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The Oregon Department of Justice reported a 276% increase in engagement with the Sanctuary Promise Hotline, with 128 reports made from June 2024 to May 2025. The rise in reports includes 34 formal complaints about potential violations of sanctuary laws and a notable 300% increase in alerts from public bodies regarding federal immigration agency requests.
One person died following a shooting in Downtown Portland on Tuesday afternoon, and a suspect has been arrested. The incident occurred near the Central Library, prompting road closures and disruptions to public transit in the area. Authorities confirmed no ongoing public safety threat.
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.
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.
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.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced legislative successes in housing, including a new statewide shelter program and measures to streamline affordable housing construction. Lawmakers allocated $5 million for infrastructure in the OMSI District, which will provide 1,200 new housing units.
Record-high temperatures in Portland, reaching the mid-90s, are straining human heat tolerance. Health officials warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves, leading to health emergencies across the U.S. Residents are urged to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable individuals.