Air conditioning, especially in the Willamette Valley, has become a public health necessity rather than a consumer preference, says Vivek Shandas.

This Friday is Juneteenth, and in the latest edition of THE BLACK BYLINE, author Donovan Scribes lays out the case for reparations for Black Oregonians: why we should do it, the progress that's already been made, and despite all the arguments against it, why it remains very feasible.

Street Roots' Juneteenth issue is out now! Read about how Oregonians are celebrating Juneteenth throughout the state, the woman who brought the first Juneteenth celebrations to Oregon over 50 years ago and more. Find a vendor near you to purchase this week's paper: streetroots.org/vendors#locate

If the “king of toxic masculinity” hates it, you’re probably onto something. A group of dads in England are turning “boys night out” into an opportunity to get better at some key parenting skills: ponytails and periods!

Becky Lange was the kind of person city leaders say Portland needs more of. What can the city learn from her life?

One of the oldest racist ideas about Black women is they are men. Enslavers deployed this idea to justify forcing Black women into the same heavy and backbreaking field labor as enslaved Black men. Today, racist theorists have used this idea to degrade prominent Black women, such as Michelle Obama.

It's going to be very hot in Portland this weekend. An extreme heat warning will be in effect from 11 am Sunday to 11 pm Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. On Monday, temperatures are forecasted to soar to 99 degrees.

Poison Waters, the Portland Gay Men’s and others honor the city’s most iconic drag queen with ribbon-cutting festivities.

Farmers Market season is so back. Here's your complete guide to the best spots to shop and explore in Portland this summer.

So you want to ignite a reading habit this summer. How do you get back into the groove? We talk to reading enthusiasts for their best tricks — like allowing yourself to read wherever, whenever. n.pr/3QzTVO6

Portland is seen as a safe-haven destination for many transgender and queer people searching for places that boast safer policies and robust community. Despite its generally welcoming reputation, LGBTQIA2S+ people in the county face care gaps in shelter, eviction support, and other vital resources.

In some cases, the new shuttle is the only way to access Portland’s city-owned forest without a car. https://theoregonian.visitlink.me/oEYlmk 

“Every kid is a library kid.” I cried my mascara off hearing @mychal3ts.bsky.social speak last night at an All Hands Raised fundraiser. Mychal, you are a national treasure. Thank you for making this library kid’s night. Now off to the library to pick up my latest holds! 📚🌈🦋

Defiance sounds beautiful.

Marsha "Pay It No Mind" Johnson was one of the most prominent leaders of the LGBTQ+ movement of the 60s and 70s. Her timeless guidance rings true today — our fights are interconnected. ❤️🫂🤝

Today is the start of Pride month. Take a trip back in time with us — not that long ago, when the fight looked different, but what we were fighting for was the same. We got us. We always have.

Happy Pride to all who celebrate. May this month remind you that you are seen, valued, and worthy of love exactly as you are. 🏳️‍🌈

In 2024, nearly half of U.S. households did not earn enough to cover their necessities. n.pr/4nTWPcA

The bridge connects the city’s east and west sides and has been the backdrop to countless protests and other community events over decades

When the Mister Rogers stamp first issued in 2018, the USPS ordered a print run of about 12 million — and they sold out “within just a few weeks.” In June, you’ll have a opportunity to get your hands on them again!

Poverty is a policy choice. Concentrated wealth is a policy choice. Inequality is a policy choice. None of it is natural or inevitable. Remember: We have the power to build a system that serves the many, not the powerful few.

This is what we need Dems to say, and what Dems need to say to win. These are the things most American voters want, which is above all an opposition party that will stand strong and fight fascism.

"A vote for me is a vote to abolish ICE." "A vote for me is a vote to close the camps where tens of thousands of people the regime abducted are captive without trial." "A vote for me is a vote to lower your healthcare premiums." "A vote for me is a vote to stop killing school kids abroad."

