🎵 A playlist that still defines Portland

Steepest Drop in Violent Crimes

In the first half of this year, Portland saw the fastest drop in violent crime of any major U.S. city — according to a report from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which covers 86 U.S. law enforcement agencies. Homicides dropped 51% in Portland — also a larger drop than anywhere else. [KOIN]

• Related: Portland Police Chief Bob Day explains how the city prioritizes which crimes to investigate. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Misinformation Drove Oregon’s Repeal of Fire Maps

Conspiracy theories propagated on Facebook and by right-wing media outlets galvanized the opposition to Oregon's proposed fire hazard maps. Property owners continued to claim — without evidence — that insurance companies were using the state’s draft maps to raise rates or cancel policies. Ultimately, the state Legislature repealed the maps — and the requirement for property owners to make homes and other structures more fire resistant. [ProPublica via Oregonian]

• Related: The real estate company Zillow uses nationwide data from First Street to assess fire, flood, and other climate risks. Look up your home here.

Ongoing Health Care Layoffs

Providence recently laid off 128 workers in Oregon, which comes after cutting another 134 jobs in June. More layoffs are still expected, given that Providence projects that the Trump administration’s tax bill will cost the hospital system $100 million in lost Medicaid funding in Oregon. [Oregonian]

A 2010 Mixtape

Before rents skyrocketed, Portland was home to one of the most exciting local music scenes in the country. A whole generation of independent artists shaped the city's cultural identity in the early 2010s in ways that have lasted to today. Portland Mercury music editor Nolan Parker talks about local artists who defined the era, and some new artists still keeping the music scene strong. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

• Related: Listen to the playlist 🎵 [Spotify]

Last week, I asked you all what favorite song or annoying noise you’d suggest for scaring away wolves. (In case you missed it, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is blasting an unusual soundtrack from drones to protect cattle from attack in Southern Oregon and California.)

Here are some of your fellow readers’ suggestions.

“I once got a blue jay to stop yelling at our cat by blasting John Coltrane. Maybe that will work?” — Victoria B.

“‘Roxanne’ by The Police. Hate it!” — Lisa A.

“Either a large bagpipe band or Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music (check it out, it’s unhinged).” — Julie S.

“Chumbawumba.” — Cooper

“Anything by Benson Boone.” — Anthony

“Anything by X.” — Anonymous

Bonus: City Cast Portland podcast producers Giulia Fiaoni and John Notarianni as well as Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance gave some of the best answers to this same question at the beginning of Friday’s news roundup 🎧