City Cast Portland
ICE arrests a Portland family seeking asylum
January 26, 2026
Good morning, Portland! There’s good news for local businesses from an unlikely ally: The Trump administration no longer classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug with “high abuse potential” and “no accepted medical use.” That comes with benefits to Oregon cannabis shops and other businesses. Now that they’re selling a Schedule III drug, they can write off business expenses — and save a ton of money.
What's CITY Talking About
ICE Arrests Portland Family With Legal Immigration Status
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a family in Portland earlier this month as the parents sought emergency medical care for their 7-year-old daughter. The Jan. 16 arrest took place at Adventist Health, less than 1,000 feet from the site where a Border Patrol agent shot a couple the previous week. It’s a notable arrest for multiple reasons: It may be the first time the Trump administration has detained an entire family in Oregon. The Venezuelan family also entered the U.S. legally and has a pending asylum case. [Oregonian]
Will Portland’s Star Athlete Weigh In on Gaza?
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija is the breakout player of the NBA season. He’s also the most famous Israeli athlete in the world, and with it, comes pressure to speak out against the Israeli government’s attacks on Gaza. Columnist Bill Oram defended Avdija’s continued right to say nothing, but also noted the high-profile athlete will be under increasing pressure to take a stand, especially if he makes the All-Stars as expected. [Oregonian]
If anyone is new to Portland and you just moved here in the winter, don’t worry. You’re gonna get sunlight till like 10 p.m. once the summer hits. Take advantage of that.
Portland Transplants Pop Off
Most Portlanders were originally from somewhere else, but recent transplants share their insights on the struggle to make friends, canceled plans, finding a favorite dive bar, and the Portland Queer scene. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
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PAM CUT Brings Film Back to the Museum!
PAM CUT @ The Whitsell is a new cinematic destination in the heart of the transformed Portland Art Museum. Coming up this weekend, we’ve got the surreal French film, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, on Saturday at 2 p.m. and the wild Czech New Wave film, Daisies, on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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Standing Up for a Safer Portland
When serious injuries or wrongful deaths occur, the impact reaches families and the wider community. D’Amore Law Group believes personal injury law is a tool for accountability and public safety. Led by veteran trial attorney Tom D’Amore, the firm takes on negligent parties and powerful corporations to drive real change and help make Portland safer.
What To Do
Monday, Jan. 26
- 🌭 Portland Mercury: Weiner Week | various locations
- 🎬 Studio Ghibli Film Festival: Howl’s Moving Castle | OMSI
- 🎙️ Austra in Concert | Mississippi Studios (Boise)
- 🎳 Industry Night | The People’s Courts (Madison South)
- 🧒 Kids Storytime Yoga (Ages 4-8) | Cedar Mill Library
Tuesday, Jan. 27
- 🎵 The 2026 Pacific Bridge Maui to Alaska Tour | Alberta Rose Theatre (Concordia)
- ✍️ Writers Social | Bold Coffee & Books (Goose Hollow)
- 🎶 Tuesday Night Jazz: Pete Krebs & Brent Martens | Négociant (Northwest District)
- 🎞️ The Lure | Clinton Street Theater
- 🌭 Portland Mercury: Weiner Week | various locations
🚚 Before you go: Oregon’s population decline may have halted. But one thing has endured for decades — we still get the most new residents from California.
— Rachel Monahan
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