wheeler also said it's likely more businesses will leave the area, but also urged the public to keep an optimistic view of the city. Close Ad

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said the county will continue to hand out tents and tarps to houseless people in need, even as the city plans to enforce a camping ban. The announcement comes as the city begins enforcement of its camping ban on Monday. On Wednesday, Mayor Ted Wheeler criticized the county's tents and tarps policy. “It doesn't make any sense that with 6,000 homeless people on our streets that we would hand out more than 6,000 tents and nearly five times that many tarps,” said the mayor. Meanwhile, the city and county are in the midst of negotiating on a new three-year homelessness response plan.

Today on City Cast Portland we're talking about the indictment of Jesse Lee Calhoun, the man who has now been charged with the murders of three women in the Portland area. We'll also look at the recent decrease in Portland shootings and the approval of Mayor Ted Wheeler's $8.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Jesse Calhoun Indicted in Serial Killing of 3 Women in Portland Area; Could Face More Charges [Oregonian] Portland Shootings Last Month Fell to Early Pandemic Levels; City Touts Efforts To Bring Down Violence [Oregonian

Carla Gugino? Ted Wheeler? Cole Sprouse? Mary Shelley? A PINK house? How could I NOT cover this on the podcast? Okay Cole Sprouse could have the best chemistry with a lamp... thankfully in this movie we have Kathryn Newton who I haven't seen before this movie but I LOVE her... this cast is top notch... this movie is so FUN and colorful and a pink house with a teal door... it's like it was made for me specifically because literally that's what colors my house is too... "yea... yea... she's a bitch" possibly best line I laughed a lot but I also cried... I don't care what critics say about this movie... also I want a Victorian man as a bf (mainly Charles Dickens) this movie is so cute, the romance is sweet and real and adorable, Cole is adorable... I love this mix of Edward Scissorhands meets Heathers meets all the best color schemes and fashions... it's all the things I love and this movie is not for the filmbros it's for the tumblr girlies so if you're not down for that... what is wrong with you? lol --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raine-l/support

Marina and Amanda start on our first three-parter of the podcast! We discuss rabies, Ted Wheeler, and of course, Vecna. Stay Strange. Editor's Note: This episode's audio may sound a little funky! Something was going on with Amanda's mic that we tried our best to sound normal. Thanks for bearing with us!

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about a recent report on the health of the Willamette River and our local coastal waters. We also have updates on stories from last week, including Commissioner Rene Gonzalez's backtracking on Mayor Ted Wheeler's updated camping ban, and redemption for a maligned executive producer. Joining host Claudia Meza on our midweek roundup is our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Oregon Could Place Limits on River Trash, Ocean Acidification [OPB] The Portland Spirit Turns 30 Years Old [Willamette Week] Gonzalez's Punitive Camping Ban, Unfinished City Projects in SE, and Changing Public School Funding [City Cast Portland] Gonzalez Pares Back Camping Ban Proposal [Willamette Week]   High-Visibility Crossing at SE 80th and Stark [Montavilla News] 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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the costly outcome of Mayor Ted Wheeler's missing text messages, Lake Oswego's battle to keep the public out of their lake, and the dramatic cost increase in rebuilding Jefferson High School. Joining host Claudia Meza on our Friday news roundup are our very own producer Giulia Fiaoni and Althea Billings, KBOO news director and host of the weekly talk show “The Gap.” Stories Discussed in Today's Episode: The Cost of Rebuilding Portland's Jefferson High School Is Going Up. A Lot [OPB] Portland Pays $167,000 To Settle Lawsuit Over Mayor Ted Wheeler's Text Messages [OPB] How Thousands of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's Texts Were Missing for Years [OPB] Fight Over Access to Oswego Lake Heads Back to Trial [OPB] Jury Trial Underway in Lawsuit Challenging Lake Oswego Ban on Public Lake Access [KGW] 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 episode: Science Week From the Association of Science Communicators through April 12 ‘Fat Ham' at Seattle Rep through May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about Mayor Ted Wheeler's new proposed camping ban ordinance and the $1.3 billion Powerball winner in Northeast Portland. Plus we're reading from our listener mailbag about your ideas for the very real 503 Day. Joining host Claudia Meza on the midweek roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Oregon Powerball Player Wins $1.3B Jackpot After 3 Months Without a Grand Prize [OPB] Portland Leaders Plan to Drop Restrictive Camping Ban, Propose Outlawing Camping Only When Shelter is Available [Oregonian] Overlook Porchfest [Instagram] 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 episode: Science Week From the Association of Science Communicators through April 12 ‘Fat Ham' at Seattle Rep through May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, Portland’s city council passed a new ban on unsanctioned homeless camping within the city during daytime hours. Almost a year later, it’s stalled and now Mayor Ted Wheeler has a new plan. On this week’s OPB Politics Now we walk you through the latest on Portland’s push and pull with addressing camps. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.   

After seeing an all-time high for gun violence at the end of 2022, Portland saw a 22% decrease in overall shootings last year. In late February, Mayor Ted Wheeler attributed this decline to a community-city partnership known as Portland Ceasefire. Marcell Frazier is the director of the city’s Office of Violence Prevention. Mike Myers is the community safety transition director. They have collaborated on Ceasefire and join us to discuss what gun violence currently looks like in the city and what is being done to address it

Two women come to Paris in 1938 as foreign correspondents- a shy pacifist Mennonite, the other a brash, American journalist who is soon to become a fascist propagandist. This is the scene for Omaha author Ted Wheeler's new novel “The War Begins in Paris”. Hear an interview with Wheeler

