Your trusted source for local Portland, OR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Oregon's minimum wage increased by 30 cents on July 1, marking the smallest hike in a decade. The new rates are $15.05 for the standard rate, $16.30 for the Portland Metro area, and $14.05 for nonurban counties. This adjustment reflects the ongoing indexing to inflation based on the Consumer Price Index.
Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services announced rate and fee increases effective July 1, 2025, to fund essential services including water and sewer operations. The increases aim to maintain the safety and sustainability of city infrastructure. Residents can expect more details on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and its implications.
Portland International Airport is undergoing a $2 billion renovation, with Phase 1 completed in August 2024 and Phase 2 expected by December 2025. Travelers should allow extra time for detours and changes due to ongoing construction, which includes new amenities and a total of 24 new retailers. The airport currently offers 70 nonstop flights, including 59 domestic and 11 international destinations.
Urban Forestry will implement a fully online Tree Removal & Replanting Permit Application process starting July 1, 2025. Applicants using DevHub will no longer need to download and upload PDFs, streamlining the application process. Minor content changes include the removal of site plans and photos as requirements.
Jorge, an asylum seeker in the US, was detained by ICE after responding to a mandatory check-in message. His case reflects a troubling trend, as other immigrants in Oregon report similar experiences of arrest following ICE notifications. Local attorneys urge immigrants to consult legal counsel upon receiving such messages.
Portland's Development Services Center announced a land use proposal for an Adjustment Review at 4336 SE 16th Ave, published on June 30, 2025. The deadline for public comments on the proposal is July 22. Residents can download the full notice for further details.
Lieutenant Laurent Picard of Portland Fire & Rescue educates residents on fire prevention and emergency preparedness. With nearly 29 years of service and responding to thousands of 911 calls, Picard emphasizes the importance of smoke alarms in saving lives.
The Portland Housing Bureau released the 2024 State of Housing in Portland Report, highlighting ongoing challenges in housing affordability. The report reveals that the median homeowner income is nearly double that of renters, and the average asking rent increased by 3.3% from 2023 to 2024.
A Multnomah County grand jury ruled that Officer Andrew Young was justified in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Nicholas G. Thorn, who was armed with a pellet gun and a knife in Portland. The incident occurred on October 4, 2024, following reports of a man threatening others with a rifle. District Attorney Nathan Vasquez expressed condolences for the loss of life.
The Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycomb in Clackamas will reopen on July 12, showcasing over 14,000 artifacts, including a restored Korean War-era F-86 fighter jet. The exhibit titled "We are Oregon" aims to highlight local military history and service. Admission to the museum will be free, and it will operate Wednesdays through Saturdays.