Podcasts about odot

Listen in as Justin Chesnic, Assistant Deputy Director and Public Information Officer from ODOT, fills us in on all the plans for projects around North East Ohio, including the plans for the Route 8 Bridge demolition!

Justin Chesnic of ODOT brings news of progress!

Federal government looks to lease offices to support law enforcement in several US cities, including Columbus; Gov. DeWine bans unregulated intoxicating hemp products; two state lawmakers want to prevent those accused of violent crimes from using crowdfunding to pay for their legal defense; ODOT and OSHP are teaming up for a safety blitz on Ohio's roads.

00:00:00 – Cold Open, Clips & Chaos Loose intro, tech hiccups, and a fast pivot into “clips of the week,” featuring a barrage of Alex Jones soundbites (old gravelly vs. current voice), plus a quick, context-free Trump clip to set the show's tone. 00:10:00 – “It's All Happening” & Bankruptcy Theater Speculation that sheriff's deputies could seize Alex Jones/Infowars gear “as early as tomorrow,” with riffs on the supposed value of studio computers and Jones' knack for rebooting operations overnight. 00:20:00 – Area 51 Double-Header: Gunfire & a “Mysterious Aircraft” Two back-to-back incidents near Area 51/Creech/Nellis spark theories: contamination and an escape attempt, witness suppression by “making him look erratic,” or a PSYOP stress test to coordinate base responses. Hosts play a local TV hit about a drone/aircraft “incident” and connect dots with humor (and rock-lifting dares at the gate). 00:30:00 – Hollywood vs. Synthetic Stars Debate over an “AI actress” getting agent attention and a producer touting a film “helmed” by a virtual director; SAG-AFTRA pushback; the hosts argue audiences still want human experience—even if cartoons/CG are beloved. They predict an “AI first hit, then bust” cycle. 00:40:00 – Pets: Love, Debt, and Domestic Diplomacy A sobering segment on pet costs (lifetime cat/dog totals), “pet poverty,” and the real logistics of blending a dog-and-cat household; one story has a couple divorcing over warring pets. Personal anecdotes, math-y back-of-the-napkin costs, and hard-won advice. 00:50:00 – What Happens After We Die? (UVA's DOPS) Deep dive into UVA's Division of Perceptual Studies: near-death experience patterns (tunnels, life review, veridical O.R. details under anesthesia), cultural lenses, and lingering unknowns because…consciousness itself remains unsolved. 01:00:00 – Space Rocks, Nukes, and the Wow Signal An asteroid with a small chance of hitting the Moon in 2032 prompts “nuke it?” jokes and movie throwbacks (Deep Impact/Armageddon), while Avi Loeb's musing ties 3I/ATLAS to the 1977 “Wow!” signal—fun, provocative speculation. 01:10:00 – Fat Bear Season & Aisle 9: Bear Animal news palate cleanser: Fat Bear Week hype (why bulking matters before hibernation) and a baby bear wandering into an Arizona grocery store—equal parts cute and chaotic. (Video described; no injuries.) 01:20:00 – Pumpkin Spice Cabal They uncover Starbucks' “Leaf Rakers Society,” a private, all-things-autumn fan group with a tongue-in-cheek “secret handshake,” and riff about seasonal cult vibes, memes, and moderators keeping things squeaky clean. 01:30:00 – Local Roads, Bad Choices Ohio highway anecdotes and viral clips: drivers stopping in live lanes to force last-second exits; ODOT scolding; a reminder to “take the next exit” instead of causing carnage. 01:40:00 – Night-Snack Science: What Not to Eat Before Bed From aged cheeses (tyramine → stress hormones) to salty chips and sugar bombs, they run a late-night food blacklist with comedic “bedtime steak” and cereal confessions—and why those choices sabotage sleep. 01:50:00 – Sleep Killers, Continued More don'ts (donuts, spicy foods, soda, etc.), wrapped in escalating bits about in-bed snacking disasters and derailed diets—plus one last Alex-style rant cameo for good measure. 02:00:00 – Wind-Down & Housekeeping Quick recap, moderation jokes (“in moderation, my guy”), thanks to listeners, site/merch housekeeping, and a sign-off that hints at more weird news next time. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: http://obdmpod.com ► Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/obdmpod ► Full Videos at Odysee: https://odysee.com/@obdm:0 ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/obdmpod ► Instagram: obdmpod ► Email: ourbigdumbmouth at gmail ► RSS: http://ourbigdumbmouth.libsyn.com/rss ► iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-big-dumb-mouth/id261189509?mt=2  

OPB reporter, Dirk Vanderhart, joins the Exchange to shed light from his reporting on the special session of the Oregon legislature.