Under Mayor Ted Wheeler's watch, Portlanders have lived through the pandemic, the George Floyd uprising, unprecedented housing and fentanyl crises, and the complete overhaul of our city's government. Maybe it's no wonder then that Wheeler is one of our most criticized local politicians. Now he has just nine months left, since he's not seeking reelection. Today on City Cast Portland, we're asking Mayor Wheeler about what it's like to be one of Portland's least popular politicians and what his priorities are before he leaves office at the end of the year. Become a founding member of City Cast Portland and Hey Portland by March 8 to keep us going for years to come! 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 episode: OMSI: Tyrannosaurs - Meet the Family Fetch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 450."Stranger Things"Actor: Ted Chrest.Actor Ted Chrest joins me to talk "Stranger Things" and some of his other amazing credits. Ted is a United States Veteran (Air Force), Marshall University Graduate (BFA) and an LSU Graduate (MFA).Some of the things we discuss...1. Filming Season 5 and did I guess a plot point? Vecna has plans for Nancy.2.  The fact that Stranger Things fans are the absolute best fan base.3. Why Ted Wheeler is so polarizing. Either fans love him or hate him.4. Ted Wheeler is a better Dad than people give him credit for.5. Ted definitely married out of his league with Karen Wheeler.6. Ted's parenting style.7. Ted loves Chicken, his newspaper and sleep.8. How Ted came so close to having his marriage fall apart (Billy Hargrove).9. Nancy missing, Mike missing, Will Byers missing, "I'm sure everyone's fine"10. Ted is every 80's dad.11. Joe gets emotional talking about his favorite Stranger Things moment.12. The Duffer Brothers.This and so much more. Joe's career goes so much deeper than Stranger Things, but he is so grateful and appreciative to be a part of Stranger Things. Joe is a great actor and solid human being. I loved this interview.#strangerthings #strangerthings4 #strangerthings5 #milliebobbybrown #gatenmattarazzo #nataliadyer #finnwolfhard #calebmclaughlin https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Portland city commissioner Dan Ryan has announced that he will be run for City Council this year. As a longtime resident of North Portland, Ryan said he will be aiming for one of the three seats that will represent District 2 on the expanded 12-person council that will take over city governance at the start of 2025.Ryan is the first of the city's current five council members to make a bid for a position on the new council. Fellow commissioners Mingus Mapps, Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio have all announced plans to run for mayor. Current mayor Ted Wheeler has ruled out running for a third term, but has not announced any further plans.Ryan was rumored to be considering a mayoral run last fall, but said he wanted to wait a few more months to make a decision. He ultimately declared in December that he wouldn't seek the mayor's office, but he didn't rule out the possibility of a council run, declaring only that he didn't want to mount a citywide campaign in 2024.

Portland city commissioner Dan Ryan has announced that he will be run for City Council this year. As a longtime resident of North Portland, Ryan said he will be aiming for one of the three seats that will represent District 2 on the expanded 12-person council that will take over city governance at the start of 2025. Ryan is the first of the city's current five council members to make a bid for a position on the new council. Fellow commissioners Mingus Mapps, Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio have all announced plans to run for mayor. Current mayor Ted Wheeler has ruled out running for a third term, but has not announced any further plans. Ryan was rumored to be considering a mayoral run last fall, but said he wanted to wait a few more months to make a decision. He ultimately declared in December that he wouldn't seek the mayor's office, but he didn't rule out the possibility of a council run, declaring only that he didn't want to mount a citywide campaign in 2024.

 Much of the land along the Columbia Slough in North Portland is known for its long history of industrial use, and its resulting high likelihood of contamination.“I've started calling this area a 'brownfield sandwich,'” said Dale Svart, who lives near the plot of land in North Portland that the city soon expects to house nearly 200 homeless people. It's across the street from a wastewater treatment plant and borders the Columbia Slough.Back in October, Mayor Ted Wheeler announced plans to use that land for the city's second mass sanctioned homeless camp, also known as a Temporary Alternative Shelter Site (TASS).  “We can't place the most vulnerable people in our community on an already toxic site; it's just adding to their burden … This site is not a safe site,” said Charlotte MacDonald, another neighbor.The site was once used for boat manufacturing. About 10 years ago, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found toxins in the site's soil.Support the show

Tuesday was the grand opening of Ritz-Carlton in downtown Portland.The highly anticipated hotel and restaurant held a ribbon cutting with Mayor Ted Wheeler.The 35-story hotel with 251 rooms took 4.5 years to build. That included designers from Dallas to study Oregon's natural beauty.The new site incorporates Oregon's landscapes throughout the interior design.Forest Hall and Meadowrue, the new lobby bar, is designed in honor of Forest Park."All of the other areas have some design inspiration. Bellpine, our restaurant, has a coastal inspiration, lots of deep blues and some beautiful wood features that represent the coastline and the dunes you find on the coast," said Marie Browne, with Ritz-Carlton Portland and Residency.Support the show

The City of Portland will begin to enforce a daytime camping ban, which had been passed earlier this year, in two weeks, officials announced on Monday.The ban officially starts on Nov. 13.The announcement came during a press conference with Mayor Ted Wheeler and interim Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day also announced an increase in foot patrols in the city's downtown for the upcoming holiday shopping season.The daytime camping ban ordinance was passed by the City Council on June 7 and would ban camping in public places from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.A lawsuit was filed by the Oregon Law Center against the city in late September, claiming the ban was “unreasonable, cruel, incomprehensible.”Support the show

Late this summer, Gov. Tina Kotek announced a new task force aimed at addressing the challenges of Portland’s downtown. City mayor Ted Wheeler told OPB last month that if Portland’s downtown fails, it could have consequences for the rest of the state. But what are downtowns facing in other parts of Oregon? Natascha Adams is the co-chair of the Independence Downtown Association. Jen Bell is the former co-president of Downtown Eugene Merchants. They both join us to share what’s working and what isn’t in their communities.

Prepare to strap yourself in as we take you on an unnerving journey into the escalating crime rates and rampant drug culture tearing apart Portland and Seattle. Brace yourself as we dismantle the disheartening response from city leaders like Portland's Mayor, Ted Wheeler, and scrutinize their failure to preserve the safety and economic viability of these cities. We're on the ground, examining the recent closures of five Target stores and the impact this has on local communities and economies. As we peel back the layers, we will venture into the lawless encampments and tiny home communities, revealing the true extent of the theft, violence, and drug addiction plaguing these areas. We will confront the discomforting reality of a 'third world drug culture' that's seeping into the heart of our cities, and the effects it is having on our neighborhoods. Be ready to grapple with Mayor London Breed's radical solution to forcibly incarcerate and treat those struggling with addiction. This is an unflinching look at the toxic cocktail of crime, addiction, and law enforcement failures that's shaking up the Pacific Northwest.Support the show

