Portland’s ‘Hot Socialist Summer’? Plus, Shady Towing Practices and ICE Pushback

The socialist caucus at Portland City Council may be shaping the future of the city. The city is also seeking to expel ICE from the South Waterfront. We also looked at the Portland Parks & Recreation director’s resignation, the new WNBA team, and shady towing practices. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and senior producer Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: One Thing Has Changed at Portland City Hall: The Socialists Are Setting the Agenda [Willamette Week] Portland City Council Looking for Means To Expel ICE From South Waterfront [Willamette Week] ‘Arrest First and Justify Later’: Oregon Judge Orders Asylum Seeker Released [OPB] Parent Detained by Immigration Authorities in Beaverton School Parking Lot [Oregonian] Portland Fire: WNBA Expansion Team Unveils Name, Logo for 2026 Debut [Oregonian] Portland Parks Director Resigns, Will Receive Six-Figure Severance [Oregonian] Owners of Disabled Vehicles Can Face Widely Disparate Charges When Portland Police Call for a Private Request Tow [City of Portland] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here . Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm , or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448 . Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland , and be sure to follow us on Instagram . Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise . Learn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Visit Walla Walla World Forestry Center Montavilla Jazz