Portland News

Portland News - Local Breaking News & Community Updates

Portland DAs Warn Oregon Mental Health Crisis Is Hitting Courts

Portland DAs Warn Oregon Mental Health Crisis Is Hitting Courts

District attorneys from the three Portland metro counties recently pointed to pressures connected to Oregon State Hospital, court-ordered competency treatment, and a federal order affecting some hospital admissions. The discussion centers on people who have been charged with crimes but may not be able to understand court proceedings or

Portland Seeks Private Help for Struggling Parks System

Portland Seeks Private Help for Struggling Parks System

Portland parks system officials are exploring new partnerships with nonprofit groups, conservancies, and private donors as city leaders attempt to stabilize maintenance and operational services across public green spaces facing ongoing financial strain. The effort comes as Portland Parks & Recreation evaluates how outside support could help sustain park

Portland Council Faces $171 Million Budget Gap

Portland Council Faces $171 Million Budget Gap

Portland budget gap discussions intensified this week as city officials moved into the final phase of negotiations over a projected $171 million shortfall that could affect public services, transportation programs, and staffing across multiple departments. Members of the Portland City Council continued reviewing spending proposals and cost-saving measures while

Oregon Gas Tax Rejection Leaves Portland Road Funding Uncertain

Oregon Gas Tax Rejection Leaves Portland Road Funding Uncertain

Oregon’s rejection of Measure 120 has pushed Portland’s street funding problem back into sharp focus, leaving city officials with fewer near-term options as road repairs, bridge needs and basic maintenance continue to compete for limited money. The measure, rejected by voters in the May 19, 2026 primary, would have

Portland Students Experience Adult Jobs Through BizTown

Portland Students Experience Adult Jobs Through BizTown

BizTown Portland activities introduced hundreds of students from the Portland metropolitan area to workplace responsibilities, business management, and financial decision-making through an interactive educational program designed to simulate adult life inside a functioning miniature city. The program brought elementary and middle school students into a hands-on environment where participants

Alaska Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights Between St. Louis and Portland

Alaska Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights Between St. Louis and Portland

Alaska Airlines started daily nonstop flights connecting St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and Portland International Airport (PDX) on May 13, introducing a direct travel option between the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The service runs once daily in both directions through October. Flight 338 arrives in St. Louis

Next Adventure to Close All Portland-Area Stores

Next Adventure to Close All Portland-Area Stores

Next Adventure confirmed that its longtime Portland outdoor retail business will wind down operations later this year, with the company preparing to close all four of its locations as owners Bryan Pape and Thorleif Hagen retire after nearly three decades in business. The announcement marks a major change for

Portland Council Reviews Proposed Arts Tax Changes

Portland Council Reviews Proposed Arts Tax Changes

Portland Council members are preparing to examine proposed revisions to the city’s arts education funding measure during an upcoming public meeting centered on tax administration, enforcement procedures, and collection operations. The discussion follows continued city review of the Arts Education and Access Income Tax, a voter-approved levy established in

Portland Council Votes on Transportation Tax to Fix City Streets

Portland Council Votes on Transportation Tax to Fix City Streets

Portland’s City Council has passed a new revenue measure aimed at addressing the city’s transportation funding needs. On April 29, 2026, the council voted in favor of a Transportation Utility Fee (TUF) to generate a steady revenue stream for street repairs, maintenance, and public safety projects. This decision comes

Former Chuck E. Cheese in Portland to Become Pickleball Venue

Former Chuck E. Cheese in Portland to Become Pickleball Venue

Former Chuck E. Cheese in Portland set to become a pickleball venue after a Southeast Portland building that sat vacant for six years is being redeveloped into an indoor sports facility called Rose City Pickleball, marking a major reuse of the long-closed entertainment space near Southeast 92nd Avenue and

The Downbeat Opens as Portland’s New Underground Music Spot

The Downbeat Opens as Portland’s New Underground Music Spot

The Downbeat has officially opened in Portland’s Old Town-Chinatown district, positioning itself as a Black-owned establishment centered on live music and cultural programming. The venue introduces a performance-driven concept that places music at the core of its identity, with nightly shows scheduled from Thursday through Sunday. Located in a

Portland Public Schools Faces Major Staffing Cuts in $2B Budget Plan

Portland Public Schools Faces Major Staffing Cuts in $2B Budget Plan

Portland public schools budget proposal includes hundreds of staffing cuts as part of a $2 billion financial plan currently under district review, outlining adjustments to personnel and operational spending across Oregon’s largest school system. The proposal represents an early-stage budgeting document that will undergo further revision before final approval.

OHA Updates Wildfire Smoke Rules for Oregon Youth Activities

OHA Updates Wildfire Smoke Rules for Oregon Youth Activities

Oregon health officials have updated wildfire smoke guidance for youth activities, giving schools, child care providers, coaches and event organizers a clearer framework for deciding when outdoor play, practices and events should be reduced, moved indoors, postponed or canceled. The Oregon Health Authority’s current guidance, expands the focus beyond

Portland Neighborhoods Embrace Artisan Bagels

Portland Neighborhoods Embrace Artisan Bagels

A wave of artisan bagel shops is gaining traction across Portland’s neighborhoods, drawing steady crowds and reshaping breakfast and brunch patterns. Locally owned bakeries are drawing attention for their varied styles and distinct approaches, prompting residents and visitors to explore bagel options from Southeast to Northwest Portland. New Entrants

Portland Hosts Citywide World Cup Watch Parties

Portland Hosts Citywide World Cup Watch Parties

Portland World Cup watch parties are underway across the city as public venues, cultural organizations, and gathering spaces open their doors for residents seeking places to watch tournament matches together. Several locations have announced organized viewing events featuring large screens, fan activities, and opportunities for supporters to gather throughout

Portland Target Stores Expand Into Local Delivery Hub Network

Portland Target Stores Expand Into Local Delivery Hub Network

Portland Target stores delivery hub operations are part of a broader national shift in how retail orders are processed and delivered across U.S. metro areas. The company continues to rely on its physical store network to handle online orders, including same-day and next-day delivery services across Portland, Oregon. Rather

Portland Cybersecurity Tech Secures $25M to Boost AI and Hardware Security

Portland Cybersecurity Tech Secures $25M to Boost AI and Hardware Security

Portland-based cybersecurity firm Eclypsium has raised $25 million in a strategic funding round to advance its efforts in securing hardware infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The funding round was led by PEAK6 Strategic Capital, with contributions from venture firms including Ten Eleven Ventures and institutional backers such as

Portland Solar Microgrid Project Could Change Local Energy Landscape

Portland Solar Microgrid Project Could Change Local Energy Landscape

Portland has introduced a new solar-plus-storage microgrid in its historic Skidmore district, marking a milestone in the city’s clean energy efforts. Launched in early 2026, the project is being developed by sustainable engineering firm PAE in collaboration with SolarEdge Technologies. It is notable for being subsidy-free and market-rate, making

The Critical Importance of Online Privacy in Portland

The Critical Importance of Online Privacy in Portland

In today’s digital age, online privacy has become a critical concern for individuals and organizations alike. In Portland, the issue of online privacy is especially pertinent as residents increasingly rely on the internet for communication, commerce, and daily activities. Understanding the gravity of online privacy in Portland involves examining