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about why you might have seen picket lines in front of Mike Bennett's Wonderwood Springs Cafe, the Portland Public School District's new anti-drug bags, and Mayor Ted Wheeler's proposal to take over every city bureau. Joining host Claudia Meza for this Friday's news roundup are City Cast's director of newsletters, Bryan M. Vance, and our very own audio producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Stories Discussed in Today's Episode: Artist Mike Bennett Took Over a Portland Cafe for His Whimsical Art Experience. Employees Weren't Pleased [Oregonian] Portland School District Hands Out Drug Bags [Willamette Week] Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Weighs Seizing Control of All City Bureaus [Oregonian

Former White House stenographer Mike McCormick returns with more from the infamous Hunter Biden laptop files. What role did he play in connecting his father to Ukrainian firm Burisma? Why did he seemingly ditch his Secret Service detail while visiting family? And what is the Biden family's connection to a vicious Honduran cartel? Check out this episode of The Adult in the Room to hear all the details. ***** TOP STORIES West Coast, Messed Coast™ – How's That Police Defunding Working Out, Seattle? Asians Targeted by Gang With Tasers Book Review: 'Tucker' – A Great Read for a Long Weekend On the Same Day California Democrats Named August 'Trans History Month,' They Passed a Bill to Make Parents History No, Portland, More Money Won't Fix Your City, But Less Money Just Might West Coast, Messed Coast™ The Lawless Chickens Come Home to Roost Edition Relax Commuters, a Study Says Crackheads Smoking Drugs in Buses and Trains Aren't a Health Hazard. We Have Questions. Democrats Claim J6 Was as Bad as 9/11. Oh, Really? Did Sodom and Gomorrah Have a Stripper's Union? Portland's Asking... The Mayor of Antifastan, Portland's Ted Wheeler, Will Not Run for Re-election West Coast, Messed Coast™ — Bonfire of the Environies Edition ***** MORE INFO VictoriaTaft.com Victoria Taft @ PJ Media --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/victoria-taft/support

Can hiring ex-convicts to patrol troubled streets be the magic bullet Portland needs to tackle its rising street-level issues? Join us as we dive into Mayor Ted Wheeler's bold and controversial proposal. We're pulling back the curtain on Urban Elkummy, a San Francisco-based company with a questionable past, that has been entrusted with this sensitive task. But that's not all. A shocking $50 million contract awarded to Rubin Alcami has us raising eyebrows and questions alike. Will this approach mitigate issues rooted in addiction, mental illness, and homelessness? Or could it potentially fuel the fire?This episode isn't just about Portland. We're also throwing light on Urban Alchemy's murky operations in Seattle. With untrained personnel navigating precarious scenarios, the risks are real and raw. A lawsuit that alleges the use of reformed felons for government duties typically performed by trained law enforcement personnel further complicates the picture. Drawing from Seattle's past attempts to address public safety and "clean up" certain areas, we'll piece together the outcomes and implications. Tune in for an engrossing, informed debate on community welfare, public safety, and the potential pitfalls of these highly controversial strategies.Support the show

On Wednesday, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced he will not seek a third term as mayor in 2024, and instead focus on addressing the city’s “critical challenges” such as homelessness, public safety and economic recovery for the duration of his term. Last month, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler asked for nearly 100 Oregon state troopers to help tackle crime in the city. He made his suggestion at the first meeting of  the new task force convened by Gov. Tina Kotek to develop a plan to revive Portland’s downtown business district. Meanwhile, city officials have yet to enforce a daytime ban on camping that started in July, the same month that the first of six large outdoor shelter sites for people experiencing homelessness opened in Southeast Portland. We’ll talk to Mayor Wheeler about his vision for the city, the challenges it faces and the voter-approved overhaul of how it is governed.

The Portland City Council this week unanimously passed a drug criminalization ordinance crafted by Public Safety Commissioner Rene Gonzalez and Mayor Ted Wheeler. The measure bans the public use of drugs, contingent on a change in state law to allow such measures. City commissioners also voted to direct lobbyists to push for that state law change. Addressing public safety and homelessness were chief among the issues Gonzalez campaigned  on. Earlier this year he made a controversial decision to prevent Portland Street Response from distributing tents and other supplies to people experiencing homelessness. The future of the popular PSR program has yet to be determined, with full funding for its ongoing operation yet to be identified. Gonzalez joins us to talk about his vision for a public safety system that serves all residents.

What happens when a city defunds its police force? Portland, Oregon is about to find out. Amidst escalating violence, random stabbings, and a surge in crime, the city's Mayor Ted Wheeler is calling on 96 Oregon State Troopers to bolster the city's security. The same mayor, ironically, who once supported the Defund the Police movement, now grapples with its real-world repercussions. Listen in as we dissect the dramatic unfolding of events and the desperate measures being taken to restore law and order.But there's more to the story than political irony. The city's security crisis has taken a heavy toll on its residents. Shop owners forced to foot the bill for their security, a city center struggling to bounce back post-pandemic, and a palpable sense of fear and uncertainty lurking in every corner. Portland's reality is a chilling testament to the consequences of defunding the police, and we're here to bring it to light. Get ready to witness the gritty, untold side of the Rose City's struggle with crime and unrest.Support the show

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about what the audit of the city and county's Joint Office of Homeless Services uncovered, and Mayor Ted Wheeler's big asks at Governor Tina Kotek's downtown revitalization task force meeting. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's news roundup are KBOO news director, Althea Billings and lead producer, John Notarianni. Stories discussed in today's episode:  Audit finds internal flaws in Portland-area homeless service agency [OPB] Downtown Portland task force co-chair balks at making workers come to office, even as mayor calls it a priority [Oregonian] Mayor Ted Wheeler wants nearly 100 state troopers to help police Portland [OPB] Previous Episodes Mentioned: From Panang Curry to Pho, Portland's New Pizza Scene [City Cast Portland

What if your city's mayor decided to offer double overtime to police officers? Would it be a successful strategy, or a costly misstep? Join us as we dissect Mayor Ted Wheeler's proposal amid Portland's understaffed police bureau. We're going to get real about potential burnouts, and whether pouring the budget into overtime pay might be a missed opportunity to bring fresh blood into the force. And with the recent uptick in sworn employees, we'll also discuss what this might mean for public safety.So, you think you know all about the challenges of law enforcement? Well, think again! This episode takes you deep into Portland's daytime ban on homeless encampments and what it entails in terms of enforceability. We're also going to discuss how the city's budget deficit is playing a role in law enforcement. Unearth the reality of the situation as we question the effectiveness of the ban on those living in poverty and homelessness, and whether pursuing jail time is realistically an option. This episode is guaranteed to leave you questioning your preconceptions about city policy and public safety. Don't miss it!Support the show

