Today's News
March 27, 2026
More Than 100 Shelter Beds in Portland Scheduled to Close
Portland officials have confirmed that more than 100 shelter beds will be affected by upcoming closures linked to the shutdown of nonprofit provider Sunstone Way. The changes are expected by the end of June 2026 and involve multiple facilities that have been part of the city’s emergency housing network.
Oregon Legislature Update: Key Bills Impacting Portland Residents
The Oregon legislature’s 2026 short session wrapped up with mixed results, as several bills proposed to address key community concerns in Portland made it through the legislative process, while many others stalled in committee or failed to gain traction. With a focus on public health, education, immigration, and community
Oregon Wildlife Funding Bill Could Boost Conservation Efforts
Wildlife funding has become a central issue in Oregon as lawmakers approved a lodging tax increase designed to support conservation programs and natural resource management across the state. The legislation raises Oregon’s statewide transient lodging tax and directs new revenue toward wildlife related programs administered by the Oregon Department
Portland’s Big Pipe Reaches Full Capacity Amid Record Rains
Portland’s Big Pipe, a crucial piece of the city’s stormwater management infrastructure, faced one of its toughest tests this week as the region was hit by an intense storm. The Big Pipe, a 22-foot-wide tunnel completed in 2011, was designed to manage combined sewer overflows and prevent untreated stormwater
Oregon’s 2026 Cost of Living Report Shows Widespread Financial Strain
Oregon’s 2026 cost of living report highlights the continued financial strain from rising housing costs across the state. While rents in Portland have slightly decreased compared to previous years, affordability remains a key issue, especially when factoring in rising utility costs, taxes, and transportation expenses. Despite minor decreases in
Safety & Shelter Policy Shift: Portland’s Homeless Shelter System Raises Concerns
Portland’s shelter policy has undergone a significant shift, prioritizing emergency shelter expansion in response to the city’s growing homelessness crisis. While the goal is to provide immediate relief, service providers have raised concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the policy, highlighting a gap between short-term solutions and permanent housing
Portland’s Barnes & Noble at Lloyd Center to Close in May
will close its Lloyd Center store in Portland on May 2, 2026, ending a 24 year run inside one of the city’s most recognized shopping centers.The location has served customers in Northeast Portland since the early 2000s and remains one of the mall’s most familiar tenants. Company representatives confirmed
City Invites Portland Residents to Weigh In on Transportation Funding Challenges
Portland is currently addressing challenges in transportation funding, with city agencies experiencing ongoing financial pressures. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has expressed concerns that its reliance on traditional revenue sources—such as parking fees and gas taxes—may no longer be enough to sustain the city’s transportation infrastructure. The growing
Craft Beer Industry Adjusts as Closures Hit Oregon’s Brewing Community
The craft beer industry in Oregon, once celebrated as a thriving hub of innovation, is now grappling with an increasing number of closures. Over the past year, dozens of breweries across Portland and the state have announced shutdowns, marking one of the most challenging periods for the region’s brewing
“Dear Portland” Exhibit Engages Residents in Housing Dialogue
Portland’s Dear Portland exhibit, opening in early 2026, is providing a unique platform for residents to engage with the city’s housing challenges. Hosted in the downtown Stelo Arts Gallery, the exhibit invites Portlanders to share their personal housing experiences through letters—both handwritten and digital—addressing issues like affordability, neighborhood identity,
Oregon Sees Population Gains Through Immigration Trends
Oregon’s population growth in 2024–25 is primarily fueled by international immigration, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. While the state experienced modest overall growth, immigration accounted for the majority of the increase. This trend underscores the significant role that global migration continues to play in
Oregon Schools Turn to Blended Classes Amid Budget Strain
As school districts across Oregon face significant budget shortfalls, some are turning to blended classrooms as a cost-saving measure. This approach, once limited to smaller rural schools, is now being adopted in urban areas, including districts in the Portland metro area. The shift comes in response to financial pressures
Portland Metro to Seaside: Oregon’s Ghost Conference Draws Spooky Fans
The Oregon Ghost Conference, an annual paranormal event held in Seaside, Oregon, is set to
Portland Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early Along Waterfront and Gardens
Portland’s cherry blossoms, a hallmark of the city’s spring season, have made an early appearance
Oregon Adds New Parking Fees at 22 State Parks and Trails
Oregon will introduce new parking fees at 22 state parks and trailheads starting March 30,
Portland’s Bar & Bistro Closures Reflect Economic Strain in PDX
Economic strain is shaping Portland’s bar and bistro landscape in 2026, with a series of
Hidden Environmental Costs of Portland’s Growing Data Centers
Portland’s reputation as a tech-forward, sustainability-conscious city is facing a new challenge: the rapid expansion of data centers. As demand for cloud computing, AI development, and digital infrastructure grows, so does the footprint of these massive facilities. While data centers are essential to powering modern life, from streaming services
How Insect Decline Is Affecting Portland’s Food Production
Insect decline isn’t just a global concern, it’s a local one, too. Across Portland and surrounding Oregon communities, farmers and food producers are seeing the effects in real time. Fewer pollinators mean fewer fruits, vegetables, and herbs making it to market. And while the issue may seem invisible to
Oregon Sports Tourism Report Shows Big Impact on Portland Economy
Sports tourism is emerging as a crucial driver of economic growth in Portland, fueling job creation, local spending, and enhanced regional visibility. The city’s commitment to hosting a range of professional sports events and community-based tournaments has made sports tourism a central component of its economic strategy. A 2026
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 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
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
Clean Tech Growth Boosts Portland Jobs and Green Economy
Portland has long been known for its environmental consciousness, but the city’s clean tech sector is taking that commitment to the next level. As renewable energy and sustainable technology industries rapidly expand in the region, Portland is solidifying its place as a leader in clean tech innovation. The clean