OPB reporter, Dirk Vanderhart, joins the Exchange to shed light from his reporting on the special session of the Oregon legislature.

Commissioner of Traffic Management Stephanie Bartlett and Safe Routes to School Coordinator Jenny Dunn join Mayor Wade to discuss ODOT's Safe Routes to School program, how we plan projects, and where in the City we have been able to use federal funding to make our neighborhoods safer for students who walk, bike, or ride the bus to school in Toledo.

Justin Chesnic, Assistant Deputy Director and Public Information Officer at ODOT, provides his weekly update on the latest road work projects.

With guest host Tim Miller. Steve Fought honors 9/11 in Gibsonburg, Gretchen Awadpreviews Race for the Cure, and Pat McColley details ODOT's fall road projects and safety tips.

92.3 The Fan's own Daryl Ruiter joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to discuss the latest on the Cleveland Browns' Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, as well as the updates on the Browns' planned move to Brook Park.

VBrowns get ODOT approval to build stadium in Brook Park

Browns get ODOT approval to build stadium in Brook Park+Two Keys and a Lock

Elyria police shared new details about the deadly July ambush that killed an officer; a woman is safe in Stark County after she was allegedly abducted at knifepoint; ODOT has given the Cleveland Browns a win; Ohio's state parks receive major recognition.

Justin Chesnic, ODOT Assistant Deputy Director and Public Information Officer provides his weekly update on the latest road work projects.

Charlie Kirk memorial Sunday: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/just-president-trump-jd-vance-tucker-carlson-trump/ Charlie died instantly and felt no pain: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/he-was-jesus-already-christian-author-frank-turek/ Sen Starr: Gov/Dems refuse to ignore Republican practical transportation solutions: https://oregoncatalyst.com/90766-sen-starr-practical-transportation-solutions.html Trump designates ANTIFA as terrorist organization: https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/18/trump-i-am-designating-antifa-as-a-major-terrorist-organization/ Leftist violence is nothing new in America: https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/18/american-historys-stark-warning-against-tolerating-political-violence/How many Dems or leftist orgs will face prison time because of ANTIFA network discoveries/prosecutions: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/how-many-democrats-their-spawn-will-face-prison/ Good luck Portland in revoking ICE facility permit: https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2025/09/17/city-will-file-land-use-violation-against-southwest-portland-ice-facility/   

Click play to hear the updated paving schedule from Justin Chesnik of ODOT.

This week's Orange Barrel Update with Justin Chesnic from ODOT.

Lars Larson argues the I-5 Bridge replacement “price bomb” was delayed for political reasons, blasting ODOT and IBR for hiding soaring costs and questioning how Oregon and Washington plan to pay for the project. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-the-10-billion-dollar-price-bomb-did-not-drop/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #PacificNorthwest #Transportation #LarsLarson #ODOT #WSDOT #CostOverruns #Tolling #InfrastructureFunding

Joe Cortright argues that Interstate Bridge Replacement leaders are delaying disclosure of soaring costs, with projections now likely in the $9–$10 billion range. He says ODOT and WSDOT are avoiding accountability while legislatures debate funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-i-5-bridge-replacement-costs-headed-to-10-billion-but-dont-tell-anyone/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #PacificNorthwest #Transportation #ODOT #WSDOT #Infrastructure #ProjectDelays #CostOverruns

