The seismic shift ahead in Portland’s politics

Portland Winterhawks History-Making Draft Pick

The first American girl drafted to play for the Western Hockey League started practice last week with the Portland Winterhawks. Morgan Stickney, a 15-year-old high school sophomore from California, plays goalie and aspires to one day join the U.S. Olympic team. [KGW]

Seismic Shift in Portland Politics

This is the year that Portland will get a new form of government with the November election. The Oregonian’s Shane Dixon Kavanaugh makes some predictions about what might happen this year in city politics. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Pacific Northwest’s Clean Energy Advantage

As the power companies transition away from fossil fuels to wind and solar energy, the Pacific Northwest may have an easier time than elsewhere, according to a new report from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. There could still be hours of interruption in power. Possible solutions include more nuclear power or storing energy with batteries. [OPB]

Flavored Tobacco Ban Blocked

The Oregon Court of Appeals issued a last-minute hold on Multnomah County’s flavored tobacco ban before it could go into effect on Jan. 1. The industry’s legal appeal will move forward first. The county circuit court had previously ruled in favor of the county and its ban. Correction: Apologies for our error in not spotting the update before yesterday’s newsletter. [Willamette Week]

One of my favorite things about Portland is Mt. Hood, that massive glacier-covered volcanic peak that’s within view when the sun’s out.

It may seem like a strange time to offer this appreciation. It’s raining, and it is indeed the worst ski season in 34 years (at least so far), with conditions that seem more like the beginning of spring than the beginning of winter.

But despite the state of the snow, I enjoyed the chance to get outside over the holiday and take in a different view of the world, including of fog-covered valleys and the icy peak.

And speaking of views, catching sight of the mountain from the city can be pretty spectacular too.

When there’s a sun break, where do you like to catch the mountain peaks? (I think my favorite view is from the upper level of the Marquam on a sunny day.)

Where are your favorite places to see the mountain? Are you planning a jaunt to Mt. Hood soon?

It’s a new year, and we’re launching this new segment in the newsletter on the best and the worst of Portland.

Why 2024 Could Bring a Seismic Shift in Portland Politics

This is shaping up to be a transformative year for political leadership in Portland: By the end of 2024, we’ll have a new mayor, a new City Council, and even a whole new form of government. Shane Dixon Kavanaugh of the Oregonian makes some predictions about what might happen this year in city politics.