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Good morning, Portland! It's gonna be another cold yet suspiciously sunny day today, but we're in for a pattern shift and could see snow tomorrow. Seriously though, it's freaking cold out, and emergency warming shelters will be open in Multnomah County through at least this afternoon (I suspect that will be extended, as it's barely supposed to get above freezing tomorrow). TriMet won't turn away passengers headed to warming shelters for lack of fare during the cold weather emergency.
Let's get to the news!
IN LOCAL NEWS:
• More on the weather: Portland could get up to half an inch of snow starting tonight into tomorrow morning. But forecasts look more favorable for freezing rain across most of the Willamette Valley, which could continue for most of tomorrow. If you have any big (or small) errands to run, do them today!
Winds will be strong at times with gusts of up to 45 mph in the eastern portions of the metro area Wednesday.
— The Oregonian (@oregonian.com) February 12, 2025 at 7:34 AM
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• This summer, downtown Portland will once again be home to a great lineup of PDX Live shows at Pioneer Courthouse Square. From Waxahatchee to STRFKR to Men I Trust to The Roots, we're in for some exciting shows, all taking place within a couple weeks in August. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 14. Perfect last-minute Valentine's Day gift? 👀 Music Editor Nolan Parker has the deets here.
• Ever been to a board game expo? No matter your answer to that question, you'll want to check out Corbin Smith's latest article about a recent game expo held at Portland's Red Castle Games. It was the first ever Locals Only Game Expo, and game designers from across the region came on down to display their "highly idiosyncratic, personalized creations." What I learned from this story: Games can be art.
I wrote about BOUTIQUE BOARD GAME DESIGN and GAME DESIGNERS for @portlandmercury.bsky.social! Check it out! www.portlandmercury.com/board-games/...
— Corbin Smith (@corbinsmith.bsky.social) February 11, 2025 at 5:46 PM
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• Here's how Oregon's doing when it comes to litigation against the new Trump administration.
President Trump unleashed a flurry of executive orders — sparking numerous legal battles in Oregon.
— The Oregonian (@oregonian.com) February 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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• In news that muddies the waters between the "local" and "national" categories, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is the subject of a pretty good New York Magazine article about congressional resistance to the new Trump administration. The interview begins with Wyden saying "judges are going to have to be much more aggressive about enforcing their orders" because Elon Musk isn't going to "quietly go off and stop breaking the law." Yup! Wyden also said the press has more ability to intervene in these situations, by "holding him accountable for his lies and the various scams he's pulling." Unfortunately, we aren't seeing enough of that accountability journalism in many of the traditional outlets, but Wired and ProPublica are two publications really punching above their weight right now. Anyway, I recommend reading the rest of the interview for more of Wyden's thoughts...but I am grateful Oregon's senators seem to be rising to the occasion right now—at least when compared with a lot of other Democrats across the country.
• Oh, and here’s another one of Oregon’s congressional representatives doing her best to stick it to Trump. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who recently took over Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s spot representing Oregon’s 3rd District, dropped the f-bomb at a rally in DC yesterday. Read this article about it, it’s endearing. Dexter introduced the “Stop Musk Act” in Congress last week, meant to protect federal employees from Elon Musk’s hostile and illegal takeover of the federal government, last week. The bill definitely isn’t going to get far given the Democratic minority in both chambers—nor do laws seem to matter to the current executive branch—but the sentiment is appreciated, so long as it’s accompanied by some direct action.
IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:
• Even after a major campaign against it funded by corporations and out-of-towners, Seattle voters moved to pass Proposition 1A last night and fund a social housing model. The proposition would tax big businesses to fund the Seattle Social Housing Developer, which would create housing to serve Seattle residents who make up to 120 percent of the Area Median Income. It sounds like a great idea, and it's good news that it's looking like it'll pass! Here's what Megan Seling over at the Stranger had to say this morning:
Yes for social housing is passing with an impressive 68 percent, and the Stranger-endorsed Proposition 1A has received nearly 58 percent of the vote. People want more money for schools, too, with more than 70 percent of the voters choosing yes for both Proposition No. 1 and No. 1. We’ll keep you posted as the remaining votes are counted, but as Tiffany McCoy said, it’s looking like a “resounding victory” for social housing, and if we’re being honest, a rejection of the Mayor, City Hall, and their BS. Yay!
• A pertinent example of media capitulation to Trump's ridiculous and hateful demands: PBS has eliminated its office of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to comply with Trump's anti-DEI executive order. Meanwhile, an Associated Press press reporter was barred from entering an event in the White House yesterday because the news agency (which also operates an influential style guide) won't alter its style to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," per Trump's orders. It seems like the news agency isn't going to yield just for access, which is good, but should be the bare minimum for journalistic conduct. News agencies and their reporters should not go silently into the night as the First Amendment is shredded to pieces—we'll go kicking and screaming if we have to.
• With his child in tow, Elon Musk made a surprise appearance at the White House yesterday to deny leading a "hostile takeover" of the US government. President Trump then signed an executive order giving Musk and his stupid Department of Government Efficiency even MORE power to cut the federal workforce, and telling heads of the federal agencies to comply. Man, the complete and utter destruction of American democracy isn't even INTERESTING to live through! The people ruining our country are complete losers!
• Great:
Breaking News: The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, with only one Republican joining Democrats in opposition.
— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) February 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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• Finally, for some levity, Monty the giant schnauzer won the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden last night. Apparently, he’s come close to winning the past few years, but was able to take it over the finish line this time. Look at him!