Lars Larson voices frustration with Rep. Cyrus Javadi, who voted to give ODOT more money despite saying he doesn't trust the agency and acknowledging its record of deception and cost overruns. Larson questions why a Republican lawmaker ignored testimony from 4,000 citizens against the plan. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-gop-lawmaker-who-admits-odot-lies-and-he-doesnt-trust-them-votes-the-agency-more-money-anyway/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #ODOT #OregonPolitics #CyrusJavadi #TaxHike #HighwayFunding #InterstateBridge #RoseQuarter

He said it was the toughest vote he has ever had to take. Get an in depth view of his thinking from his district on gas taxes, roads and ODOT. Reagan Knopp and Bryan Iverson bring you the full interview - not some 6 minute sound bytes from regular radio. Enjoy and please subscribe to the Podcast! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crosstabs.studio

Lara Logan and Natalie Winters at the Gathering of the Eagles this Saturday near Wilsonville: tickets at www.thegatheringoftheeagles.com Politics of cancer: John Richardson Jr interview on what's going with the secret effort to get rid of RFKjr. https://rncstore.com/ The secret memo from BIO spending 2M to get rid of RFKjr: https://revolver.news/2025/09/no-its-not-a-coup-against-rfk-jr-its-a-capture/ Rep Ed Diehl on Kotek's false choice for the ODOT tax increase: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1118708892919270 Dem Sen Gorsek had stroke and won't be able to vote to raise your taxes for two weeks: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/09/oregon-democrats-delay-key-vote-on-transportation-package-for-2-weeks-due-to-gresham-senators-health.html Cascade Policy on ODOT's spending problem, not revenue problem: https://oregoncatalyst.com/90418-spending-solutions-odots-spending-problems.html J6 update: Government's star witness against the Proud Boys recants testimony: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/massive-closet-playwright-doj-lawyer-drafts-motion-dismiss/  

Oregon lawmakers advanced a $4.3 billion transportation tax package with a narrow House vote, aiming to fund ODOT and maintain roads through new gas, registration, and payroll taxes. The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/after-false-starts-oregon-house-passes-transportation-tax-package/ #OregonPolitics #TransportationFunding #GasTax #ODOT #PacificNorthwest #StateBudget #HighwayFunding

The Oregon Legislature's Joint Committee on Transportation Funding will consider legislation this week called “LC 2” as they head into a special session to address transportation funding. The Governor's Transportation Budget Framework defines the problem as an ODOT “budget gap” that needs to be addressed with a “funding solution.” She says that the cause is a lack of revenue for ODOT, oft repeated by legislators, lobbyists, and journalists who describe the problem as “declining revenue,” or a “dwindling gas tax.” These statements are simply not supported by ODOT's financials showing that net revenue grew by 30 percent since 2018 and reached record highs in 2024.A spending problem, not a funding problem, is the reason ODOT is about to eliminate 900 positions. The real problem is two-pronged: first, too many statutory restrictions on existing revenue; and too much debt service on $4 billion in highway bonds, which have grown at a much faster rate than ODOT's revenue.In reviewing LC2, Cascade offered the Committee two suggestions. First, amend LC 2 to free up gas tax funds for services Oregonians need and have already paid for. Next, pay off these highway bonds with lottery revenues. This would increase ODOT's available gas tax revenue by more than 50 percent without a tax increase.

Les Poole, a longtime light rail critic, shares testimony submitted for the Oregon Legislature's Aug. 29 special session. He argues tolling is regressive, ODOT has lost credibility through overspending and shortfalls, and the $5.6 billion transportation bill should be rejected. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-tolling-is-about-changing-behavior/ #Opinion #LesPoole #ODOT #Tolling #TransportationFunding #OregonLegislature #GasTax #HB2017 #HB2025

Show 15-34 Summary: Oregon Democrats are at it again. This week, it's about prepping for the big special session coming up Friday, August 29th, to stop the Democrats from trying to ram through a massive tax increase disguised as ODOT funding in HB 2025. But is the ODOT tax increase really necessary? We talk with … Read More Read More The post 15-34 Showdown: HB2025 Special Session, ODOT Tax Increase appeared first on The I Spy Radio Show.

