Latest stories The Portland Observer

Experience Oregon Reopens Saturday

Museum adapts with new health and safety protocols

After nearly four months closed, the Oregon Historical Society plans to re-open its downtown museum to the public on Saturday under new health and safety protocols to protect the health of staff and visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Metro Procurement ITB-3813

On-Call General Repair

COVID Utility Relief Applications Due

Program geared to struggling businesses

An online application process gives Portland business owners access to a utility relief program to help those struggling to pay their sewer, stormwater and water bill during the health and economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

On the Front Lines for Change

Bereaved father organizes March on Washington

A local father who lost his son to a police shooting is leading a group of families like his to Washington, D.C. for the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Protest Damages Assailed as Setback

Voices raised against violence, vandalism

Advocates for Portland’s African American community joined black leaders in law enforcement to speak out against the violence, vandalism and arson fires that have marred many of the protests over unjust police shootings and racial bias in the criminal justice system

Honored for 50 Years of Service

Pepsi salutes worker who has passion for giving back

Bill Jackson, a lifetime member of Portland’s African American community, is being honored for 50 years of service with PepsiCo.

Oregon Black Pioneers Hire Expert

Professional is first to lead group in 27 years

The Oregon Black Pioneers has hired a professional historian to help guide the organization for the first time in its history.

Troopers Make Peace with Governor

Officers wear masks after earlier refusal

Gov. Kate Brown sat down with Oregon State troopers on Friday just two days after they were recorded on survelliance video going into a Corvallis coffee shop without face coverings despite her statewide order to wear masks to prevent spreading the coronavirus

No More Library Late Fees

New policy clears debts; restores access

Multnomah County Library will permanently stop charging late fines on all library materials, clear all existing fines and restore access to accounts blocked because of fines.

Police Accountability Bills Only a Beginning

Portland NAACP applauds action; but says more must be done

The Portland branch of the NAACP applauds policy accountability bills passed in the Legislature’s historic special session last week

Police and Protestors Clash on Lombard

Tuesday night disturbance lasts for hours

Riot-clad police officers confronted a couple of hundred of Black Lives Matter protestors in north and northeast Portland Tuesday night after they descended on a police union office on Lombard Street.

Oregon’s Minimum Wage Increases

July brings fourth increase since 2016

Minimum wage workers in Oregon will get a raise starting Wednesday, July 1.

Emergency Food Stamps Extended

Maximum benefits to last through July

The Oregon Department of Human Services will provide an additional $30 million to eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in July because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Blazers Playoff Drive Restarts July 31

Orlando to host eight “seeding games”

The restart will begin with each participating team playing eight “seeding games” in Orlando.

Lease Crutcher Lewis- Sub Bid

PCC Sylvania Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

New Urgency to Mask as Virus Spreads

People urged to keep July 4 celebrations small and local

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown takes action saying the disease has spread at an alarming rate in both urban and rural counties

Filmmaker Puts Focus on Kaepernick

Netflix series to explore player’s path to activism

“Colin in Black & White” will examine Kaepernick’s high school years to illuminate the experiences that shaped his advocacy for justice for black lives,