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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) filed a federal lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Corrections, alleging the systematic denial of religious accommodations for three Muslim inmates. The lawsuit claims that these inmates were not provided halal meals or allowed to celebrate Eid, while other religious groups received such accommodations.
Mary Lou Cook works to ensure individuals can afford service animals, emphasizing that everything is "pawsible." Her efforts aim to increase accessibility for those in need of service animals. Viewers can watch her story by clicking the video link.
The City of Portland has officially transitioned the operations of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village shelter site to Urban Alchemy, effective July 1, 2025. Urban Alchemy, recognized for its trauma-informed approach, aims to enhance support for Portlanders experiencing homelessness. The partnership reflects the city's ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion and effective collaboration.
Portland International Airport is undergoing a $2 billion renovation, with Phase 1 completed in August 2024 and Phase 2 expected by December 2025. Travelers should allow extra time for detours and changes due to ongoing construction, which includes new amenities and a total of 24 new retailers. The airport currently offers 70 nonstop flights, including 59 domestic and 11 international destinations.
Oregon's minimum wage increased by 30 cents on July 1, marking the smallest hike in a decade. The new rates are $15.05 for the standard rate, $16.30 for the Portland Metro area, and $14.05 for nonurban counties. This adjustment reflects the ongoing indexing to inflation based on the Consumer Price Index.
One person died following a shooting in Downtown Portland on Tuesday afternoon, and a suspect has been arrested. The incident occurred near the Central Library, prompting road closures and disruptions to public transit in the area. Authorities confirmed no ongoing public safety threat.
The Oregon Department of Justice reported a 276% increase in engagement with the Sanctuary Promise Hotline, with 128 reports made from June 2024 to May 2025. The rise in reports includes 34 formal complaints about potential violations of sanctuary laws and a notable 300% increase in alerts from public bodies regarding federal immigration agency requests.
Portland's Street Services Coordination Center (SSCC) reported 64 shelter referrals for people experiencing homelessness last week, with 46 accepted and 23 utilizing beds. The SSCC, which collaborates with multiple city agencies, removed 177 campsites posing health and safety risks during the same period.
Urban Forestry will implement a fully online Tree Removal & Replanting Permit Application process starting July 1, 2025. Applicants using DevHub will no longer need to download and upload PDFs, streamlining the application process. Minor content changes include the removal of site plans and photos as requirements.
Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services announced rate and fee increases effective July 1, 2025, to fund essential services including water and sewer operations. The increases aim to maintain the safety and sustainability of city infrastructure. Residents can expect more details on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and its implications.