About Last Night: Isaiah Bond set to play Saturday; Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt on Browns-ODOT issue full 524 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:22:32 +0000 yhBZcD5NUbc0zvFx56CIPAKvCRJdZoRz about last night,sports The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima about last night,sports About Last Night: Isaiah Bond set to play Saturday; Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt on Browns-ODOT issue The only place to talk about the Cleveland sports scene is with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima. The two guide listeners through the ups and downs of being a fan of the Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Ohio State Buckeyes in Northeast Ohio. They'll help you stay informed with breaking news, game coverage, and interviews with top personalities.Catch The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima live Monday through Friday (6 a.m. - 10 a.m ET) on 92.3 The Fan, the exclusive audio home of the Browns, or on the Audacy app. For more, follow the show on X @KenCarmanShow. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Sports False

Reagan, Bryan and Dirk break down the news around the different topics in Oregon politics today. We discuss the floor debate that turned into a Rule 27 complaint against Representative Duane Yunker.https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/08/oregon-house-panel-dismisses-misconduct-charges-against-lawmaker-who-read-sexually-explicit-content-on-house-floor.htmlSpecial Session is coming hard and fast to add billions over 10 years to the ODOT budget… Read Dirk's article as well on OPB. Will there be a shake up in leadership in the Senate Democrat Caucus? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crosstabs.studio

Governor Tina Kotek has called a special session of the legislature to secure more funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). She wants to raise gas taxes by six cents per gallon, double vehicle registration fees, and increase titling fees.The governor claims that ODOT revenue has been declining due to improved fuel economy of cars, but comprehensive annual reports online show the opposite, as does the Legislative Revenue Office presentation. In 2024 gas tax revenue hit an all-time high of $652 million, as nearly did registration and titling fees ($550 million) and weight and mile fees ($455 million). Total ODOT revenue increased by 30 percent between 2018 and 2024 while debt service increased 41 percent and is growing. The debt is not scheduled to be retired until 2049.It's not a revenue problem; it's a spending problem.First, since 2001, as part of the Oregon Transportation Investment Act bond program (OTIA), the legislature has forced ODOT to spend most new gas tax monies on construction projects while ignoring highway maintenance. Thus, while gas tax revenue has increased, the amount going to operations has decreased.Secondly, the legislature voted to sell nearly $4 billion in bonds backed by gas tax revenues. As a result, ODOT paid $358 million out of the gas tax revenues toward debt service last year compared to only $70 million in 2007.To paraphrase Warren Buffett, debt service is the tapeworm eating 55 percent of ODOT's gas tax money.When legislators meet on August 29th, they should repeal gas tax restrictions put in place by OTIA Programs I, II and III. They should also pay down ODOT's remaining bond debt of $3.9 billion with lottery funds. This would free up gas tax revenue to be spent on road maintenance and set a course correction ODOT and the people of Oregon need.  

Andy and Dan react to the breaking news of the Browns' stadium permit being denied by ODOT-Aviation and what that means for the future of the team's Brook Park Project

Lars Larson relays economist Joe Cortright's warning to the Portland City Council: the I-5 Bridge replacement could top $10B, with no funding plan and a history of ODOT cost overruns. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/opinion-dire-warning-to-pdx-city-council-about-10b-bridge-project-thats-doomed/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #I5Bridge #Infrastructure #TransportationFunding #ODOT #CostOverruns #LarsLarson #JoeCortright #PortlandCityCouncil

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a $350 million deficit. Governor Tina Kotek has said that if this funding is not secured, she will lay off about 500 ODOT employees.During the regular legislative session that ended in June, Democrats (who hold a supermajority in both the House and the Senate) could not reach a consensus on a transportation funding bill (HB 2025). Sidelining and ignoring Republicans further ensured that the bill would not pass.To deal with the budget shortfall, the Governor has called for a special session for Friday, August 29. Her goal is to raise the gas tax by six cents ($.06), increase vehicle registration fees by $42, and raise title fees by $139.House Minority Leader Christine Drazen has proposed an alternative. Instead of raising taxes and fees on Oregon motorists, the legislature could use emergency funds from the Legislative Emergency Board. Hundreds of millions of dollars are set aside every legislative session for use in an emergency. Using emergency funds would not raise the gas tax and could fund ODOT until the 2026 session when a working solution can be found.Oregon currently has the fourth-highest gas prices in the nation. Raising the gas tax should not be an option. Legislators should find a way to fund important transportation maintenance services without punishing Oregonians at the pump.