Unmask the complex reality of Portland's faltering economy and burgeoning homelessness crisis in our deep-dive conversation that exposes the controversial policies and the unanticipated 'growing pains' that have led to the city's current predicament. We promise an insightful analysis of Oregon Governor Kotech's ambitious plan, supported by Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Peterson, to rejuvenate the city's economy and address its escalating homelessness issue.Join us as we evaluate the daunting challenges that stand in the way of this plan's execution, such as potential increases in state funding and the provision of addiction services and mental health care. We cast a critical light on the progressive policies that have inadvertently exacerbated the homelessness crisis and highlight the desperate need for more accountability, transparency, diversity, and equity in the city. We also discuss the profound impact of Portland's economic woes on the entire state of Oregon and the distressing trend of multi-millionaires leaving the city.Support the show

On this week's show, OPB city reporter Alex Zielinski explains why Mayor Ted Wheeler pulled back a plan to get tough on public drug use and why supporters of the Portland Street Response program are worried about its future.

With fewer sweeps during the pandemic, encampments have become a seemingly permanent fixture in many parts of Portland. And in response, city officials have started taking a more hardline approach. In February, Mayor Ted Wheeler issued an emergency order to ban camping near busy roadways. He has also said he plans to create large outdoor sites for sanctioned camping. On “Think Out Loud” we’ve heard from service providers, policy makers, and elected officials, including the mayor. We also wanted to hear from people who are living on the streets.  So, on a chilly and rainy March day, host Dave Miller, producer Julie Sabatier and OPB’s emerging journalism fellow, Chris Gonzalez, went to Old Town and an area near Delta Park in North Portland to interview folks living in tents or shelters or cars. This wasn’t comprehensive, or scientific. It’s a snapshot of homelessness on one Spring day in Portland. 

During Thursday's Portland Business Alliance meeting between politicians and business executives, Mayor Ted Wheeler hinted at a plan to ban open drug use in the city.“We'll also be announcing in the near future a partner, time, place and manner restriction focusing on open drug use in the city of Portland and I believe this will help us get at the withering fentanyl crisis that we're also experiencing as a community,” said Wheeler.With the approval of Measure 110 in 2020, the personal possession of small amounts of hard drugs became legal in Oregon. The implementation of that policy came at the same time that street drug use in Portland skyrocketed, angering property owners and downtown businesses.Measure 110 eliminated criminal consequences for possessing small amounts of hard drugs.Under current law, it is unclear how Wheeler will accomplish this proposed plan. FOX 12 has reached out to the mayor's office for comment.Support the show

Earlier this year, Mayor Ted Wheeler shook up the bureau assignments for city commissioners. Commissioner Carmen Rubio, then in charge of city parks, was placed across two of the city's most critical issues: building more affordable housing and helping Portland businesses to thrive.Rubio heads the city Housing Bureau, the Bureau of Development Services and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. She also heads up Prosper Portland, the city's economic development agency.Gov. Tina Kotek has made it abundantly clear that the state needs more affordable housing, and she's looking for ways to speed up housing production.With that in mind, what is Commissioner Rubio's plan and does it, as some critics claim, come at an environmental cost? Straight Talk's Laurel Porter sat down with Rubio to talk about that and reflect on her nearly 2.5 years as city commissioner.

Earlier this year, Mayor Ted Wheeler shook up the bureau assignments for city commissioners. Commissioner Carmen Rubio, then in charge of city parks, was placed across two of the city's most critical issues: building more affordable housing and helping Portland businesses to thrive. Rubio heads the city Housing Bureau, the Bureau of Development Services and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. She also heads up Prosper Portland, the city's economic development agency. Gov. Tina Kotek has made it abundantly clear that the state needs more affordable housing, and she's looking for ways to speed up housing production. With that in mind, what is Commissioner Rubio's plan and does it, as some critics claim, come at an environmental cost? Straight Talk's Laurel Porter sat down with Rubio to talk about that and reflect on her nearly 2.5 years as city commissioner.

Portland, Oregon is set to allocate $50 million to Urban Alchemy, a Californian organization, to manage mass homeless encampments. Perhaps ironically, one might ponder over how the homelessness situation in California has been faring. Yet, Portland, in its seemingly paradoxical wisdom, has chosen a company from the Golden State. Apparently, things are going so swimmingly in California that it's time to bring their magic touch to Oregon, replicating whatever their secret sauce is to spend colossal amounts of money and see no real improvement. The cherry on top is the hiring of a certain Urban Alchemy employee who only two years ago, fired a gun in busy San Francisco street and is now pegged for a promotion. One might wonder, is this the new definition of a "star employee"?Meanwhile, Mayor Ted Wheeler and City commissioners of Portland have voted unanimously to provide Urban Alchemy with a five-year, $50 million contract. This same company that is acclaimed for its workforce inclusive of people with criminal histories. You've got to appreciate the audacity of their hiring practices. Urban Alchemy argues that these individuals, because of their lived experiences, are especially skilled in de-escalating potentially violent situations. Though, how engaging in a street shootout becomes evidence of de-escalation skills is a mystery to many of us. Nevertheless, Mayor Ted is at least doing something, isn't he? At the end of the day, he can point to this and say to his constituents, "I did that."Urban Alchemy has assured that it is capable of managing up to five sites. The fact that they have contracts in four different cities with nine government agencies might lend them some credibility. However, their approach to solving homelessness is to provide housing to people who traditionally reject housing. Essentially, they're doing the exact opposite of what might actually work. The hard truth is, the homeless issue in Portland isn't going anywhere with this strategy. But, at least the politicians can claim they've tried, right?#UrbanAlchemy #PortlandHomelessness #IronyInActionSupport the show

