Mark Dion discussed the end of the legislative session, criticizing the legislature for providing only $4 million for general assistance, half of what Portland requested. He proposed placing shelters on a county platform to distribute costs equitably. Dion also addressed the homelessness crisis, suggesting a regional approach and increased police presence. He highlighted the Music Hall development as a land use issue, emphasizing the need for traffic calming and reduced vehicle volume. Dion mentioned efforts to address drug use and vandalism on Congress Street, including a day space for unhoused individuals and a new ambassador program.
Authorities searched on Thursday for a sniper who assassinated Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, with one bullet and then slipped away in the mayhem resulting from the latest act of political violence to befall America.