🖼️ GALLERY: Hundreds of people gathered in Gresham last Saturday for the opening of the brand new East County Library. The location has an imposing 95,000 square feet of space, which houses not just books but community rooms, youth spaces, audio equipment and more. 📸: Saskia Hatvany/OPB

For a new crop of novelists, optimism is not just a character trait — it’s the whole point.

I'm attending Black Voters Matter's event, “All Roads Lead to the South Rally” - sign up now to join me! #BlackVotersMatter www.mobilize.us/blackvotersm...

The Portland documentary filmmaker was known for telling stories of people struggling with addiction and poverty.

In the age of fast fashion, it can be hard to find garments that are both well constructed and made with quality materials. Here are four things a fashion expert checks before buying new clothes. n.pr/4eQBkHu

I was fortunate to cross paths with Brian and Cheryl through the local TEDx community in my early Portland years. My heart goes out to their family. 💔🕊️

Cayle Tern, a Reynolds School District board director and APANO civic engagement manager, died last week, leading to a flood of public condolences.

I often say that the fight for democracy is the fight of our generation. But let me be clear, if you aren’t fighting for Black voting rights right now then you aren’t really fighting for democracy.

The South is America's conscience. If you have ever wondered how you would have stood up against Jim Crow segregation, your time is now. blackpowerwarroom.com/dayofaction/

The Portland women's day shelter raised around $195,000 for guest services.

Over 60% of women who have abortions are already mothers, and they are making that decision in the best interest of their existing children. Happy Mother’s Day.

It’s time. Meet in Selma. Saturday, May 16th. blackpowerwarroom.com/dayofaction/

For the second year in a row, women incarcerated at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility are joining other incarcerated parents and those experiencing homelessness in being paired with local singer-songwriters to write lullabies for their children.

"To all the healers, planners, conveners, and others who create spaces for people to gather, reflect, learn, strategize, build community, and find strength to fight inequity and injustice, thank you for your work. It is critical. Take care of yourself as you take care of others." bit.ly/4drVR3G

I don't only think that college should be FREE but I think young people should also receive living stipends while in school. Finally, I do not care what they major in because education needs to actually BE DECOUPLED from a future job. You are welcome. You should have 4 years to study anything.

The May 3 event — 5/03, naturally — lasted five hours and three minutes.

So happy to see Krista get her flowers! She's a harbinger of joy in Portland, and I love mall walking. 🤩🕺🌈

Hundreds of people gathered in Portland’s South Park Blocks downtown Friday afternoon to draw attention to May Day, as rallies unfolded across the state and the nation. 📷: Sophia Cossette and Beth Nakamura

503 Day is a totally real holiday (at least since 2025). What started as a joke by City Cast Portland has transformed into a block party celebrating all things Portland. This year's festivities will include Karaoke From Hell, a beer garden, and a variety show.

Portland organizations and residents gathered at along SW Park Avenue for May Day demonstrations.

Spread the word! ICE out of Portland May Day Strike is set for Friday May 1st! Share online, join the mobilize: www.mobilize.us/mobilize/eve...

The city is asking the public to take an online survey to help determine where the bronze sculpture should live.

May 1st is International Workers Day! National day of action: no school, shopping, or work. We the workers out number the ruling class We demand: Tax the rich No ICE No war No private army serving authoritarian power Expand democracy Hands off our vote www.indivisibleor.org/events/may-d...

In these dark, sad, enraging times, we must turn to poetry, to music, to arts in all its manifestations. We must write and cook and dance all while imagining what is possible in radical hope. We must love as we fight, strategize, and organize. The world necessitates beauty and struggle. #resist

I think my 90th essay at my newsletter is one of my best there. A meditation on cooperative power versus violence, with detours on Iran/Vance/Orban/Swalwell, and a zen ending, literally.

Workers at an Amazon fulfillment center in Troutdale, Oregon, said they were told to keep working as a colleague lay dying on the floor. “Just turn around and not look. Let’s get back to work,” Sam recalled the manager saying.