Michael Andersen
@andersem.bsky.social
Believer, skeptic, humanist, typist & dad. Trying to make places fairer as director of cities + towns for @Sightline.org, here in Portland OR. Views here: mine, all mine.
Reposted by Michael Andersen
ever since we invented farming the main driving motivation for basically every human who's ever lived is "how can i do as little farming as possible"
People seem to forget that the reason the industrial revolution worked is that, however bad factories were, it was way way way better than subsistence farming
February 10, 2026 at 5:26 AM
ever since we invented farming the main driving motivation for basically every human who's ever lived is "how can i do as little farming as possible"
Reposted by Michael Andersen
Super Bowl viewers Sunday speculated that 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos appeared in the halftime show. In fact, he has been in hiding with his family.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
‘He’s not the same’: Father of Liam Conejo Ramos says 5-year-old continues to suffer
Some people thought they say the 5-year-old during the Super Bowl halftime show. But Liam is still in hiding with his family, after he and his father were detained and then released from a Texas deten...
www.mprnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Super Bowl viewers Sunday speculated that 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos appeared in the halftime show. In fact, he has been in hiding with his family.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
Reposted by Michael Andersen
HUGE news for @thetyee.ca.
Our founding editor, Dave Beers, is retiring.
Who will fill these big shoes?
thetyee.ca/Tyeenews/202...
Our founding editor, Dave Beers, is retiring.
Who will fill these big shoes?
thetyee.ca/Tyeenews/202...
The Tyee Is Recruiting Our Next Editor-in-Chief | The Tyee
Founding editor David Beers is passing the baton to a new leader. Is it you?
thetyee.ca
February 10, 2026 at 2:33 AM
HUGE news for @thetyee.ca.
Our founding editor, Dave Beers, is retiring.
Who will fill these big shoes?
thetyee.ca/Tyeenews/202...
Our founding editor, Dave Beers, is retiring.
Who will fill these big shoes?
thetyee.ca/Tyeenews/202...
“Economists will tell you that the Trail Blazers leaving would set Portland’s economy back by a generation. Maybe two.“
I’m not opposed to all sports subsidies but @billoram.bsky.social needs to cite his sources
I’m not opposed to all sports subsidies but @billoram.bsky.social needs to cite his sources
Hooboy, @billoram.bsky.social making me care about sports. 😬 (Yes, I had to Google "Clay Bennett.")
I hope I’m wrong, but this is why I fear the Trail Blazers could be as good as gone | Bill Oram
Tom Dundon may not necessarily want to move the Trail Blazers, but he strikes me as agnostic to where the team plays.
www.oregonlive.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:51 PM
“Economists will tell you that the Trail Blazers leaving would set Portland’s economy back by a generation. Maybe two.“
I’m not opposed to all sports subsidies but @billoram.bsky.social needs to cite his sources
I’m not opposed to all sports subsidies but @billoram.bsky.social needs to cite his sources
The idea that U.S. sexism is so profound that qualified & talented women shouldn’t be nominated for president seems far-fetched
News Analysis: Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, harnessed her personal popularity to save the Liberal Democratic Party. But she has not yet addressed its deeper challenges.
How Japan’s Leader, Sanae Takaichi, Rescued Her Party from the Abyss
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, harnessed her personal popularity and a shift to the right among voters to achieve a record election win.
nyti.ms
February 9, 2026 at 4:15 PM
The idea that U.S. sexism is so profound that qualified & talented women shouldn’t be nominated for president seems far-fetched
Reposted by Michael Andersen
Concentration camps:
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
Exclusive: Detention Center Captives Are Throwing Lotion Bottles Wrapped With Notes to Organizers Outside Otay Mesa Facility ~ L.A. TACO
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh," an Otay Mesa captive communicated through handwritten note. "We are all in one big room with no doors...
lataco.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:24 AM
Concentration camps:
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
“For 280 days we haven’t eaten a single piece of fruit, banana, apple, orange, or anything fresh. We are all in one big room with no doors or windows. We can’t see any grass or trees. We are all constantly sick."
This (about Canada) succinctly states a thesis I’m hoping to probe next month in a country that tried: New Zealand
Fixing the housing problem will require 1) massive unpopular physical change and 2) a lot of government spending. The feds have relative political freedom to push for the first thing, and they have all the money.
February 7, 2026 at 4:24 PM
This (about Canada) succinctly states a thesis I’m hoping to probe next month in a country that tried: New Zealand
Reposted by Michael Andersen
PubliCola's @joshfeit.bluesky.social has a new Maybe Metropolis column today about a Washington state proposal that would make accessible housing more affordable by reforming elevator standards that too often result in no elevators in new buildings at all.
publicola.com/2026/02/06/e...
publicola.com/2026/02/06/e...
