🏀 The new ‘Jail Blazers’

'Jail Blazers' Doc Drops as New Owner Faces Questions

The billionaire who led the successful bid to buy the Portland Trail Blazers was CEO of Santander Consumer USA at a time when it was accused of predatory practices around car loans. The company paid half a billion dollars to settle a case with multiple state attorneys general, though it didn’t admit fault. [OPB / ProPublica]

• CEO Tom Dundon was behind that: New reporting shows that in 2013, Dundon led the “aggressive push” to waive proof of income rules for car loans. The company charged more for the higher risk loans, so they could profit even when some customers failed to pay back the loan. [OPB / ProPublica]
• Dundon’s no comment: Dundon declined to comment until after March 31, when the sale of the team is expected to close. [OPB / ProPublica]
• Public investment: Blazers’ lobbyists pushed for an all-public-sector investment in the renovation of the Moda Center. They threatened the team would leave if state and local officials didn’t find the money. [OPB]

Out Soon — ‘Jail Blazers’ Documentary: Netflix has a documentary coming out on April 14 about the early-2000s Trail Blazers team that earned the nickname the “Jail Blazers” for their troubles off the basketball court. Some of the team’s so-called crimes — like marijuana possession — are now outdated; others are less so. But players recall their time in Portland, and how the city turned on them. [Willamette Week]

• Watch the trailer for “Untold: Jail Blazers.” [Netflix]

Oregon is 5th Least Affordable State

The nonpartisan think tank Common Sense Institute ranked all 50 states based on their affordability by measuring how much the average household of four had left over after paying for basic expenses. This isn’t a surprise, but housing, utilities, and child care cost Oregon families the most, leaving us fifth most expensive. [Oregonian]

The City’s Cheapest Gas Station

There are lines for gas at the Belmont Arco in the Sunnyside neighborhood. That’s because “the secret’s out,” Willamette Week reports; the gas station has the cheapest gas around. Last week, the price was $3.89 a gallon — if you paid in the store with cash or a debit card. For comparison, a quarter mile away, the lowest price was $4.45. [Willamette Week]

Legislature Found $1.8M To Fight Japanese Beetles

Oregon farmers succeeded in getting the Legislature to reinstate funding to fight one of the state’s top invasive pests — the Japanese beetle. In 2025, the program wasn’t given money. One impact of that: California revoked Oregon’s pest-free status, meaning there were more cumbersome restrictions for crops coming from Oregon. This funding may ease that. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

• The damage: The beetles and their grubs eat some of the state’s top agricultural products — blueberries and wine grapes, as well as the roots of plants like turf grasses and hops. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

Each week, we include favorite local spots and organizations picked by City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city:

• “La Osita PDX was one of the best breakfast taco and burrito carts in Portland, and now they are one of the best restaurants in Portland with their new brick and mortar located in Montavilla. Seriously the best breakfast tacos you will ever have. Show them love at their new location.” — Jon H.
• “Portland Panorama Film Festival, April 9 - 19, made by artists for artists in Portland's famous theaters around town.” — Kareem A.-R.

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