In a shocking turn of events, REI, a titan in the outdoor retail sector, is packing up and leaving Portland, a city known for its vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Citing increasing concerns over safety, the company stated that operating a store within city limits had become "untenable." REI's exit is a massive blow to the Rose City, a haven for nature lovers and adventurers who rely on the store for their gear. However, REI's departure also exposes the city's long-simmering issues - chronic homelessness, rampant shoplifting, and a burgeoning crime wave that's seemingly swept over Portland unchecked.REI's decision follows a frustrating tug-of-war with city officials who, according to records, have been painfully slow in responding to the company's growing concerns. REI's Chief Commercial Officer, Cameron Jane's, criticized the lack of "substantial progress" in the city's initiatives to curb crime and address the homelessness crisis. Portland, once a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts, now finds its reputation tarnished, its streets plagued with criminal activity, and a significant contributor to its economy heading for the door.While city leaders were quick to scramble into action following REI's public announcement, their efforts came across as a band-aid solution to a deep-seated wound. Mayor Ted Wheeler acknowledged that the city's efforts weren't enough and promised more "creative solutions." However, critics argue that these 'solutions' are too little, too late. The closure of REI is not just about one store leaving; it's a cautionary tale for other businesses grappling with similar issues in cities across America. It's also a wake-up call for city officials to take definitive action in tackling crime, homelessness, and the growing sense of insecurity among its residents.#REIExitsPortland #ShopliftingEpidemic #UrbanCrisisSupport the show

The Rose City, once heralded as a haven of independent spirit and resilience, is losing its charm, and its residents, amid a burgeoning fentanyl crisis. Thousands of Portland residents are opting for greener pastures, fleeing from the disconcerting wave of drug addiction and crime, a byproduct of public safety issues. Erica Hatfield, a third-generation Portland resident, drew a stark line between the city's growing drug problem and the escalating crime rates. Forced to relocate to the suburbs following a brazen break-in, she watched as her once-beloved city was swallowed by the tentacles of addiction.Rising fentanyl overdoses have overlapped with a mass exodus from Multnomah County. Fueled by Oregon Measure 110, which decriminalized personal possession of drugs, the city has seen a 588% surge in fentanyl overdoses between 2019 and 2021. This startling correlation paints a grim picture of the situation, showcasing how the city's liberal approach to drug addiction might be contributing to its own downfall. As per Mayor Ted Wheeler, good intentions were swamped by poor execution, leading to a scenario where the city's drug problems are outpacing the capacity for substance use disorder treatment.Many see Portland as a paradise for drug addicts, a city where small amounts of personal narcotics are no longer illegal, and where a homeless, drug-addicted lifestyle is not only unabated but seemingly encouraged by a government that has decided to prioritize "supportive housing" over actual treatment. Meanwhile, thousands of residents continue to leave, hoping to find refuge elsewhere. It's a real-life social experiment in progress, and the results are looking far from encouraging.Support the show

