👎 Oregon’s US senators oppose new ICE funding

The No Votes on Homeland Security Funding

Oregon’s two U.S. senators — Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley — are both no votes on an appropriations bill for the U.S. Homeland Security Department. After the shooting of nurse Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis, Republicans are struggling to come up with the 60 votes needed. Wyden says he’s pushing for reforms first — including requirements for ICE agents to wear their uniforms and display badges. “I oppose giving one more penny to ICE, which already got $75 billion from Trump and Republicans in the Big Ugly Betrayal Bill,” Merkley said. Failure to reach a deal by Friday comes with high stakes — the potential for another government shutdown. [Willamette Week]

Update From Minneapolis

After federal agents shot and killed a second U.S. citizen in Minnesota, there’s been national outrage. Today we have a check-in with our colleague on the ground there, City Cast Twin Cities creative producer Adam Sage. One key point: It’s no accident that there has been plenty of video footage out of Minnesota to call into question the Trump Administration’s initial accounts of their actions; concerned citizens have been coordinating a response. Another indication of the response: There were 50,000 protesters out last Friday when temperatures only got as high as negative 10 degrees. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

More Powell’s Layoffs

Powell’s Books is doing another round of layoffs, continuing a series of staffing cuts that began this summer. The Portland bookseller didn’t say exactly how many people will lose their jobs this time, but did acknowledge they’ll have now cut 1 in 5 employees since June. Powell’s, which has struggled to recover after the pandemic, is also planning to expand at the airport and upgrade their flagship store. [Oregonian]

Keller Auditorium Overhaul Not Worthwhile?

A new study commissioned by the city recommends that Keller Auditorium not be renovated. The building is over 100 years old and not seismically sound. But City Council has already opted to support the creation of a new and bigger venue on the Portland State campus. The study finds there won’t be enough demand for Broadway-style shows to support two venues. Mayor Keith Wilson cautioned that the report is “one piece of a larger package of information.” [Oregonian]