News
Newly proposed legislation would secure SNAP benefits for those excluded from federal programs due to immigration or refugee status
A new bill proposed in the Oregon Legislature, Food for All Oregonians, would bring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to more people currently left out. Senate Bill 611 would provide access to the federal program for people 25 or younger and 55 or older who are currently excluded due to immigration, refugee or documentation…
Property owners strike back with bills targeting rent and eviction protections in the Oregon Legislature
Sue DeRose’s landlords told her they were raising her rent by 10.06% effective May 1, but she could get a $27 discount — provided she kept her mouth shut. All she had to do was sign a contract in which she promised (among other things) not to protest or sue the corporation that owns her…
Changes in federal guidelines make replacement SNAP benefits no longer available for theft victims
Oregonians whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits are electronically stolen are no longer able to receive replacement benefits as of Dec. 21, 2024. The change comes after congressional leaders failed to pass a temporary extension on a previous bill that allowed the use of federal funding to replace stolen benefits. Salaam Bhatti, the…
North Portland advocates fight permanent closure of Columbia Indoor Pool
Michael Brown, a community advocate and longtime resident of the North Portland area, grew up swimming at the Columbia Indoor Pool in the Columbia Park & Annex. Later, his daughters and grandchildren would learn to swim there. However, in the last three years, residents like Brown haven’t been able to access the Columbia Indoor Pool.…
Housing
Property owners strike back with bills targeting rent and eviction protections in the Oregon Legislature
Sue DeRose’s landlords told her they were raising her rent by 10.06% effective May 1, but she could get a $27 discount — provided she kept her mouth shut. All she had to do was sign a contract in which she promised (among other things) not to protest or sue the corporation that owns her…
Opinion
Last Month in Oregon Labor | January 2025
Are we finally over the winter hump? Oregon’s labor scene seems to be picking up speed with three more election wins and six more new campaigns than in December, while labor actions remain on par with the prior month. “Last month in Oregon labor” is a monthly installment by Aurora Biggers covering all things Oregon…
Vendor Profiles
Vendor profile | A life filled with color
Portland thrives on its colorful crowd of individuals who breathe life and color into the city — one that holds space for all things weird, vibrant and collectively unique. Nataly Johnson moved to Portland three years ago from Minnesota, looking for safety as a transgender woman after facing prejudice and threats to her life. Portland’s…
