City Cast Portland
💰 Does ODOT actually need the money?
August 21, 2025 · — Rachel Monahan
Good morning, Portland! ☀️Summer is not over! 🥵 Today’s the beginning of another round of heat, with temperatures in the upper 90s starting tomorrow.
So far this is the first summer in six years where we haven’t had an actual 100-degree day. (That could change this weekend.)
What's DC Talking About
The Switchup in Recycling Rules
After a change in state law, you may be out-of-date on key recycling rules. Jennifer Powers, Metro's Waste Prevention outreach manager, explains why our recycling rules are so finicky and lets us know what you now can — and can’t — recycle here in Portland. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
New York Times’ Latest Portland Restaurant Picks
The New York Times updated its list of best Portland restaurants, adding Ox and Astera. [New York Times via KOIN]
- Related: RingSide Steakhouse and Luce lost their spots. [New York Times via KOIN]
Critic Says ODOT Doesn’t Need More Money
The Oregon Legislature is poised to return to Salem next week to pass a hike in the gas tax as well as other funding mechanisms for the state’s Department of Transportation. But economist Joe Cortright says the agency should consider cutting down on wasteful spending on big projects instead. [Willamette Week]
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Walla Walla: What are you waiting for?
Washington’s Walla Walla Valley is one of the prettiest and tastiest vacation meccas in the West, full of wineries, tasting rooms, great restaurants, shops and open roads.
If you’re thinking about a romantic escape, a friend’s long weekend or a family reunion, great thinking. Come! And experience it for yourself!
Neighborhood Shoutouts
Each week, we’re hearing about favorite local spots and organizations from City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city. Today we have some food-and-drink-related shoutouts:
- Strength Union | Brooklyn neighborhood | “I've been getting strong at Strength Union gym in Southeast. Awesome owner, knowledgeable trainers & friendly gym goers!” — Anna Y.
- Curious Comedy Theater | King neighborhood | “A wonderful comedy theater, plus a welcoming community hub where you can take classes and make friends.” — Virginia T.
- Oregon Humane Society | "Foster puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats through Oregon Humane Society. Give them temporary, loving homes, and prepare them for adoption with OHS.” — Hannah W.
Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!
What To Do
Thursday, Aug. 21
- 🍷 Mississippi Avenue Wine & Beverage Walk | North Mississippi
- 🎵 The Roots | Pioneer Courthouse Square
- 🎵 Musica Mixta: Third Thursday Fusion Night | Bar Botellón (Northwest)
- 🎬 The Wild Robot (with Spanish subtitles) | Parklane Park
- 🎵 L7 | Crystal Ballroom
- 🎬 Hanabi Film Festival: The Snow Woman | Clinton Street Theater
Friday, Aug. 22
- 💚 Kickstand Comedy in the Park | Laurelhurst Park
- 🎬 Hanabi Film Festival: Bushido | Clinton Street Theater
- 🚲 Bike Show 2025 | Zidell Yards
- 🏳️🌈 Outliers and Outlaws | Oregon Jewish Museum
- 🎵 Red Yarn | Pendleton Park
If you’ve been eyeing our social media manager job listing — and the chance to join us at City Cast Portland — don’t forget tomorrow’s the deadline to apply.
We’re looking for someone who’s got skills at creating posts for Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube. But we’ve been advertising the job to all of you, because we’re also looking for someone who understands what City Cast Portland is all about.
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