WE PNW

Three Democrats, One Powerful Office: Who Will Lead Multnomah County and Why This Election Matters for Portland

Shannon Singleton leads the Multnomah County chair race with 56.48% of the vote after ranked-choice transfers. Her opponents, Julia Brim-Edwards and Sharon Meieran, are also Democrats. But their approaches to managing public spending, addressing homelessness and holding social service providers accountable reveal significant differences within the same political party.

Overnight I-5 Closures Scheduled in Tigard, Portland and Wilsonville

ODOT has published dates for replacing overhead message signs.

Portland Approves $8 Event Parking in Part of Eliot

The change covers designated Zone V spaces while the Lloyd Event District is active.

Clark County Voters Back Eight of Nine Charter Amendments

Term limits for county councilors, new tax-voting requirements, independent audits and housing impact reviews are among the proposed changes receiving majority support. One measure to revise the citizen initiative process is trailing. Ballot counting continues, and the results have not yet been certified.

2026 Election Results in the Pacific Northwest: Early Returns from Oregon, Washington and Portland

Voting ended on November 3, but ballot counting continues. Tina Kotek has won reelection as Oregon governor, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has secured another term representing Southwest Washington in Congress, and voters in Portland and Clark County are awaiting final results on key local measures. Nationally, Democrats have also won control of both chambers of the incoming U.S. Congress.

Tina Kotek Wins Reelection as Oregon Governor: What Her Victory Means for the State

The Democratic incumbent has secured a second four-year term, defeating Republican Christine Drazan in a closely watched rematch. Despite concerns about housing affordability, homelessness, public education and the economy, Oregon voters have chosen to continue under the current administration.

2026 Oregon and Portland election results: governor, City Council and U.S. Senate

November 3 election returns for Oregon governor, Portland City Council and Measure 26-267. Tina Kotek leads the early count, and AP calls the U.S. Senate for Democrats.

Elections 2026: What's on the November 3 Ballot, and What Could Change in Portland and Vancouver?

On November 3, voters across Oregon and Washington are choosing members of Congress, state and local officials, and the outcome of ballot measures that could shape government spending and public services. Portland has 33 candidates competing for six City Council seats. Across the Columbia River, Clark County voters face major decisions about jail expansion, public safety funding and property taxes. Here's what is at stake across the Pacific Northwest.

Portland budget update adds funds for career training and tax reserve

The City of Portland says its fall budget update adds $600,000 for pre-apprenticeship programs and $2.5 million toward a business tax revenue reserve.

Vancouver agrees to shift $2 million from annexation budget

Vancouver officials agreed Monday to shift roughly $2 million set aside for annexation-related work, The Columbian reported. The proposed budget change would support public safety and park maintenance and help offset future deficits.

Camas sets Nov. 16 hearing on 2027 property tax levy

Camas residents can speak in person or send written comments before the hearing concludes.

Camas Sets Nov. 16 Hearing on 6% Utility Tax Levy

Camas residents can attend in person or remotely and submit written comments before the hearing ends.

Portland offers tips to cut holiday food waste

The city’s suggestions include scaling recipes, checking supplies before shopping and putting leftovers to use.

Multnomah County Votes on Fleet Emissions Path to 2050

The County says its commissioners approved a fleet strategy on Oct. 29, with emissions milestones for 2035 and 2040 and a 2050 transition goal.

Repair efforts connect Keizer cafes and Clark County program

Repair efforts highlighted in OPB’s Nov. 2 item connect volunteer repair cafes in Keizer with a Clark County thrift-store program.

Clark County elections office in Vancouver will stay open until 8 p.m. on Election Day

The county lists longer hours for Tuesday at its Franklin Street office. Ballot drop sites close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Study finds half of residents in the district that includes Clark County fall below economic security threshold

The Columbian’s account of an Urban Institute report puts the share at one in two across the district, with health coverage costs and loan delinquencies among the reported measures.

Vancouver law firm challenges charges for remote Skamania court hearings

The Columbian says a Vancouver firm is challenging charges tied to remote court appearances and wants collection stopped.

Clark County election officials prepare for Nov. 3 after statewide guidance

The Columbian reported on election preparations and a guide sent to county offices ahead of Washington’s Nov. 3 midterms.

Portland Sets Aside Fund for Future PFAS-Free Fire Gear

The Oct. 28 vote sets up a savings account and a process for tracking when PFAS-free protective gear may be available.

