🎓 Months short of a PhD, PSU student forced to flee

Emergency for Salmon Fishing

Gov. Tina Kotek, Oregon's congressional delegation, and the state’s commercial fishing industry are all asking the Trump administration for an emergency declaration and financial support after last year’s low haul of Chinook salmon. It’s the seventh time in 10 years they’re seeking this help as they face the impacts of climate change. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

First Student Goes Public on Losing Visa

A top student just months away from earning his Ph.D. at Portland State was among those whose visas have been canceled without explanation in recent weeks. Abdul Almutairi, a physics student researching fusion, opted to return to Kuwait. [Oregonian 🔒]

Attack of the Oaks Bottom Birders

On the midweek roundup, bird-watchers who love Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge are up in arms over a plan to add a brightly lit 135-foot ride to the neighboring Oaks Park amusement park. They’re also expressing concern about a new apartment complex near the refuge. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Low-Income Housing Lottery Open

For the first time in two years, local housing authority Home Forward has opened up its waitlists. There's steep competition for the low-income housing funded with federal housing vouchers, and up to 3,000 people will be chosen by lottery if they submit applications by next Monday at 11:59 p.m. [Oregonian]

By now, you've likely heard about 503 Day. It's the totally real holiday we dreamed up to celebrate everything we love about Portland. Perhaps you've already signed up to attend.

As part of our 503 Day block party on Saturday, May 3, we’ll be hosting a fun competition:

A Portland Icons Costume Contest!

The Portland Icons Costume Contest will be held live on stage. It's simple.

• 👗 Dress as a Portland Icon
• 😅 Stand on stage
• 🎤 Get judged by hilarious local celebs
• 🏆 Win stuff!

Who or What Counts as a 'Portland Icon'?

People, places, or things that represent our city. Bridges. Authors. Buildings. Tonya Harding. Use your imagination! If you have to awkwardly get on mic and explain your costume, that's fine too.

The Fine Print

• Keep it family-friendly. There will be kids around.
• Limited to 15 contestants, first-come basis using our submission form.
• Contest begins at 3 p.m. sharp. Be downtown at Ankeny Alley and ready by 2:30 p.m.
• Not dressing up? Come cheer! It's more fun with a crowd.

Sign Up Today!

The deadline to enter is Friday, April 25. We need your name, email, and what you're planning to wear.

Do you want more details on the contest? Check out this article.

📲 Your Turn

Portland icons could be everyone and everything from Herman The Sturgeon to former Mayor Vera Katz to the St. Johns Bridge.

Who or what do you think of as the most iconic Portland icons? What costumes do you hope to see up on the 503 Day stage? I’ll share your suggestions for anyone who is entering the contest.