Lars Larson calls out Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek for what he describes as an extortion tactic — threatening ODOT layoffs to push for higher transportation taxes. He points to continued high-salary hiring at ODOT and urges lawmakers to reject new taxes, saying the move impacts the I-5 Bridge replacement project. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-message-received-give-us-more-money-or-else/ #Opinion #Oregon #TinaKotek #ODOT #TransportationFunding #I5Bridge #PublicSpending #Taxes #Budget #PacificNorthwest

Joining the Exchange to tell us more is Dirk Vanderhart, an OPB reporter covering the story.

Portland Public Schools' new board is facing an uphill battle, local farms are grappling with potential new restrictions, and Gov. Tina Kotek is proposing a new financial strategy to keep ODOT afloat. Joining host Claudia Meza for the Friday news round-up are Willamette Week reporter and author, Brianna Wheeler, and our executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Claudia Meza Brings Humor and Precision to City Cast Podcast [Willamette Week] At Portland Public Schools, a ‘Mom Takeover' and a Brewing Storm [Oregonian

Earlier this month the Oregon Department of Transportation announced it would need to lay off nearly 500 workers. This came after lawmakers failed to pass a transportation package to help boost the budget of the agency responsible for road maintenance around the state. Now, Gov. Tina Kotek has announced a special session will be held in late August with the hopes of finding the funds for the state’s transportation agency and has also shared she will delay impending layoffs. OPB politics reporter Dirk Vanderhart joins us to share more on what to expect from the upcoming special session.

Columbus City Schools teacher killed in a domestic violence incident; drivers stranded after a semi crash closed I-71 northbound in Fayette County for more than 8 hours overnight; some Ohio lawmakers are urging federal officials to keep Wright-Patterson Air Force Base under 4-star command amid Defense Department cuts; why did ODOT post a rendering of the new Cleveland Browns stadium full of trash?

Columbus City Schools teacher killed in a domestic violence incident; drivers stranded after a semi crash closed I-71 northbound in Fayette County for more than 8 hours overnight; some Ohio lawmakers are urging federal officials to keep Wright-Patterson Air Force Base under 4-star command amid Defense Department cuts; why did ODOT post a rendering of the new Cleveland Browns stadium full of trash?

Former Fed prosecutor John Deaton talks the Epstein files and controversy, State Rep. Dwayne Yunker announces his re-election, talks the end of the session, special session for ODOT, probably end of September.

Public transit agencies across the state may soon be seeing some changes in services as some face funding troubles. The Federal Transportation Administration recently made revisions to its agreement with rural transit agencies, requiring them to comply with federal immigration enforcement action, contradicting Oregon’s sanctuary state law. This dispute has left some federal reimbursements in limbo for agencies. At the same time, House Bill 2025, which would have raised billions through fees and taxes for road projects, ultimately failed in the state Legislature. Melissa Metz is the general manager for the Coos County Area Transportation District. They recently announced some services will be suspended and will be accepting public comments at their next board meeting. Julie Brown is the general manager for the Rogue Valley Transportation District, the president of the Community Transit Association of America and the commissioner chair for the Oregon Department of Transportation. The RVTD recently shared that funding uncertainties will lead to a reduction in staff and service, alongside ODOT’s recent announcement of laying off nearly 500 employees. Metz and Brown join us to share more on some of the challenges facing rural transit agencies right now, and what they’d like to see in a special session from lawmakers.

Best Ballparks in the MLB. Potholes derail the show. ITN featuring hot ODOT news!