Plan Ahead for Clark County Auto Licensing Service Interruption, The Columbian Reports

The Columbian reported a two-day interruption in service; regular hours and the office address may help visitors plan another trip.

The Columbian: Tracy Noblit found a shelter room after losing her housing

The Columbian’s account follows Tracy Noblit from sleeping outside to a shelter room, amid high eviction rates in Clark County.

KOIN Forecast: Mostly Dry Halloween for Portland Metro

KOIN meteorologist Steve Pierce says the Portland metro should stay mostly dry for Halloween, with only a brief sprinkle possible.

The Columbian: Vancouver approves $7.94 million Chkalov Drive contract

The Columbian says Vancouver approved a $7.94 million contract this week for work at a city facility on Chkalov Drive.

ICE Arrests in Vancouver: What Vehicle License Plate Checks Reveal

The University of Washington Center for Human Rights provided WE PNW with information about seven cases in Washington and Oregon. In several incidents, federal agencies checked vehicle registration records shortly before immigration arrests.

Sergey Briksa to perform near Portland on November 14 during his 60th birthday tour

Portland Safe Rest Village survey finds concerns with complaint handling

KOIN reports that the city survey found both positive experiences and concerns about staff responses, involuntary exits and grievance handling.

ICE Drops Plans for Newport Detention Center, but Federal Authorities Could Revisit the Project

Following a legal dispute with Oregon officials, the federal government says it has no current plans to open or expand immigration detention facilities anywhere in the state. A settlement requires advance notice if the Newport proposal moves forward again, but it does not permanently prohibit construction.

Portland Sets October 22 Start for NW 16th Bike-Lane Work, City Says

City of Portland says work begins Oct. 22 and may bring brief delays, dust, noise and bike detours for about a month.

Daytime Lane Closures Set for Morrison Bridge Oct. 19–23

Multnomah County says one lane in each direction will close during daytime repair work from Oct. 19 to 23, with minor delays expected and freeway access maintained.

The Columbian: Vancouver office leases average $29.80 per square foot

The Columbian reports that Vancouver’s average office lease is $29.80 per square foot annually, with local businesses citing amenities, quality of life and the waterfront as draws.

The Guardian: New Zealand Glacier Loss Could Reach 100% by 2100

The Guardian says New Zealand’s glaciers could lose most or all of their volume by 2100 under a high-emissions climate scenario. Its account of a new national assessment also describes rising temperatures and greenhouse-gas concentrations.

NPR: Netanyahu disputes report of pre-Oct. 7 warnings

NPR reports that Netanyahu disputes accounts of warnings about possible Hamas attacks before Oct. 7, 2023, and has sued the outlets that published them. WE PNW has not independently verified these findings.

BBC: Nir Oz rebuilds, with full reopening still years away

BBC reports that Nir Oz has begun repairing homes, but the community’s full reopening is still about two years away.

Two ships hit by drones off Bulgaria; one sinks

BBC reports that 15 crew from the Chelsea-3 were rescued, while 11 people remained missing after a second vessel sank. Bulgaria’s prime minister said responsibility was not established.

Multnomah County warns of thousands of nails on S.W. 257th Avenue

Multnomah County says thousands of nails have made a section of S.W. 257th Avenue hazardous, prompting a cleanup by three local road crews.

Hunger Strike at Georgia ICE Detention Center Grows to an Estimated 500 Participants

A protest connected to complaints first raised by 14 Russian-speaking asylum seekers has reportedly expanded to hundreds of detainees at the Folkston ICE Processing Center. Families and legal advocates describe prolonged detention, difficult living conditions and growing frustration over immigration proceedings.

Oregon Governor Steps Into Portland’s Debate Over Closing Up to 14 Schools

Nearly 8,000 students could be affected by proposed changes to Portland’s public schools. Parents are protesting, district leaders say the current system is becoming too expensive to maintain, and now Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has weighed in. She has not called for the closures to be canceled, but she is urging the district not to rush decisions that could reshape thousands of families’ lives.

Driver Hits Child After Failing to Stop for School Bus in Battle Ground

Clark County deputies cited the motorist after an elementary pupil was struck during a morning bus pickup. The sheriff's office reported minor injuries.

The Columbian forecasts sunny, mild afternoons this week

The Columbian’s Weather Eye column forecasts sunny, mild afternoons and a gradual warmup toward the weekend.