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about Mayor Ted Wheeler's proposed daytime camping crackdown on city property, West Linn's new Gen Z mayor, and the voting out of conservative members from suburban school boards. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup is Willamette Week's “Dive” podcast host and "Potlander" column author Brianna Wheeler and our very own audio producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Stories discussed in today's episode: Mayor seeks to ban daytime camping on city of Portland property [Willamette Week] West Linn voters choose 23-year-old Rory Bialostosky as mayor [Oregonian]  Oregon voters reject conservative school board candidates in Newberg, other districts [Oregonian] Mayor of Ice Town [Youtube] Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Email us 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 Twitter and Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Thursday, May 11th, 2023. https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2023/05/09/israel-kills-three-islamic-jihad-terrorist-commanders-in-strikes-on-gaza/ Israel Kills Three Islamic Jihad Terrorist Commanders in Strikes on Gaza Israel killed three senior commanders of the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad terrorist group in targeted airstrikes early Tuesday. AP reports the targeted air strikes hit the top floor of an apartment building in Gaza City and a house in the southern town of Rafah. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 20 people were wounded and ambulances were continuing to evacuate people from the targeted areas. Israel’s Home Front command ordered the closure of schools, beaches and highways in cities and towns in southern Israel, and limited public gatherings ahead of anticipated retaliatory strikes. The military said the three men targeted in the counter-terror operation had been responsible for recent rocket fire toward Israel. It identified them as Khalil Bahtini, the Islamic Jihad commander for northern Gaza Strip; Tareq Izzeldeen, the group’s intermediary between its Gaza and West Bank members; and Jehad Ghanam, the secretary of the Islamic Jihad’s military council. Their funerals were planned for later in the day. The bombings came days after Gazan terrorists led by Islamic Jihad fired 104 rockets toward Israel in response to the death of an alleged senior member of the group who had been on hunger strike in Israeli prison, the Times of Israel reports. Several rockets struck during the May 2 clash, injuring three workers and damaging homes and cars. Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Gaza’s ruling Hamas group, confirmed the three were among the dead. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that along with the three commanders, their wives, several of their children and others nearby were also killed — 13 in all. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh warned that Israel will “pay the price” for the killings. “Assassinating the leaders with a treacherous operation will not bring security to the occupier, but rather more resistance,” Haniyeh said in a statement. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/portland-revives-police-unit-traffic-deaths-surge Portland revives police unit as traffic deaths surge Portland, Oregon, police will announce the reinstatement of their traffic division on Tuesday after facing one of its deadliest years for pedestrians in 2022. After dissolving its traffic division in 2020, traffic deaths broke a 70-year record. In 2022, 63 people were killed in traffic crashes, equal to a 30-year-high record in 2021. Those deaths included 31 pedestrians who were killed, reaching historic high levels. Police Chief Chuck Lovell blamed historically low staffing numbers and said the bureau needed to focus on 911 calls as reasons to disband the division in 2020. Lovell and Mayor Ted Wheeler were united on the narrative that cutting out the traffic division was due to staffing decreases and funding concerns. However, Jo Ann Hardesty, the former commissioner of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, saw this measure as a political measure to gather public sympathy. Hardesty described the narrative around the police as pushing that their only problem is a lack of officers and money, when the issue lies much deeper than that, pointing to a rise in violence and pushing to keep the Portland community safe. In the past, Portland has taken measures to increase pedestrian safety, including implementing a "left-turn calming" tool aimed at making intersections safer for walkers by slowing turning speeds. Starting in 2020, the initiative takes after New York City’s "turning calm" project. Lovell is expected to make an announcement Tuesday afternoon after the two-year hiatus made Portland one of the largest cities in the nation to lack a traffic division. https://thepostmillennial.com/oregonians-blast-lawmakers-over-proposed-bill-to-legalize-homeless-camps?utm_campaign=64487 Oregonians blast lawmakers over proposed bill to legalize homeless camps Oregon Democratic lawmakers have canceled a public hearing on a bill that would have allowed homeless people to camp in public places and sue if told to leave, following massive pushback. Democratic lawmakers proposed the bill that would have decriminalized camping on public property and would allow homeless individuals to sue for up to $1,000 if they are "harassed" or told to relocate. House Bill 3501, also known as the “Right to Rest Act,” was sponsored by Democratic state Reps. Farrah Chaichi and Khanh Pham. It stated that “persons experiencing homelessness” will have "a privacy interest and a reasonable expectation of privacy in any property belonging to the person, regardless of whether the property is located in a public space." The bill added that the homeless will "be permitted to use public spaces in the same manner as any other person without discrimination based on their housing status" and stated that they have a right to "move freely in public spaces without discrimination and time limitations that are based on housing status." Over 2,000 written statements in opposition were received through the legislature's website. Fahey added that the bill had become a "significant distraction" from representatives' work. Oregon's homeless population spiked approximately 22.5 percent from 2020 to 2022, Fox News reported. Portland Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office reported a 50 percent increase in homelessness from 2019 to 2022. According to census data, Portland lost 0.04 percent of its population after 30 years straight of growth; the general population has declined for three years in a row. Portland resident Jacob Adams told Fox & Friends in February "I love Portland, and I love where I live," discussing a homeless encampment next to his house, where there are regular fires and drug activity, even gunshots. "I'm asking you to please do something, so the people of the city feel safe." https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/abbott-reveals-brownsville-border-wired-shut-texas Abbott reveals Brownsville border 'wired shut' to ward off thousands of migrants Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) showed how the state is seeking to temper a rush of migrants at the southern border late Monday evening, posting a video revealing barbed wiring strung across gaps along the border. The video shows a nighttime shot of the border just two days before the expected end of the Trump-era Title 42 policy that allowed the swift expulsion of migrants on the grounds of public health. Hundreds of feet of spiraled wire can be seen along the ground, and some areas show the wire stacked to form a partition several feet tall. “This is one thing Texas is doing to secure the border,” Abbott wrote in his post sharing the video of the sprawling wire fence. “This is the area near Brownsville where migrants were crossing in large numbers a few days ago. We now have it wired shut. Other areas will surface for crossing. We will wire them shut also.” Abbott's tweet came just hours after he made his first public address over the border crisis since 34-year-old George Alvarez was arrested and charged with eight counts of manslaughter after his SUV plowed through a group of people outside Bishop Enrique San Pedro Ozanam Center, a migrant facility, on Sunday. The collision involving Alvarez is still under investigation, and a toxicology report is pending. Police revealed Monday that Alvarez has an extensive criminal history, including multiple assault charges. A witness to the collision said the driver made anti-immigrant remarks before he was detained by members of the public, according to the Independent. Additional security risks have reportedly continued at the Ozanam Center since the fatal crash. On Monday, a driver reportedly approached the migrant facility's gate with a gun and attempted to enter, according to a News Nation reporter. That facility has been operating over its intended capacity for almost a month and is planning to expand the number of sleeping spaces from 250 to 380 per night. Abbott's update comes as multiple Customs and Border Protection officials are reportedly considering "safe" street releases of immigrants to communities on the U.S. side of the border if no nongovernmental organization shelters or CBP facilities have the capacity to hold them. The Republican governor on Monday accused cartels of "working in collaboration with President Biden and the federal government to facilitate that illegal" border crossing. Thousands of migrants are lining up near various sections of the border, stretching all the way from as far south as Brownsville to the northwestern city of El Paso. There, immigration enforcement agents announced plans to target migrants crowding the city streets, according to a CBP statement. In addition to the number of migrants at the border, Republicans in border states have rallied against the persistent smuggling of deadly fentanyl into the country. Neatly 385 million fatal doses have been seized by border https://www.dailywire.com/news/sam-bankman-fried-tries-to-get-most-of-the-charges-against-him-dismissed Sam Bankman-Fried Tries To Get Most Of The Charges Against Him Dismissed Attorneys who represent former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried are attempting to dismiss 10 of the 13 charges filed against the disgraced cryptocurrency entrepreneur. Several firms controlled by Bankman-Fried imploded at the end of last year after customers and investors learned that FTX had improperly commingled funds with sister trading company Alameda Research. Lawyers for Bankman-Fried asserted in a Monday court filing that the original indictment levied against the entrepreneur came from a “classic rush to judgment” and that the case involved “civil and regulatory issues” rather than federal crimes. “Rather than wait for traditional civil and regulatory processes following their ordinary course to address the situation, the government jumped in with both feet,” the filing asserted. “Each of the charges contained boilerplate recitals of statutory language, followed by literally one sentence purportedly describing the basis for the charge.” Bankman-Fried was detained in the Bahamas and extradited to the United States in December, nearly one month after FTX collapsed and bankruptcy procedures were initiated. Attorneys contended that officials violated the extradition treaty between the two nations since the Bahamian government issued a warrant of surrender “specifying that he be tried on seven of the eight counts” in the original indictment, even as American officials later brought additional charges without the consent of authorities in the island nation. Bankman-Fried was initially charged in December with crimes such as conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the Federal Election Commission through campaign finance violations. Another superseding indictment unveiled in February added four new charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transfer business. Bankman-Fried was also charged in March with paying bribes to one or more members of the Chinese Communist Party. Bankman-Fried faces the charges in the Southern District of New York, which often oversees high-profile financial fraud cases. The entrepreneur, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges and currently resides with his parents in northern California, is expected to appear for trial in early October. Lawyers for the entrepreneur meanwhile claimed that the collapse of FTX occurred in the context of broader difficulties in the cryptocurrency sector. “As with a traditional bank run, numerous customers simultaneously sought to withdraw their assets, thus feeding fears that a collapse was inevitable,” the court filing said. “The market crash took down many of the major players in this sector, not just FTX.”

