City Cast Portland
😲 Withdrawn open carry proposal for Portland City Council
February 23, 2026 · — Rachel Monahan
Good morning, Portland! We love them — and they leave us. I’m thinking of beloved Portland restaurants here. Today we’re taking a minute to mourn the spots that we wish were still among us — including Paley’s Place, Pastificio d’Oro, and La Moule 🎧
What's DC Talking About
Open Carry for Portland City Councilors?
After anti-ICE protesters shut down City Council last week, Councilor Loretta Smith floated a new proposal that would allow councilors to carry a firearm openly. “It’s a defensive mechanism,” Smith told OPB. “If people know that you’re a serious person and you’re going to protect yourself they’re not going to be as quick to mess with you.” Smith also says she has never carried a firearm. Oregon law allows people with permits to carry a weapon in public buildings under most circumstances, so long as it’s concealed. [OPB]
- Related: But by Friday evening, Smith’s staff said she wouldn’t pursue the open carry ordinance, which had sparked outrage among some, including protesters. [Portland Mercury]
Oregon AG Lawsuit Overturned Trump’s Tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned President Trump’s wide-ranging tariffs, ruling 6-to-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act didn’t grant Trump the authority to impose what amounted to a hidden tax on Americans. Oregon and Arizona took the lead in filing the case last April on behalf of a dozen states. "The Supreme Court made it clear that no President gets to levy taxes on Americans disguised as tariffs," Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. [KGW]
The Measles Cases Are Officially an Outbreak
Oregon health officials have identified five cases of measles, though there could be more. It’s officially an outbreak, because there are more cases than should be expected. Health officials are now tracking the cases more closely to prevent further spread. They’re also monitoring wastewater, which serves as a warning sign for the spread of disease; currently, Multnomah County is showing the highest concentration of measles by that measure. [KOIN]
- Related: Vaccines are highly effective at preventing measles. OHSU’s Richmond clinic is offering a free vaccine clinic Wednesday evening and Thursday morning aimed at getting school-age children up-to-date on vaccines. [KOIN]
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What To Do
Monday, Feb. 23
- 🖼️ Now What Remains: A Portland Collage Exhibition (last day) | Alberta Street Gallery
- 🌲 Forest Pub Concert: Elderflora — Lifecycle of a Tree | McMenamins Mission Theater (Northwest District)
- 🍛 PDX Curry Week (through March 1) | various locations
- 😂 Laugh Basement Stand-Up Comedy Showcase | The Goodfoot (Laurelhurst)
Tuesday, Feb. 24
- 🎬 Studio Ghibli Film Festival: The Wind Rises | OMSI
- 🎷 Tuesday Night Jazz: Pete Krebs & Brent Martens | Négociant (Northwest District)
- 🎵 Fox Stevenson | Hawthorne Theatre
- 📒 Make Your Own Sketchbook | IPRC Print Studios (Buckman)
Wednesday, Feb. 25
- 📖 BIPOC Reading Series | Literary Arts (Buckman)
- 🚲 Bike Happy Hour | Migration Brewing (Boise)
- 🁐 Cigars, Dominos & Music | Alberta Street Pub
🔍 Investigation grows: Former Oregon congresswoman and current Trump administration Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer was already under investigation for a possible sexual relationship with a member of her security detail and for taking staff to strip clubs and drinking on the job, as well as using taxpayer dollars for personal travel.
But last week, the New York Times revealed that her husband, local anesthesiologist Dr. Shawn DeRemer, is now barred from visiting the U.S. Labor Department headquarters after two female staffers reported that he sexually assaulted them.
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