The Guardian: IMF points to AI market concentration and financial risks

The Guardian reports that the IMF sees a cluster of AI-market, government borrowing and cyber risks to financial stability. WE PNW has not independently verified these findings.

BBC: Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen in ‘Primetime’

BBC says Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen in Primetime, a film the real-life host has criticized as “bizarre” and “detached from reality.”

Portland Police Bureau reports fatal Northeast Airport Way crash

City of Portland says 25-year-old Timmy Gogol died after a crash on Northeast Airport Way; the bureau cites speed and alcohol impairment as factors.

City of Portland Sets No Ivy Day for Oct. 24

City of Portland says volunteers can help remove ivy at sites across the metro area, with park activities and a crafting workshop also planned.

Five Portland housing projects selected for clean-energy awards

The City of Portland says five selected projects could deliver 327 affordable homes, with solar, insulation and efficient heating and cooling among the planned upgrades.

The Guardian: Seven UK diplomats to remain at East Jerusalem mission

The Guardian reports Britain will keep seven diplomats at the East Jerusalem site under a new designation, even as Israel says the consulate is closed.

OPB: FAFSA rules can complicate aid for students without family support

A young Portland State student’s experience highlights how FAFSA rules can leave students without family support facing barriers to aid, OPB reports.

Oregon lawmakers plan January bill to ban AI plate reader cameras

Oregon representatives Willy Chotzen and Alek Skarlatos say they plan to introduce a statewide ban in January, as concerns persist over who can access license plate data.

The Columbian: Weak system brings light Friday rain

The Columbian’s Weather Eye column reports light rain in the area Friday morning.

ODOT seeks input on possible Dayton roundabout

ODOT is collecting feedback through Oct. 25 on a possible roundabout at OR 18 and OR 233; construction has no funding or schedule.

Portland sets $105,000 for cultural sponsorships in 2026–27

The city says applications open Oct. 14 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until FY 2026–27 funds are gone.

ODOT plans nighttime ADA curb-ramp work in Astoria

ODOT says nighttime work will bring pedestrian detours and construction noise, while nearby businesses are expected to remain accessible.

ODOT: Expect a closed exit and 50 mph limit on I-84 near Ontario

ODOT says a westbound exit near Ontario is closed during paving, while drivers face shifted lanes and a 50 mph limit on this stretch of I-84.

Cornelius Pass Road is open again at Rock Creek

ODOT says traffic has returned after the Rock Creek crossing was replaced; crews still have work ahead.

Clark County invites input on parks and trails through Nov. 1

Clark County says residents can weigh in by Nov. 1 on priorities for parks, trails and natural areas.

City of Portland: Oasis Day Center draws about 230 people a day

The city says roughly 230 people visit the center on a typical day. Its account also follows Michelle from living in her car to working there as a care coordinator.

City of Portland Sets Aerial Tram Evacuation Drill for Sunday

The City of Portland says the drill is set for Sunday morning, with no street closures planned and the Hooley Pedestrian Bridge remaining open.

Nearly 1,600 volunteers take part in Seattle’s annual day of service

Seattle’s annual volunteer day brought nearly 1,600 people into projects across the city, while transportation crews reported removing more than five tons of debris.

Interstate Bridge Replacement Program: Coast Guard allows fixed span

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program says the Coast Guard’s Jan. 16 decision keeps the proposed fixed-span replacement on track and opens the way to cost, schedule and design work.

Two major fires hit northeast Portland within six hours; no injuries reported

Portland Fire & Rescue says everyone was safely outside after the Hazelwood apartment fire, and crews kept a second blaze from reaching nearby homes.

ODOT says Rose Quarter I-5 work finished ahead of schedule

The five-week closure ended ahead of schedule, but overnight lane and local street restrictions will continue into spring, ODOT said.

Portland outlines pumpkin and leaf composting rules

City of Portland guidance covers curbside composting for some homes, pumpkin preparation and limits for carts and extra yard waste bags.

Portland’s middle-housing analysis earns 2026 planning honor

Portland says its award-winning report counted more than 1,400 permitted middle-housing units and compared their sale prices with single-family homes.

Portland plans daytime drainage work on N Greeley Avenue

City of Portland says drainage work starts Oct. 12, with intermittent daytime restrictions for traffic and path users.

Overnight paving to close NE 122nd Avenue for four nights

PBOT says overnight closures will affect the stretch between NE Halsey Street and NE Broadway while crews complete the corridor’s final paving phase.