Your trusted source for local Portland, OR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Starting June 3, 2025, Portland will implement a 2.95% processing fee for credit and debit card payments on water, sewer, and stormwater bills. Customers can avoid this fee by opting for electronic payments directly from their bank accounts. This change aims to streamline payment processing and reduce costs for the city.
Twelve Oregon firefighters assist in battling wildfires in Alberta, Canada, where over 25,000 residents have evacuated. The Oregon Department of Forestry expects increased fire activity later in the week, despite recent rain.
Fleet Week in Portland will cause significant traffic disruptions as several bridges over the Willamette River will experience extended lifts for ship arrivals. Starting Tuesday evening, the Steel, Broadway, and Burnside bridges will close longer than usual to accommodate the vessels. The Steel Bridge's lower deck will also be closed to pedestrians and cyclists at certain times during the event.
The Affordable Housing Opportunities Project (AHOP) proposes zoning changes in Portland to enhance affordable housing options, particularly on nonprofit and public agency properties. Community members can provide feedback on the project through an interactive online tool by July 8, 2025.
Federal authorities arrested a 24-year-old transgender woman seeking asylum in Portland after a court hearing related to her case. The coalition Oregon for All alleges that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents aimed to expedite her deportation despite her proper asylum application.
NOAA extended its geomagnetic storm warning through Tuesday, offering potential sightings of the northern lights. While Washington residents have the best chance, those in northeastern Oregon may also catch a glimpse of the phenomenon. A G3-rated storm could disrupt power grids and GPS systems.
Journalist Shane Burley argues that labeling President Trump as a fascist may distract from the more pressing issue of his administration's actions resembling traditional fascism. Since returning to office, Trump has alarmed experts by detaining students for political speech, deporting citizens, and threatening civil liberties. Burley calls for a mass movement to oppose these threats to democracy.
Jessica Dame Carroll, 50, transitioned from a career in medical research to nursing after a breast cancer diagnosis highlighted the importance of compassionate care. She completed her Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Concordia St. Paul in December 2024 and is now in a residency at Kaiser Permanente. Carroll emphasizes that it's never too late to pursue one's calling.
Serah Judd, a Howard University sophomore, won the Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship, receiving $3,500 to support her education. The scholarship, honoring Oregon's first African American woman senator, is awarded to Black female graduates from Oregon high schools. Judd, an active student leader, aims to attend law school and become a judge.
The Trump administration included Portland and other Oregon jurisdictions on a list of 500 sanctuary cities accused of obstructing federal immigration enforcement. President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from these areas if they do not comply with federal immigration policies. Local leaders, including Portland's mayor and Oregon's governor, vowed to uphold sanctuary policies and resist federal pressure.