Portland

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.

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.
Portland Council Incumbents Lead as Voters Lean Against Measure 26-267
November 5 update: all six council incumbents continue to lead in preliminary tabulations. The original November 4 report, including Measure 26-267 results, is preserved below.

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.
Portland offers tips to cut holiday food waste
The city’s suggestions include scaling recipes, checking supplies before shopping and putting leftovers to use.
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.

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.

SUV Ends Up on MAX Light Rail Tracks in North Portland

Sergey Briksa to perform near Portland on November 14 during his 60th birthday tour
Portland Police Report 44 Arrests and Citations in Operations Against Sexual Exploitation
PORTLAND, OREGON — October 29, 2026.
Portland City Council Unanimously Bans Concealed Handguns in Certain Municipal Buildings
PORTLAND, OREGON — October 29, 2026.

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.

Portland to Discuss Chemical Agents and Immigration Policy at Public City Council Meeting
Portland city officials will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 29, to discuss the use of chemical agents and the city's immigration policies.

New I-5 Bridge Between Vancouver and Portland Faces Legal Challenge
Iron Partners wants the Columbia River bridge design reconsidered. The company says the proposed fixed span could restrict shipments of oversized industrial cargo, while project officials say the design would end bridge lifts and improve travel between Washington and Oregon.

About 800 Portland City Workers Prepare for November 9 Strike as Contract Talks Stall Again
The City of Portland and the City of Portland Professional Workers Union remain at odds after unsuccessful negotiations on November 4. A strike could affect technical support for 911, emergency coordination and other municipal operations. One more mediation session is scheduled for November 8 before the planned walkout.

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.

From Airport Carpet to Sold-Out Fleece: Columbia Turns Portland's Iconic PDX Pattern Into a Fashion Hit
Travelers once simply walked across it. Then they began photographing it, buying souvenirs featuring its design, and protesting when it was replaced. Now Columbia Sportswear has brought Portland International Airport's famous teal carpet pattern to a limited-edition fleece — and the style has completely sold out, the company confirmed directly to WE PNW.

Amazon Wants to Deliver Packages by Drone in Portland. City Leaders Want to Slow Down First.

Portland Is a Sanctuary City. Why Is ICE Still Making Arrests, and Are Local Police Cooperating?
Federal immigration enforcement continues across Portland and its surrounding communities despite the city's sanctuary status. Immigration advocates reported 129 detentions associated primarily with Oregon during September and the first 12 days of October. WE PNW examines where the arrests occurred, who has been affected, and whether police in Portland and neighboring Vancouver, Washington, cooperate with federal immigration agents.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reports of Increased ICE Enforcement Stir Concern Around Portland Metro
Local outlets and immigrant-rights groups report increased immigration enforcement activity around the Portland metro area this week. WE PNW found no fresh confirmed reports from Vancouver, Washington or Clark County as of publication.

Portland Could Close 14 Schools. Nearly 8,000 Students Could Have to Move.
Portland Public Schools is weighing plans that could close 11 or 14 schools and require thousands of K–8 students to move. Families are pushing back before a December vote.

I-5: The Traffic Armageddon Never Happened
Portland and Vancouver adapted to the Rose Quarter closure. Delays remain, but the worst predictions have not materialized—and reopening is approaching.

Portland Planned for Growth. Now It Must Decide What to Do With Schools It May No Longer Need
PPS is considering closing 11 or 14 schools as enrollment declines. The debate reaches beyond budgets to the future of neighborhood communities.

Portland Public Schools Weighs Closing Up to 14 Schools
Two proposed “rightsizing” scenarios would close 11 or 14 schools and reshape boundaries and programs across Oregon’s largest school district.

I-5 Closure Is Slowing Portland Commutes — But Traffic Has Stabilized
Travel times near the Rose Quarter are running as much as 2.5 times longer than normal as the five-week southbound closure continues.