Trump thinks Portland burned down?

Trump Attacks Portland (Again)

Former president Trump, who is currently under federal indictment, is slinging attacks at Portland again during his presidential campaign. Asked whether he’d pardon a Proud Boy leader should he win the presidency again, Trump didn’t rule it out, falsely claiming that 2020’s social justice protesters haven’t been prosecuted. “You take a look at Portland,” he said. “It’s like a burned-down hulk of a city.” [KOIN]

Group Files to Re-Criminalize Drugs

A group calling itself “Fix and Improve Ballot Measure 110” has filed an initiative petition to repeal aspects of Oregon’s landmark effort to decriminalize drugs. The group is seeking to require addiction treatment for certain drug offenses while making fentanyl, meth, and heroin illegal to possess. Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle and Nike founder Phil Knight have kicked in half a million dollars toward the effort. [Willamette Week]

Suing FEMA Over Flood Plains Regs

Oregon conservation groups are suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency over its insurance program, which they argue allows development in flood plains, thereby threatening endangered species, including orcas and salmon. This comes as Portland is working to tighten its flood plains restrictions in advance of FEMA regulations, though conservation groups argue the city’s proposal isn’t good enough. [Oregonian]

Portland’s Abandoned Buildings

Willamette Week has been running a series on vacant buildings around town. Reporter Anthony Effinger digs into how with rising property values and a housing crunch, properties aren’t being put to good use. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Best Portland Road Trips

Here’s a recommendation for Portland road trips from someone familiar:

“Central Oregon provides a GREAT boost of sunshine in Western Oregon's dark winters. [It] has so many great outdoor rec opportunities, plus amazing food and drink options. Also, Hood River, anywhere on the Central Oregon Coast, and Seattle!”

— Bryan M. Vance, City Cast newsletter editor-in-chief

Favorite Neighborhood Spots

Thanks to the readers who shared their favorite spots in their own neighborhoods:

“So pleased to see a feature on Milwaukie, I thought I'd share one of Milwaukie's best kept secrets— Milwaukie Cafe and Bottle Shop. Their food is absolutely delicious. The coffee is great. Plus, they have a selection of wines and craft beer.”

— Kelly

“I live in northwest Gresham and love Meeka Sushi, a cozy restaurant off of 181st. It has a great atmosphere inside, with cozy booths and low tables for more authentic Japanese seating. The menu has a large variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, noodles and my favorite, salmon butteryaki.”

— Kathy Robinson

What are your favorite neighborhood spots? I’d love to hear from you.

📷 Photography Council Lunchtime Talk: Will Matsuda | Wednesday | 12 - 1 p.m.

Matsuda’s work has focused on Japanese-American culture. He’ll discuss “expanding the genre of family portraiture, and strategies surrounding photographing climate change.” [Free, Downtown]

🏀 ‘Fly’ | Wednesday | 7 p.m.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson talks about how pro basketball has influenced high fashion over time. [Free, Pearl]

🌲 The Body | Sunday | 9 p.m.

The end is nigh for the original Doug Fir. Catch the vibes while you can — and the metal duo from Providence this weekend. [$19.41, Buckman]

What We Know About Portland’s Abandoned Buildings

With the ongoing housing crisis, it’s a wonder why so many abandoned buildings haven’t been converted into affordable housing. Willamette Week reporter Anthony Effinger has dug into the status of a few of these vacant buildings and explains the deal.