Elevating the Affordable Housing Issue - PubliCola
By Josh Feit How can we increase affordable housing production? According to Senate Bill 5156, one button we can press…
publicola.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:14 PM
PubliCola's @joshfeit.bluesky.social has a new Maybe Metropolis column today about a Washington state proposal that would make accessible housing more affordable by reforming elevator standards that too often result in no elevators in new buildings at all.
publicola.com/2026/02/06/e...
publicola.com/2026/02/06/e...
[Toronto is a nice city with low energy use per person]
[homes there become ridiculously expensive]
[people try to build homes]
Toronto government: Don't build tall buildings in this city. Too tall!
[people start building underground homes]
Toronto government: no no that's too carbon-intensive
[homes there become ridiculously expensive]
[people try to build homes]
Toronto government: Don't build tall buildings in this city. Too tall!
[people start building underground homes]
Toronto government: no no that's too carbon-intensive
Toronto targets 'iceberg homes' over flooding, tree loss and carbon costs
The luxury workaround to restrictions on height limits for single-family homes in the city saw multi-storey basements that could host anything from underground tennis courts to movie theatres.
www.nationalobserver.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:13 PM
[Toronto is a nice city with low energy use per person]
[homes there become ridiculously expensive]
[people try to build homes]
Toronto government: Don't build tall buildings in this city. Too tall!
[people start building underground homes]
Toronto government: no no that's too carbon-intensive
[homes there become ridiculously expensive]
[people try to build homes]
Toronto government: Don't build tall buildings in this city. Too tall!
[people start building underground homes]
Toronto government: no no that's too carbon-intensive
my main concern with this stuff isn't actually Waymo as it currently operates (it's clearly quite safe) but the future grokX taxis and the Waymos that may one day become deadlier in order to compete with them
In a statement to BikePortland this morning, Councilor Mitch Green called a bill in the legislature that aims to preempt local regulation of robotaxis, "appalling."
bikeportland.org/2026/02/05/a...
bikeportland.org/2026/02/05/a...
A showdown looms over robotaxis on Portland streets
It might not be a smooth ride for Waymo.
bikeportland.org
February 5, 2026 at 5:57 PM
my main concern with this stuff isn't actually Waymo as it currently operates (it's clearly quite safe) but the future grokX taxis and the Waymos that may one day become deadlier in order to compete with them
things that will not be happening in my marriage
February 5, 2026 at 5:12 PM
things that will not be happening in my marriage
Reposted by Michael Andersen
breathtaking
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
February 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM
breathtaking
Reposted by Michael Andersen
Very comprehensive Vox article on building code research and reform efforts across the country, fearing John Zeanah’s report for the Center for Building on low-rise multifamily housing and Michael Eriksen’s academic work on building code costs www.vox.com/future-perfe... (gift link)
The hidden double standards driving our housing crisis
Apartments are safer and more affordable than single-family homes. Why do we treat them like a hazard?
www.vox.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Very comprehensive Vox article on building code research and reform efforts across the country, fearing John Zeanah’s report for the Center for Building on low-rise multifamily housing and Michael Eriksen’s academic work on building code costs www.vox.com/future-perfe... (gift link)
Reposted by Michael Andersen
Hello wonderful neighbors! Our next happy hour is TOMORROW, February 5th at Migration brewing on Williams from 6-8PM! We are excited to announce that we will be joined by members of Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability who are working on the Central City Code Amendments project!
![Flyer with a blue tinted photo of various people sitting at a Portland Brewery, with the following text:
February Happy Hour! [Portland: Neighbors Welcome logo]
Thursday, February 5th!
6-8PM @ Migration on Williams
Hear from city staff about the Central City Code Amendments Project!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ae3xveq735nily2ou42aypbd/bafkreiegdoip7nakaj4ldcumeiw2s7vsgqijjrx4sljzp3codc3k4xjeve@jpeg)
February 4, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Hello wonderful neighbors! Our next happy hour is TOMORROW, February 5th at Migration brewing on Williams from 6-8PM! We are excited to announce that we will be joined by members of Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability who are working on the Central City Code Amendments project!
Reposted by Michael Andersen
Immigration agents have profiled other U.S. citizens in Oregon but this stop appears to mark the first instance of extensive injuries to a citizen here.
Read more at https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/02/us-citizen-was-running-errands-after-ice-stop-she-ended-up-at-the-hospital-instead.html
Read more at https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/02/us-citizen-was-running-errands-after-ice-stop-she-ended-up-at-the-hospital-instead.html
February 4, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Immigration agents have profiled other U.S. citizens in Oregon but this stop appears to mark the first instance of extensive injuries to a citizen here.
