🛫 PDX travel gets messy

PDX Flights Canceled

As the government shutdown continues, the Federal Aviation Administration cited safety concerns in cutting the number of flights by 10% at PDX and other busy U.S. airports. Air traffic controllers haven’t received a paycheck since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, and a preexisting staffing shortage and low morale have already been leading to absences and flight delays. [Associated Press via Oregonian]

• Related: As of early Thursday evening, 12 of PDX's Friday flights (evenly divided between inbound and outbound) had been canceled so far, according to the Port of Portland, which operates the airport. But it’s not clear how many of those are related to the 10% reduction, which may phase in over time. Molly Prescott, a Port spokesperson, offered some advice:
  • Tip: Travelers are advised to check in with their airlines before heading to the airport.
  • Tip: As always, but particularly right now, it’s wise to arrive with plenty of time to make it through security. You can consult the PDX website to see delays at TSA.

Judge Orders SNAP Benefits by Today

A federal judge ordered the administration to deliver full SNAP benefits by today: “The evidence shows that people will go hungry, food pantries will be overburdened and needless suffering will occur,” wrote Rhode Island’s U.S. District Judge John McConnell yesterday. The Trump administration says it will appeal, thought it previously agreed to use contingency funds to provide partial benefits for November. It's still unclear when people on SNAP will receive funds. [NBC]

Homelessness Led to Fire at City Councilor’s Home

On the Friday news roundup, City Councilor Candace Avalos and her council colleagues put pressure on police to find the person who started a fire at Avalos’ home two weeks ago. There was fear that it was a politically motivated attack on Avalos. In the end, police have arrested someone who was allegedly living on the streets, looking for warmth, and accidentally set the blaze. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

This mural by artist Christa Grimm is on Northeast 13th Avenue just above Fremont. The building it’s painted on houses Chef Agir, a Kurdish/Turkish restaurant that opened last summer.

A shoutout to readers Kai F. and Heidi F., who identified the location.

This week’s scavenger hunt comes from executive producer John Notarianni:

Where have you seen this mural?

Please click here to send me the location — and, for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt (almost) every Friday. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll shout out the first 10 readers who respond correctly and reveal the answer.

📸 Want to submit a photo? Please email me a snapshot of somewhere in the Portland metro area, and we’ll consider it for an upcoming “Where Is It?” segment!

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:

• Cafe Olli | King | “Cafe Olli features fresh, inventive dishes all day and evening long, and they offer a daily community meal on a sliding scale ‘for those who are experiencing food insecurity or financial hardship.’ Plus, the nicest people work there and the food is terrific!” — Laura G.
• Portland Clay House | Raleigh Hills | “There’s a new gem in the Raleigh Hills area. They [have classes and] also have 24/7 membership options for ceramicists with some experience. Great space. Cool people.” — Nancy B.
• The Westside Queer Resource Center | Hillsboro | It “serves the queer community on the westside with regular events and programming!” — Cassandra O.

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!