Portland in the news today: federal tear gas bans at ICE protests and ongoing clashes with federal agents. A city still grappling with protest rights and safety. Population context: Oregon’s largest city, sits at the Willamette and Columbia rivers.
On March 28, 2026, over 8 million Americans participated in the third nationwide 'No Kings' protests across 3,300 events in all 50 states. Demonstrators opposed President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, war on Iran, and authoritarian governance. The largest rally in Minnesota featured Bruce Springsteen performing his new song 'Streets of Minneapolis' honoring victims of federal immigration enforcement violence. The protests coincide with Trump's lowest approval ratings and looming midterm elections.
A vehicle packed with propane tanks and pipe bombs has destroyed the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland after crashing into the lobby before dawn. The driver has died in the incident. Authorities say the club is closed and conducting a joint investigation with local and federal agencies; no members or staff have been injured.
The summit in Beijing has yielded a partial Boeing order, with U.S. and Chinese officials reporting about 200 jets and a potential up to 750 more if performance meets expectations. Beijing has signaled it will purchase thousands of U.S. agricultural products and is reviewing tariff actions as talks continue. The precise models and delivery timelines remain unclear.
Jesse Calhoun has been indicted on five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of abusing a corpse in connection with the deaths of five women in Oregon and Washington, prompting relatives to attend a Portland hearing where a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Former Oregon senator Bob Packwood has died at 93. His obituary notes a career defined by fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, but overshadowed by a 1993 ethics probe into sexual and official misconduct. He resigned in 1995 and later became a lobbyist; his legacy is marked by tax reform and controversy over his treatment of women.
Robert Jacob Hoopes has pleaded guilty under a plea deal to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon. He threw a rock during a June protest, injuring a officer. He will serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution after sentencing.