Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Weather Poses Risk to I-5 Rose Quarter Closure Timeline in Portland

Weather Poses Risk to I-5 Rose Quarter Closure Timeline in Portland

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has acknowledged that weather conditions could impact the five-week Interstate 5 Rose Quarter closure timeline in Portland. The southbound closure is scheduled to begin on September 11. ODOT officials have stated that while crews have developed a detailed, hour-by-hour work plan with contingency measures, weather remains an uncontrollable risk. David Kim, ODOT’s project delivery manager, indicated that if adverse weather conditions arise, additional contingency plans might be necessary, and the public would be informed through a joint information center. Despite this, ODOT's primary goal is to complete the work within the five-week timeframe and reopen I-5 as soon as possible.
1Weather 1Weather
Fall Storms Bring Rain Relief to Fire-Ravaged Northwest

Fall Storms Bring Rain Relief to Fire-Ravaged Northwest

The first fall storms are soaking the Pacific Northwest with much-needed rain through Friday, offering potential relief from a historically severe wildfire season. Seattle and Portland could receive 1–2 inches, while heavier rain is expected along the coast, Olympic Peninsula and Cascades. A Level 1 flash flood threat covers parts of eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Idaho, with thunderstorms, hail and strong winds possible. Rain, cooler temperatures and higher humidity could help slow wildfire growth and aid containment.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
SWAT Vehicle Rams Tractor During Standoff with Gunman in Oregon

SWAT Vehicle Rams Tractor During Standoff with Gunman in Oregon

A dramatic standoff unfolded south of Portland, Oregon, involving Erik Gordon Shunn, 53, who allegedly engaged in a shooting spree targeting tree workers before confronting authorities. According to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Shunn fired over 200 rounds during the incident. A CCSO drone captured video showing Shunn firing at the aircraft. During the standoff, Shunn was observed using a tractor to knock down trees, seemingly attempting to create a barricade. Authorities made the decision to ram Shunn's tractor with a SWAT vehicle when he became separated from his rifle while driving near his home. This action was taken to safely apprehend Shunn, as SWAT personnel believed it presented the best opportunity. Shunn was treated for injuries before being taken to a local hospital for evaluation. No other injuries were reported, including to Shunn's mother, who was also at the home.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Portland Officials and Business Lobby Clash Over Waterfront Festival Fees Amid Budget Shortfall

Portland Officials and Business Lobby Clash Over Waterfront Festival Fees Amid Budget Shortfall

A dispute has emerged between Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Andrew Hoan, president and CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber, regarding the fees charged to waterfront festivals like the Portland Rose Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival. The Chamber requested a two-year waiver of permitting fees from the city's parks bureau, citing the festivals' significant economic activity and their struggle to remain financially viable. Mayor Wilson, however, offered only partial relief for 2026, reducing fees by 50% for both festivals, but stated that full waivers are not sustainable due to the city's $160 million general fund deficit. The Chamber argues that the city is reneging on prior commitments made during the 2025 state legislative session concerning fee relief, a claim Mayor Wilson denies. The festivals, which bring millions of people downtown and generate substantial economic activity, are facing increased operating costs and declining attendance, making the city's fees a critical point of contention.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Judge Denies Immediate Recount for Portland Police Ballot Initiative

Federal Judge Denies Immediate Recount for Portland Police Ballot Initiative

A federal judge in Oregon has denied an immediate recount for a ballot measure that aimed to divert money from Portland's climate fund to local police. The initiative, led by the 'Safer Portland' campaign, failed to meet the 40,437-signature minimum required to qualify for the November ballot, as ruled by Portland elections officials on August 4. Safer Portland subsequently sued, alleging discrimination and requesting an emergency recount of the signatures. However, U.S. District Judge Michael Simon denied these requests, stating that the initiative's supporters lacked evidence that Portland elections workers deviated from state election laws. Deborah Scroggin, who manages Portland's elections division, viewed the decision as a vindication, asserting that Portland City Elections followed the law and accurately reported the result.
Trendline Trendline
Romancing Portland Festival to Celebrate Romance Literature, Driven by BookTok Popularity

Romancing Portland Festival to Celebrate Romance Literature, Driven by BookTok Popularity

Romancing Portland Festival to Celebrate Romance Literature, Driven by BookTok Popularity
AP News AP News
Fall Movie Preview: In an AI world, Laika makes handmade wonders — and 'Wildwood'

Fall Movie Preview: In an AI world, Laika makes handmade wonders — and 'Wildwood'

In an increasingly AI world, the stop-motion animation studio Laika is trying to keep handmade craft alive
SB Nation SB Nation
Orioles minor league recap 9/3: Aloy homers twice, Bautista continues rehab

Orioles minor league recap 9/3: Aloy homers twice, Bautista continues rehab

Also, Dzierwa was back on the mound for Chesapeake, and he put forth his second straight laborious outing.
Trendline Trendline
Lance Fisher Fishing Offers Year-Round Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon Charters in Pacific Northwest

Lance Fisher Fishing Offers Year-Round Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon Charters in Pacific Northwest

Lance Fisher Fishing Offers Year-Round Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon Charters in Pacific Northwest
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Native American Tribes Launch $1.7 Million Project to Develop New Timber Markets and Reduce Wildfire Risk

Native American Tribes Launch $1.7 Million Project to Develop New Timber Markets and Reduce Wildfire Risk

The Intertribal Timber Council and Sustainable Northwest are spearheading a $1.7 million project to assist Native American tribes in developing new markets for small diameter logs, brush, and other overlooked wood. This initiative aims to address the accumulation of these materials, which contribute to wildfire fuel, while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for tribal communities. The funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. Cal Mukumoto, Executive Director of the Intertribal Timber Council, stated that a new 'wood and biomass hub' will offer technical expertise to help tribes attract capital and establish new timber businesses. The hub will be located in Portland at the ITC, which was founded 50 years ago. The project will initially focus on three pilot tribes in the Pacific Northwest, with the goal of establishing business ventures within five years and expanding the model nationally.
1Weather 1Weather
Cooler Weather and Rain Expected in Oregon This Week

Cooler Weather and Rain Expected in Oregon This Week

A significant shift in weather is expected across Oregon as a cooler airmass moves inland starting Monday night (August 31, 2026). Cloud cover will dominate Tuesday, leading to a much cooler day with high temperatures ranging from 70-75°F (21-24°C). While most areas will remain dry, a few sprinkles are possible. A strong cold front will arrive Wednesday afternoon, bringing widespread steady rainfall and gusty southerly winds. This marks the first substantial rainfall of the season, with forecast models predicting at least an inch of rain in the I-5 corridor, including Portland, Salem, and Eugene, and several inches in the mountains. The weather will remain cool and showery through the Labor Day weekend, with a chance of thunderstorms on Thursday due to an unstable airmass.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Portland Police Identify Victim in Fatal Forest Avenue Hit-and-Run

Portland Police Identify Victim in Fatal Forest Avenue Hit-and-Run

Portland Police have identified Nichele Roakes, 57, of Portland, as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on Forest Avenue. The incident took place on August 24 at approximately 9:18 p.m., near the entrance road to Hannaford, while Roakes was crossing the street on foot. Witnesses reported that she was struck by a dark-colored pickup truck, the driver of which failed to stop and was last seen heading towards downtown. As of Monday, police have not released any new information regarding the driver or the suspect vehicle beyond its description. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information, including surveillance, dashcam, or doorbell video from the area at the time of the crash.