City Cast Portland

The annual Perseids meteor shower is reaching its peak next week, and in case you weren’t aware, Oregon is a great place for stargazing. We actually have some of the darkest skies in the entire world! Today, Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding is here to share some of the best spots for catching the meteor shower, and even offer a few tips for learning more about stargazing here in the city. Di...

In the ten years since the Portland Pickles collegiate baseball team was founded, they've quickly become an integral part of Portland culture. Today, we’re getting you ready for your first Pickles game, because we’re presenting the Pickles’ last regular season game this Thursday. Portland Pickles General Manager Courtney Schmidt is here to bring us all up to speed on how watching a collegiate-leve...

A death in police custody has reignited the debate over reform. Community members are speaking out against new overnight shelters. And the Lloyd Center's found new life as a kind of post-capitalist creative utopia. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this week’s Friday news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance. Discussed in this week...

Whether you’re watching an outdoor movie or hanging out with the City Cast Portland crew at the last Portland Pickles game of the season, August offers plenty of opportunities to end your summer on a high note. City Cast Portland has handpicked the absolute best of the month’s food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you narrow down your plans to this month’s must-dos — like surveying...

We're in an ideal location to pick up fishing as a hobby: Oregon offers year-round opportunities to catch a ton of different kinds of fish, in nearby rivers, mountain lakes, or even the Pacific Ocean. But where do you start? And what fish are safe or even legal to eat? Today, executive producer John Notarianni talks with local fishing legend Keevin “Crappie Killa" Collier. He's going to set us up...

Albina Vision Trust has a bold mission: to redevelop 94 acres of Lower Albina, the historic heart of Portland’s Black community. The nonprofit has made major strides since it was founded in 2018, but now one of its key projects is in jeopardy, thanks to a sudden move from the Trump administration. Today, executive producer John Notarianni talks with Albina Vision Trust's JT Flowers about his organ...

Two big bills focusing on mental health passed in the legislature last month, aiming to reform our state’s civil commitment process and expand mental health treatment facilities. Today, we’re revisiting a conversation with KOIN investigative reporter Elise Haas about what the new legislation will do, and why some still oppose it.  This episode first aired on March 12, 2025 If you or anyone you kno...

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 Mez...

Portland’s got a robust cycling community, which is epitomized by the annual World Naked Bike Ride. But this year, things are getting a little complicated: Portland is set to host two naked bike rides, just weeks apart. And let’s just say, there’s some tension over which one counts as the real naked bike ride and how we ended up here in the first place. Today on City Cast Portland, Willamette Week...

This week, the first signs of local fallout from federal Medicaid cuts hit Portland, Damian Lillard returns to the Trailblazers, the impending closure of a Northeast Portland Fred Meyer, and should rental units be required to have AC? Plus, we're digging into our listener mailbag. Joining executive producer John Notarianni for this midweek roundup of news is senior producer Giulia Fiaoni. Discusse...

A new report reveals that the Portland area spent over $700 million on homeless services last year. But despite the urgency of the issue and the increased investment, one estimate shows deaths among Portlanders experiencing homelessness quadrupled between 2019 and 2023. Today on City Cast Portland, Street Roots editor in chief K. Rambo, who worked on the story in collaboration with ProPublica, bre...

When it comes to planning the perfect summer date, there are limitless options for places to go and explore. Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza talks with resident fun expert and author of the official The Portland Book of Dates, Eden Dawn. She's got ideas for your next summer date – whether in town, on a day trip, or an overnighter somewhere magical – with a friend, lover, or anything...

The socialist caucus at Portland City Council may be shaping the future of the city. The city is also seeking to expel ICE from the South Waterfront. We also looked at the Portland Parks & Recreation director’s resignation, the new WNBA team, and shady towing practices. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and senior produc...

Portland has plenty of options when it comes to breakfast. You can pick up some pastries at an award-winning bakery or stand in line for brunch in just about every neighborhood. But what about breakfast sandwiches? Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza joins producers John Notarianni, Giulia Fiaoni, and you, our listeners, to talk about Portland's best breakfast sandwiches – from the tast...

Oregon has no shortage of waterfalls, towering trees, and postcard-worthy views. But seasoned adventurers know there’s a whole other side to the outdoors that you won't find on normal trail maps. We’re talking about abandoned classic cars, forgotten train tunnels, and unconventional campsites. Today on City Cast Portland, Norther Emily from Wild Solitude Guiding is sharing some of the strange and...

Oregon saw the worst wildfire season on record last year, and estimates show that 2025 could be at least as bad. Fighting wildfires takes a ton of resources, which can put additional strain on fire and rescue workers here in the city. Today on City Cast Portland, Portland Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Chris Barney is here to walk us through how the city is getting ready for fire season, including h...

Last week, we saw headlines that Portland has the largest share of people aged 35-49 of any major city in the country. Considering so many of us grew up along with the internet, it kind of makes sense why Portland generates so much meme-worthy news, from exploding whales to cement milkshakes. Today, we're revisiting our team's conversation breaking down some of our city and state’s most memorable...

This week, Oregon High School students sought a ban on transgender athletes via a federal lawsuit. Trump’s “border czar” threatened to crack down on Portland. And we looked at the flurry of housing bills that made it through our legislative session. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Oregonian courts reporter Zane Sparling and executive producer John Notarianni.  Disc...

Today we're talking with Portland Monthly's associate editor of food and drink, Alex Frane, to give us a rundown on what we've been missing out on in Southwest Portland. We’re talking through some of the best spots to check out, so that you’re able to eat through your entire day without leaving the area. Mentioned in today's episode: Jen's Pastries Mother's Bistro Stretch the Noodle Duck House Chi...

Last month, the Oregon Legislature failed to pass House Bill 2025, the largest and most comprehensive transportation bill in nearly a decade. Today on the midweek news roundup, executive producer John Notarianni and host Claudia Meza look at the consequences of the bill's failure. Plus, they're digging into the mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners! Discussed in today's episode: Oregon Lawma...

Everyone knows about the looming threats of “The Big One” and the ongoing danger of wildfires across our state. But recently, another potential local natural disaster has emerged in the headlines: Portland is sinking. But should we be worried? Today, science journalist Erin Ross is joining us to discuss why our city is sinking and how concerned we should be. Mentioned in today's episode: Land Subs...

Countless varieties of fruits and vegetables are hitting farmers markets and grocery stores over the next few months, but just because they're local, that doesn't mean we love them all. Today, Bryan Vance of Stumptown Savings is here to debate the best and worst of Oregon's summer produce. Plus, he's got plenty of tips on when to find local fruits and vegetables at peak season. Become a member of...

Claudia Meza and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best fa...

Oregon's wine industry has been juggling several challenges recently: Sales are down, tariffs are looming, and immigration crackdowns have rattled vineyard workers — all while wildfire season creeps closer. And yet the Willamette Valley was just named the best wine destination in the world. Today, Portland Business Journal reporter Pete Danko helps us make sense of just what's going on with the Or...

Whether you’re chasing thrills on a whitewater raft or jamming to lunch-hour bluegrass, July is bursting with can’t-miss festivals and outdoor adventures. City Cast Portland has handpicked the absolute best of the month’s food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you narrow down your plans to this month’s must-dos — like floating up to a riverside bar by kayak Plus, a bonus suggestion...