Portland candidates will get less public cash

Opposition to Exporting Gray Wolves

The opposition to exporting 10 Oregon gray wolves to Colorado created unlikely allies: Oregon ranchers (along with Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana) don’t want Colorado to become another state with gray wolves that attack cattle farms. And Oregon conservationists are concerned that the gray wolf population of Oregon hasn’t grown significantly in recent years. As of 2022, the wolf census stood at 178 for Oregon, 338 for Wyoming, 1,087 for Montana, and 1,337 for Idaho. [OPB]

Limits on Small Donor Program

Portland City Council declined to increase funding for the city’s publicly funded elections. As a result, the candidates running in 2024 will face a cap on how much matching funds they can receive — $300,000 for council candidates and $750,000 for mayoral candidates. That funding cap is expected to have a significant impact for candidates who were relying on small donors. [OPB]

Financial Trouble at Local Newspaper Chain

Pamplin Media, which owns a string of papers in the metro area, is shutting down its Gresham printing press and laying off workers. The company will still print papers, but will do so at The Columbian’s Vancouver printing press. It’s one indication of the company’s financial troubles (the company is also looking to sell two dozen of its publications). [Willamette Week]

Police Chases Return

Portland Police Bureau will allow officers to pursue fleeing suspects under more circumstances. Previously, the bureau had limited pursuits to ensure bystander safety. The City Cast Portland podcast reviews that and other news from the week. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

'Portland Is Not a Trash Can.' Plus, Car Chases and Your City Survival Tips

It’s a new middle-of-the-week news round-up: The Portland police have loosened their restrictions on car chases. There’s a proposal for an underwhelming city motto. Plus, producers Giulia Fiaoni and John Notarianni break open the City Cast Portland mailbag.