Lars Larson takes aim at the Interstate Bridge project, arguing it's underfunded, mismanaged, and unlikely to ever be built. With Oregon lawmakers pushing more than $251 million toward planning and no new leadership at ODOT, he raises serious concerns about priorities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-interstate-bridge-project-lacks-billions-in-funding-from-both-oregon-and-washington/ #LarsLarson #ODOT #TinaKotek #BridgeFunding #I5Bridge #Opinion #TransportationPolicy #PNWPolitics #OregonLegislature #SB5505

With the Oregon Legislature failing to pass a transportation funding bill, ODOT now faces up to 700 layoffs. Director Kris Strickler called the situation shocking, and local officials warn of ripple effects across transit, safety, and infrastructure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/oregon-dot-director-calls-transportation-funding-bill-failure-shocking-warns-of-layoffs/ #ODOT #OregonLegislature #TransportationFunding #Layoffs #PublicTransitCuts #HouseBill2025 #PacificNorthwest #InfrastructureCrisis #KrisStrickler #ClimateSolutions

The Oregon legislature is about to pass Senate Bill 1182, which would authorize the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to give away the half-billion dollar, four-acre, I-5 lid over the Rose Quarter—plus all property and development rights and contracts—to a single black-owned nonprofit, the Albina Vision Trust or AVT.ODOT's Design Summary for the cover states that a “Black-led, community development corporation” would control the property and development. AVT's leader states that “the Black community should be able to have both the land on the freeway caps and the jobs that come with building them.”This would qualify as denying opportunities to those who aren't Black, based solely upon their race. The Supreme Court outlawed this practice two years ago in Fair Admissions v. Harvard when the majority wrote, “ameliorating societal discrimination does not constitute a compelling interest that justifies race-based state action.”In other words, SB1182 would support construction and ownership opportunities that violate state and federal laws prohibiting race-based discrimination. Handing over public assets to a private organization who plans to hire only Black contractors will simply invite litigation, and legislators should be ashamed of themselves for approving it.The Governor should veto SB1182.

Once upon a time, Oregon blew up a whale carcass on the beach near Florence.  The news broadcast of the event has now been viewed millions of times all over the world.  If you needed a palate cleanser, we got you.   Sources Video of the broadcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6CLumsir34 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploding_whale https://web.archive.org/web/20220527115433/https://tourism.oregonstate.edu/the-case-of-the-exploding-whale/ https://www.milb.com/news/emeralds-announce-exploding-whale-alternate-identity https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2013/10/george_thornton_the_odot_engin.html https://www.offbeatoregon.com/H001_ExplodWhale.html https://www.theexplodingwhale.com/evidence/resources/dave-barry-article/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/statesman-journal-road-crews-to-blow-up/63143771/ https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/thar-she-blows/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110717092953/http://tafkac.org/animals/exploding.whale/son_of_blubber.html https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KOdVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6114%2C3133152 https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2020/11/12/fifty-years-later-florence-oregon-embraces-tale-exploding-whale/6259171002/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/20/us/exploding-whale-memorial-park.html https://www.reddit.com/r/HistoryPorn/comments/1abd0qa/a_whale_carcass_explodes_on_a_beach_in_florence/ https://emeralds.milbstore.com/collections/exploding-whales/Department_T-Shirts https://www.opb.org/artsandlife/series/history/florence-oregon-whale-explosion-history/ https://katu.com/news/local/exploding-whale-day-54-years-since-whale-infamously-blown-up-on-oregon-beach https://katu.com/news/local/florence-locals-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-exploding-whale-11-15-2020# https://www.theexplodingwhale.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Exploding-Whale-Other-Remarkable-Stories/dp/1558687432/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WZMJGBW9ZM3H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TRp-LQjLHkqwOdOo5q1UTlZ2g6xk_ayAssrLOKY-BCvVZ1Bwd7aYyvy7DLz4U5rzJHK7itIJbj5FMEcKnifeRA.A-jFUoQiUAcIqrD-CdtVscoIDSS7amVZBWa8osHnxW8&dib_tag=se&keywords=exploding+whale+book&qid=1748144103&sprefix=exploding+whale+book%2Caps%2C337&sr=8-1 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/registerguard/name/walter-umenhofer-obituary?id=17951162  