Read more at https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/02/us-citizen-was-running-errands-after-ice-stop-she-ended-up-at-the-hospital-instead.html
Read more at https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/02/us-citizen-was-running-errands-after-ice-stop-she-ended-up-at-the-hospital-instead.html
❤️+💔
It was a quiet end for The Skanner, which once served a Black readership across Portland and Seattle as a prominent, trusted voice in civic life
After 50 years, co-founder/publisher Bernie Foster said "the paper speaks for itself"
After 50 years, co-founder/publisher Bernie Foster said "the paper speaks for itself"
The Skanner, a pioneering Black-owned newspaper in Portland, has ceased operation.
February 4, 2026 at 9:03 PM
❤️+💔
"There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect."
Trump administration limiting use of federal funds for speed cameras, calling them "unfair revenue schemes.” www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
Trump administration says it will limit funds for speed cameras
Cities are being told they can’t use some federal funds for automated traffic enforcement.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:18 PM
"There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect."
I don't understand why more U.S. cities don't have eiffel towers
February 3, 2026 at 6:41 AM
I don't understand why more U.S. cities don't have eiffel towers
Reposted by Michael Andersen
After adopting housing reforms that included eliminating parking mandates and increased density limits throughout the city, Bothell has seen a major jump in pre-applications for residential projects.
Average number of units entering pre-application over the past 5 years: 580
In 2025: 1000+
Average number of units entering pre-application over the past 5 years: 580
In 2025: 1000+
February 2, 2026 at 8:15 PM
After adopting housing reforms that included eliminating parking mandates and increased density limits throughout the city, Bothell has seen a major jump in pre-applications for residential projects.
Average number of units entering pre-application over the past 5 years: 580
In 2025: 1000+
Average number of units entering pre-application over the past 5 years: 580
In 2025: 1000+
Reposted by Michael Andersen
It's near-white out conditions in Chicago as the snow comes down, and tonight's anti-ICE/CBP rally is wrapping up in front of city hall.
But not before the crowd bounces and chants, "I believe that we will win!"
But not before the crowd bounces and chants, "I believe that we will win!"
January 31, 2026 at 12:41 AM
It's near-white out conditions in Chicago as the snow comes down, and tonight's anti-ICE/CBP rally is wrapping up in front of city hall.
But not before the crowd bounces and chants, "I believe that we will win!"
But not before the crowd bounces and chants, "I believe that we will win!"
Reposted by Michael Andersen
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said that in regards to immigration, Spain needs to choose between being an open and prosperous country or a closed-off, poor country.
I don’t know if this has sunk in here yet, but Oregon has the same choice. www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
I don’t know if this has sunk in here yet, but Oregon has the same choice. www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
People from other countries account for most of Oregon’s growth
Domestic migration is essentially flat but immigrants kept Oregon growing — barely.
www.oregonlive.com
February 1, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said that in regards to immigration, Spain needs to choose between being an open and prosperous country or a closed-off, poor country.
I don’t know if this has sunk in here yet, but Oregon has the same choice. www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
I don’t know if this has sunk in here yet, but Oregon has the same choice. www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
Reposted by Michael Andersen
4 federal agents pull over an elderly US citizen for the suspected crime of being brown, break her car window, throw her to the ground, then drive off after they find her US Passport in her purse. The Salem Police, when called, say there’s nothing they can do. www.salemreporter.com/2026/01/31/u...
U.S. citizen injured by federal agents in Salem who demanded to see “papers,” union says - Salem Reporter
A home care worker and union worker was pulled from her car and injured by federal agents Thursday according to a statement by SEIU 503. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the repor...
www.salemreporter.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:47 PM
4 federal agents pull over an elderly US citizen for the suspected crime of being brown, break her car window, throw her to the ground, then drive off after they find her US Passport in her purse. The Salem Police, when called, say there’s nothing they can do. www.salemreporter.com/2026/01/31/u...
Reposted by Michael Andersen
“There’s certain rights that a person has that they’re born with. Everybody has them equally, not just in the United States,” he said. “But on this topic they are willing to completely abandon that principle.”
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Ammon Bundy Is All Alone
The anti-government militia leader can’t make sense of his allies’ support for ICE violence.
www.theatlantic.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:16 PM
“There’s certain rights that a person has that they’re born with. Everybody has them equally, not just in the United States,” he said. “But on this topic they are willing to completely abandon that principle.”
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Reposted by Michael Andersen
I join my City Councilors in calling for prosecution of ICE for this flagrant violation of city and state law. This is illegal, and if ICE does this to families and children on a sunny peaceful daytime protest, I shudder to think what they do without that kind of daylight and public scrutiny.
I just got tear gassed along with thousands of union members, many of whom had their families with them. Federal agents at the ICE facility tear gassed children. We must abolish ICE, DHS, and we must have prosecutions. I expect to see enforcement of our city code prohibiting the use of tear gas.
February 1, 2026 at 5:11 AM
I join my City Councilors in calling for prosecution of ICE for this flagrant violation of city and state law. This is illegal, and if ICE does this to families and children on a sunny peaceful daytime protest, I shudder to think what they do without that kind of daylight and public scrutiny.