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Thursday, May 11th, 2023. https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2023/05/09/israel-kills-three-islamic-jihad-terrorist-commanders-in-strikes-on-gaza/ Israel Kills Three Islamic Jihad Terrorist Commanders in Strikes on Gaza Israel killed three senior commanders of the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad terrorist group in targeted airstrikes early Tuesday. AP reports the targeted air strikes hit the top floor of an apartment building in Gaza City and a house in the southern town of Rafah. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 20 people were wounded and ambulances were continuing to evacuate people from the targeted areas. Israel’s Home Front command ordered the closure of schools, beaches and highways in cities and towns in southern Israel, and limited public gatherings ahead of anticipated retaliatory strikes. The military said the three men targeted in the counter-terror operation had been responsible for recent rocket fire toward Israel. It identified them as Khalil Bahtini, the Islamic Jihad commander for northern Gaza Strip; Tareq Izzeldeen, the group’s intermediary between its Gaza and West Bank members; and Jehad Ghanam, the secretary of the Islamic Jihad’s military council. Their funerals were planned for later in the day. The bombings came days after Gazan terrorists led by Islamic Jihad fired 104 rockets toward Israel in response to the death of an alleged senior member of the group who had been on hunger strike in Israeli prison, the Times of Israel reports. Several rockets struck during the May 2 clash, injuring three workers and damaging homes and cars. Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Gaza’s ruling Hamas group, confirmed the three were among the dead. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that along with the three commanders, their wives, several of their children and others nearby were also killed — 13 in all. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh warned that Israel will “pay the price” for the killings. “Assassinating the leaders with a treacherous operation will not bring security to the occupier, but rather more resistance,” Haniyeh said in a statement. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/portland-revives-police-unit-traffic-deaths-surge Portland revives police unit as traffic deaths surge Portland, Oregon, police will announce the reinstatement of their traffic division on Tuesday after facing one of its deadliest years for pedestrians in 2022. After dissolving its traffic division in 2020, traffic deaths broke a 70-year record. In 2022, 63 people were killed in traffic crashes, equal to a 30-year-high record in 2021. Those deaths included 31 pedestrians who were killed, reaching historic high levels. Police Chief Chuck Lovell blamed historically low staffing numbers and said the bureau needed to focus on 911 calls as reasons to disband the division in 2020. Lovell and Mayor Ted Wheeler were united on the narrative that cutting out the traffic division was due to staffing decreases and funding concerns. However, Jo Ann Hardesty, the former commissioner of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, saw this measure as a political measure to gather public sympathy. Hardesty described the narrative around the police as pushing that their only problem is a lack of officers and money, when the issue lies much deeper than that, pointing to a rise in violence and pushing to keep the Portland community safe. In the past, Portland has taken measures to increase pedestrian safety, including implementing a "left-turn calming" tool aimed at making intersections safer for walkers by slowing turning speeds. Starting in 2020, the initiative takes after New York City’s "turning calm" project. Lovell is expected to make an announcement Tuesday afternoon after the two-year hiatus made Portland one of the largest cities in the nation to lack a traffic division. https://thepostmillennial.com/oregonians-blast-lawmakers-over-proposed-bill-to-legalize-homeless-camps?utm_campaign=64487 Oregonians blast lawmakers over proposed bill to legalize homeless camps Oregon Democratic lawmakers have canceled a public hearing on a bill that would have allowed homeless people to camp in public places and sue if told to leave, following massive pushback. Democratic lawmakers proposed the bill that would have decriminalized camping on public property and would allow homeless individuals to sue for up to $1,000 if they are "harassed" or told to relocate. House Bill 3501, also known as the “Right to Rest Act,” was sponsored by Democratic state Reps. Farrah Chaichi and Khanh Pham. It stated that “persons experiencing homelessness” will have "a privacy interest and a reasonable expectation of privacy in any property belonging to the person, regardless of whether the property is located in a public space." The bill added that the homeless will "be permitted to use public spaces in the same manner as any other person without discrimination based on their housing status" and stated that they have a right to "move freely in public spaces without discrimination and time limitations that are based on housing status." Over 2,000 written statements in opposition were received through the legislature's website. Fahey added that the bill had become a "significant distraction" from representatives' work. Oregon's homeless population spiked approximately 22.5 percent from 2020 to 2022, Fox News reported. Portland Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office reported a 50 percent increase in homelessness from 2019 to 2022. According to census data, Portland lost 0.04 percent of its population after 30 years straight of growth; the general population has declined for three years in a row. Portland resident Jacob Adams told Fox & Friends in February "I love Portland, and I love where I live," discussing a homeless encampment next to his house, where there are regular fires and drug activity, even gunshots. "I'm asking you to please do something, so the people of the city feel safe." https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/abbott-reveals-brownsville-border-wired-shut-texas Abbott reveals Brownsville border 'wired shut' to ward off thousands of migrants Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) showed how the state is seeking to temper a rush of migrants at the southern border late Monday evening, posting a video revealing barbed wiring strung across gaps along the border. The video shows a nighttime shot of the border just two days before the expected end of the Trump-era Title 42 policy that allowed the swift expulsion of migrants on the grounds of public health. Hundreds of feet of spiraled wire can be seen along the ground, and some areas show the wire stacked to form a partition several feet tall. “This is one thing Texas is doing to secure the border,” Abbott wrote in his post sharing the video of the sprawling wire fence. “This is the area near Brownsville where migrants were crossing in large numbers a few days ago. We now have it wired shut. Other areas will surface for crossing. We will wire them shut also.” Abbott's tweet came just hours after he made his first public address over the border crisis since 34-year-old George Alvarez was arrested and charged with eight counts of manslaughter after his SUV plowed through a group of people outside Bishop Enrique San Pedro Ozanam Center, a migrant facility, on Sunday. The collision involving Alvarez is still under investigation, and a toxicology report is pending. Police revealed Monday that Alvarez has an extensive criminal history, including multiple assault charges. A witness to the collision said the driver made anti-immigrant remarks before he was detained by members of the public, according to the Independent. Additional security risks have reportedly continued at the Ozanam Center since the fatal crash. On Monday, a driver reportedly approached the migrant facility's gate with a gun and attempted to enter, according to a News Nation reporter. That facility has been operating over its intended capacity for almost a month and is planning to expand the number of sleeping spaces from 250 to 380 per night. Abbott's update comes as multiple Customs and Border Protection officials are reportedly considering "safe" street releases of immigrants to communities on the U.S. side of the border if no nongovernmental organization shelters or CBP facilities have the capacity to hold them. The Republican governor on Monday accused cartels of "working in collaboration with President Biden and the federal government to facilitate that illegal" border crossing. Thousands of migrants are lining up near various sections of the border, stretching all the way from as far south as Brownsville to the northwestern city of El Paso. There, immigration enforcement agents announced plans to target migrants crowding the city streets, according to a CBP statement. In addition to the number of migrants at the border, Republicans in border states have rallied against the persistent smuggling of deadly fentanyl into the country. Neatly 385 million fatal doses have been seized by border https://www.dailywire.com/news/sam-bankman-fried-tries-to-get-most-of-the-charges-against-him-dismissed Sam Bankman-Fried Tries To Get Most Of The Charges Against Him Dismissed Attorneys who represent former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried are attempting to dismiss 10 of the 13 charges filed against the disgraced cryptocurrency entrepreneur. Several firms controlled by Bankman-Fried imploded at the end of last year after customers and investors learned that FTX had improperly commingled funds with sister trading company Alameda Research. Lawyers for Bankman-Fried asserted in a Monday court filing that the original indictment levied against the entrepreneur came from a “classic rush to judgment” and that the case involved “civil and regulatory issues” rather than federal crimes. “Rather than wait for traditional civil and regulatory processes following their ordinary course to address the situation, the government jumped in with both feet,” the filing asserted. “Each of the charges contained boilerplate recitals of statutory language, followed by literally one sentence purportedly describing the basis for the charge.” Bankman-Fried was detained in the Bahamas and extradited to the United States in December, nearly one month after FTX collapsed and bankruptcy procedures were initiated. Attorneys contended that officials violated the extradition treaty between the two nations since the Bahamian government issued a warrant of surrender “specifying that he be tried on seven of the eight counts” in the original indictment, even as American officials later brought additional charges without the consent of authorities in the island nation. Bankman-Fried was initially charged in December with crimes such as conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the Federal Election Commission through campaign finance violations. Another superseding indictment unveiled in February added four new charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transfer business. Bankman-Fried was also charged in March with paying bribes to one or more members of the Chinese Communist Party. Bankman-Fried faces the charges in the Southern District of New York, which often oversees high-profile financial fraud cases. The entrepreneur, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges and currently resides with his parents in northern California, is expected to appear for trial in early October. Lawyers for the entrepreneur meanwhile claimed that the collapse of FTX occurred in the context of broader difficulties in the cryptocurrency sector. “As with a traditional bank run, numerous customers simultaneously sought to withdraw their assets, thus feeding fears that a collapse was inevitable,” the court filing said. “The market crash took down many of the major players in this sector, not just FTX.”