Plymouth’s West Broadway Street bridge has been closed for nearly three years, but progress is finally underway. At a recent town hall, residents heard from ODOT and Richland Engineering about updated designs, a tight funding deadline, and what to expect next. The village now has until next summer to award a construction contract. If all goes as planned, the rebuilt bridge could reopen soon after, with new safety features and improved drainage. Fellowship: https://www.richlandsource.com/source-media-journalism-fellowship/ Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that's been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage. In this episode, I'm talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Kelley shares what makes the Mesa card unique, how its rewards system works, and why it's designed to serve a segment of consumers that's long been overlooked by traditional credit card programs. If you've ever wished one of your biggest monthly bills could earn serious points—this card just might become your new favorite. Make sure to check out the Mesa Homeowners Card - no annual fee, earns points on your mortgage and comes with $800+ in home benefits! Use my referral link to get 5,000 bonus points when you get approved. https://mesa.onelink.me/odOT/gge86l53?referral_code=htx8f5 Use my code to apply: htx8f5 Terms apply.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mesa-credit-card-earn-points-mortgage/   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

More than one in five bridges in Oregon was in “distressed” condition in 2024. That’s according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s annual bridge condition report. Oregon also has the fewest number of bridges in “good” condition as determined by federal standards compared to six other Western states. Under ideal conditions, ODOT says it would be able to replace 27 of those bridges per year. But with its current resources, it’s only on pace to replace three.  Tova Peltz is a statewide capital program engineer at ODOT. She joins us with an update on how the state’s bridges are faring.

Portland economist Joe Cortright says ODOT’s projects have a history of costing much more than initial estimates. He points to proposals like the I-5 Rose Quarter project which has been in the works for nearly a decade and is estimated to cost around $1.9 billion. The estimate in 2017 was $450 million. A Statesman Journal investigation found that ODOT’s projects were over budget and the agency was unable to track some of its funds and how they were spent. Cortright, the director of City Observatory, an urban policy think tank based in Portland, joins us with details of his concerns. In a statement, ODOT writes:Transportation agencies across the state face a structural revenue issue. This issue is driven by three causes: flattening and declining gas tax revenues as cars become more efficient, consistent inflation that eats away at the purchasing power of each dollar, and legal restrictions that prevent ODOT from using available dollars to fund maintenance and operations.While the Legislature increased the gas tax in recent years, revenues are now at their peak and are expected to flatten and decline in coming years. When you account for inflation, the buying power of that revenue source is set to dramatically decrease. ODOT’s major projects in the Portland metro area, supported by city, county, state, Metro and community leaders, have seen costs grow in recent years. However, the funds dedicated to these projects are specifically directed by the legislature to construction projects and cannot be used for day-to-day maintenance and operations of the highway system. We are forced to cut back on critical efforts like plowing snow and fixing potholes independent of funding these popular projects. The public and our partners have consistently told us they want us to do both. We take our responsibility to provide safe travel for all Oregonians very seriously. The last thing we want to do is let the system we built fall into disrepair. But because of how our funding is structured, we are increasingly forced to do so. We are focused on achieving sufficient and sustainable funding for maintenance and operations in this legislative session. We are increasingly optimistic that the legislature will take this opportunity to break the pattern of past legislatures and robustly fund the maintenance, operation and preservation of our transportation system.

Earlier this month, Oregon joined nine other states in meeting a goal to get 3.3 million electric vehicles on the road by 2025. That number is set to grow under a rule that requires all new passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks sold in Oregon to either be fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric by 2035.  But adopting cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles also means that Oregon and other states are grappling with reduced revenues from gas taxes. Electric vehicle owners also don’t pay any gas tax, which have led states like Oregon to explore launching programs which charge motorists a fee based on how much they travel instead of how often they refill at the pump. The Oregon Department of Transportation has operated a voluntary, pay-by-mile program since 2015. Roughly 800 people are currently enrolled in OReGO, which charges participants 2 cents for every mile driven in Oregon. Joining us to talk about what’s been learned after a decade of this pilot program is Travis Brouwer, assistant director for revenue, finance and compliance at ODOT.