Want to buy an REI?

Local Leaders Push Back on New Threat to Sanctuary Cities

Despite a new Trump executive order threatening to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions, state and city leaders say local policies won't change. OPB reports Mayor Keith Wilson said, “Portland stands unwavering in its commitment to sanctuary policies," and Gov. Kotek said the state “will not be bullied to deport people or perform immigration enforcement.” [OPB]

The Best Oregon Books of the Year

Literary Arts announced the winners of the 2025 Oregon Book Awards this week. Kimberly King Parsons's novel "We Were the Universe" won the top fiction award, Rebecca Clarren's book "The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance" won for general nonfiction, and charity e. yoro's "ten-cent flower & other territories" won for poetry. [Literary Arts]

Want To Buy an REI?

Outdoor enthusiasts were left shaking their heads when Portland's sole REI Co-op store closed last year, especially because the company blamed the closure on persistent retail theft and break-ins (REI subsequently opened a new Beaverton location). Now the building on N.W. Johnson is up for auction. [Oregonian 🔒]

Portland's Ultimate Icons

With the 503 Day block party — and the Portland Icons Costume Contest — just three days away, the City Cast Portland team is digging into our city's most memorable icons. From the Unipiper and Darcelle XV, to rain pants and free piles, these are the things that make Portland truly iconic. [City Cast Portland 🎧]