What's Trending: Bob Ferguson announces his unsurprising campaign for governor, Gov Inslee calling for special session -- without any deal between progressives and moderates within his own party and major crime concerns in Auburn. // Portland mayor Ted Wheeler was grilled by Lawrence Jones on TV, Jones was criticized. // An Indiana county councilmember says he is a lesbian, woman of color.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manhunt underway for suspect accused of killing his 5 neighbors in Texas. DHS Secretary Mayorkas reacts to harsh criticism while being interviewed by Chuck Todd. The Kraken win their first playoff series as a franchise. Concertgoer lets out a loud noise at a performance of Tchaikovsky's fifth symphony. // Fox News' Lawrence Jones grills progressive mayor Ted Wheeler during interview. Portland is a cautionary tale for Seattle. // Bryan is looking forward to watching a new HBO series about Nixon and Watergate. Strike deadline looms for Hollywood writers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jules Bailey is a former Oregon State Representative and former Multnomah County Commissioner. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC). Bailey ran for Portland Mayor in 2016 and remains a civic leader through his role at OBRC and as board chair for the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and a board member for the Portland Business Alliance.    In this episode, we talk about why he ran for office and his time in the legislature (and some of his colleagues at the time, including Arnie Roblan and Peter Buckley). We cover his stint as a Commissioner (including the challenges/limitations of that role) and why he decided to run for Mayor of Portland in 2016 against Ted Wheeler. We ask Bailey what he thinks about the state of Portland today and get his thoughts on Portland's new form of government. Finally, we cover Bailey's work today with OBRC. We talk about the origin of Oregon's innovative, nation-leading bottle bill, how it's changed over time, and why it still matters today.    For more information about OBRC, check out their website: https://obrc.com/

Last May, Mayor Ted Wheeler issued an emergency declaration aimed at cleaning up the city. This includes dealing with trash, illegal dumping and graffiti. While the city council recently voted on sending out more graffiti cleaners, businesses are struggling with weekly tagging and advocates are looking for more equitable solutions. As a part of our series on Portland graffiti, Dakota Thompson, the deputy director of community safety for Portland, joins us to share graffiti trends in the city and plans to address it in the future.

Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” talks about Jake Tapper's interview with Bill Maher where Bill leaves Jake speechless after detailing why wokeness is destroying liberalism; Chris Rufo's new documents proving that mayors like Ted Wheeler and Lori Lightfoot are officially putting critical race theory in education and public school curriculums; rising Chicago crime causing Lori Lightfoot to suffer a staggering defeat in the Chicago mayoral election; CNN's Don Lemon asking Pete Buttigieg about the internal investigation into his personal travel; NBC News' Lester Holt discussing how the Supreme Court may end Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan; Randi Weingarten having a complete meltdown in front of the Supreme Court over the possibility of Biden's student loan forgiveness being ended; Cori Bush racializing the student loan crisis; “Shark Tank's” Kevin O'Leary telling Tucker Carlson why there is no future for blue states like New York, Massachusetts, and California since businesses are flocking to red states; and much more. WATCH the MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE segment of the show here: https://rubinreport.locals.com/ ---------- Today's Sponsors: Birch Gold - Protect your retirement from Bidenflation. Convert your IRA or 401k into an IRA in precious metals. Claim your free infokit on gold and talk to one of their precious metals specialists now. Go to: https://birchgold.com/dave

On this week's show, OPB reporters Alex Zielinski and Lauren Dake talk about the 2023 Oregon legislature session and Mayor Ted Wheeler's decision to fire a top aide -- and former mayor -- Sam Adams.