Today's News
February 3, 2026
In the Heart of Downtown Vancouver, an Ambitious Local Cafe Delivers Sweet Innovation
Tucked into the lively 1000 block of Main Street, Short & Sweet is rapidly gaining a reputation far beyond its modest footprint. What began as a cozy local cafe blending bubble tea with casual eats has become a downtown destination for adventurous palates, weekend social gatherings, and social media-savvy fans craving
Oregon’s Culinary Stars Highlighted in 2026 James Beard Awards Semifinals
The James Beard Foundation has released its 2026 semifinalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards, showcasing Oregon’s culinary talent. This year, ten chefs, restaurants, and beverage professionals from across the state earned recognition, solidifying Oregon’s place as a key player in the national food scene. Portland leads the charge
The Role of Credit Counseling in Debt Management
Managing debt is a challenge many individuals face at various points in their lives. Whether due to unexpected expenses, job loss, or simply the accumulation of credit card balances, debt can quickly become overwhelming without proper guidance. Credit counseling has emerged as a valuable resource to help people understand
Oregon Town’s Water Crisis Deepens as Data Centers Expand
The water crisis in Boardman, Oregon, has reached a critical stage as local residents grapple with a dangerous convergence of industrial expansion and groundwater pollution. Located along the Columbia River, this rural hub is now the site of an escalating struggle over basic resources that pits global technology giants
Oregon Minimum Wage to Rise July 2026, Inflation Drives Increase
Oregon’s Unique Minimum Wage System Oregon’s minimum wage system is designed to reflect the state’s diverse economic conditions. With a tiered approach, the state adjusts wages based on geographical areas, ensuring that the wage structure is responsive to local economic realities. Currently, Portland workers earn $16.30 per hour, while
Recycling Cart Rules in Boardman Align with Oregon’s Modernization Act
Boardman’s city council approved a set of new recycling cart rules, marking a key development in the city’s efforts to align with Oregon’s statewide sustainability mandates. The rules call for households to use large 90‑ to 95‑gallon recycling carts for curbside collection, with a monthly service fee set at
The Growing Demand for Child Care Services in Portland
Child care is a crucial part of life for many families, but in Portland, Oregon, the rising demand for child care services has become a significant concern. With the city’s population growing and more families relying on dual incomes, securing reliable, affordable child care has never been more difficult.
Oregon Coast Under Beach Hazards Alert as Sneaker Waves Loom
The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for the South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast, warning of dangerous sneaker waves. These powerful surges can arrive unexpectedly, catching beachgoers off guard. The advisory remains in effect until Tuesday afternoon, urging residents and visitors to stay
Oregon Convention Center Hosts Fan Expo Portland Pop Culture
Fan Expo Portland has officially returned to the Oregon Convention Center, bringing an exciting weekend for fans of comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and film. Running from January 16 to 18, 2026, the three-day event is already drawing thousands of attendees from all over. With an action-packed schedule of panels,
Unclaimed Funds in Oregon Reach $1 Billion
The total value of unclaimed funds held by the Oregon State Treasury has officially surpassed 1 billion dollars as of late 2025. This massive pool of capital consists of forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, insurance payouts, and even the physical contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. Financial experts
Tsunami Shelter Construction in Oregon Faces FEMA Funding Cuts
On the Oregon coast, Columbia Memorial Hospital is pushing forward with the construction of a tsunami shelter capable of holding nearly 2,000 people, despite recent challenges with funding. The hospital began the project after securing a $14 million federal grant to address the urgent need for disaster preparedness, particularly
Portland Preschool For All Expansion Sparks Funding Debate
Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program is expanding at a faster pace than expected, with the goal of providing more than 7,400 preschool seats in the 2026–27 school year. This increase nearly doubles the current enrollment and exceeds early expectations, bringing the program closer to its vision of universal
Portland’s Outdoor Scene: Hikes, Bikes, and Beyond the Trails
Portland’s outdoor scene is more than just a weekend escape, it’s a way of life.
Oregon Residents Face Higher Park Pass Prices in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon residents will face higher fees for park access as the
Alvord Desert Oregon Draws Visitors With Stunning Views of Steens Mountain
Alvord Desert in Oregon offers a striking landscape that draws visitors looking for a unique
Portland Botanical Gardens May Rise on Former Industrial Superfund Land
Portland, OR — A 59-acre parcel of land along the Willamette River, once home to
Portland Foie Gras Ban Could Redefine City’s Ethical Dining Standards
Portland’s city council is set to debate a proposal that could significantly impact the city’s dining scene: a potential citywide ban on the sale of foie gras. The dish, made from the fatty liver of ducks or geese, has long been a fixture in fine dining but has come
Portland’s Push for Better Public Transportation and Infrastructure
Portland public transportation has always been a topic that sparks strong opinions. Some residents swear by the light rail and bus system, while others feel stuck in traffic, wondering why things haven’t improved faster. The city’s push for better infrastructure isn’t just about adding more buses or fixing potholes.
Football’s Magic Number: Why 10 Yards Means Everything
In football, the number 10 holds a significant place, impacting various aspects of the game from offensive play strategies to defensive positioning. This seemingly simple number plays an essential role, particularly when it comes to gaining a first down and dictating how teams approach their drives. While a single
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
Portland Bans AI Rent‑Setting Tools to Tackle Housing Costs
Portland’s City Council has taken a bold step in addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis by banning the use of AI-powered rent-setting tools. On November 19, 2025, the council voted 8–2 in favor of the ordinance, which prohibits landlords and property managers from using software that automatically determines rental
The Digital Detox Trend: Portland’s Guide to Travel Without Phones
Digital detox is gaining momentum across Portland, where wellness culture and outdoor access make unplugged travel not just possible, but popular. As screen fatigue and overstimulation reshape how residents think about rest, more locals are choosing to leave their phones behind and embrace intentional disconnection. Whether it’s a weekend
