As we approach the weekend, Portland is set to enjoy pleasant weather and a variety of local events.
For those eager to participate in the community, there’s plenty going on in and around the city, with everything from craft fairs to performances lined up.
In major news, Portland has experienced a notable dip in crime rates, marking nearly a month without a homicide, a gap not witnessed in years.
This positive trend in public safety comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding labor issues within the city.
The City of Portland Professional Workers Union conducted a rally this week, pressing Mayor Wilson and his mediation team for better contract provisions, including layoff protections and enhanced workplace flexibility.
These negotiations have been a topic of contention for over a year, highlighting the city’s working dynamics.
The Public Safety Committee of the Portland City Council is looking to enhance the Portland Street Response (PSR) program, which was initiated in 2019 to allow unarmed teams to handle nonviolent emergency calls and mental health crises.
This pilot program has evolved, with PSR teams now responding to a broader range of 911 calls and having the capacity to transport individuals to shelters and recovery centers.
The City Council is currently reviewing a proposal to further solidify this valuable program.
On the financial front, the City of Portland is facing a daunting task of preparing nearly $93 million in cuts in its 2025-2026 budget.
These cuts may impact several cherished youth educational and environmental initiatives, with programs like Nature Day Camp, Teen Nature Team, and Youth Conservation Camp flagged as potentially vulnerable in draft proposals.
Mayor Wilson is expected to present the official budget in early May, raising concerns among community advocates about the future of these programs.
Across the river, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has unveiled a proposed $4 billion budget for the next fiscal year, including significant budget cuts due to a $15.5 million shortfall in the county’s general fund.
This shortfall has been attributed to factors such as inflation, sluggish job recovery, population growth, and increasing office vacancies downtown.
Among the programs at risk of elimination is the nurse-family partnership, a service that supports people in low-income communities during transitions into parenthood.
Meanwhile, the private sector isn’t immune to the challenging economic climate.
Local reports suggest a major organization may be facing workforce reductions of up to 20%.
As we shift focus to more personal matters, a poignant story emerges about families dealing with death in unexpected places.
One family recently expressed their struggles to understand who holds jurisdiction when a loved one dies in international waters during a cruise.
On a lighter note, swimming in the Willamette River continues to be a topic of curiosity.
Stay tuned to Good Day Oregon for insights on outdoor activities this weekend, including a showcase featuring some of America’s finest alpacas at The 2025 CABA Classic and Alpaca Western Extravaganza Dual Show, taking place in McMinnville.
Today, Portlanders can get involved in several community events.
At 4 p.m., Scrap PDX will host a crafting event at its new Southeast location ahead of tomorrow’s Earth Day Parade in Sunnyside, concluding with a ceremony, potluck, and tea reception.
Later this evening, plant enthusiasts can gather at 6:30 p.m. at Sellwood Community House for a seed and plant swap meet.
For those seeking some humor, Curious Comedy Theater invites locals to enjoy a student showcase at 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced at just $5.
If you prefer stories presented with a dash of circus flair, A-WOL Dance Collective will present Tempos Circus’ ‘Reality Cake’ at 8 p.m.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, April 26, TEDxPortland will present “CONTINUUM” at the Keller at 9 a.m., diving into the significance of time.
At 9:30 a.m., the 19th Annual 82nd Avenue Parade promises to be a community highlight.
It’s also World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, inviting participants to a free session at 10 a.m. in Laurelhurst Park near the duck pond.
Cycle Oregon’s Community Bike Block Party kicks off at 11 a.m., featuring a bike rodeo and an expo, along with access to the Secret Beer Club room at Baerlic Brewing.
At 11:30 a.m., students from the School of Rock in Lake Oswego will showcase their talents at the Star Theater.
Fans of craft beer can revel in Wild Ale Fest 2025 at noon, hosted by John’s Marketplace Hall in Beaverton, showcasing live music and a variety of uniquely-crafted wild ales.
Movie lovers can catch Spielberg’s classic film Hook at the Tomorrow Theater at 3 p.m. for just $5.
To wrap up the day, Scottish post-rock band Mogwai will perform at the Roseland Theater at 8 p.m.
As we move into Sunday, April 27, Artifact PDX’s first $1 Funday Flea sale of the year will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with proceeds benefiting The Nest Project.
The Bonsai Society of Portland Exhibition at the Portland Japanese Garden welcomes attendees to explore the artistry behind “trees-in-a-tray” beginning at 10 a.m.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., families can engage in creative activities at the World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum with RAD Creative’s Forest Crafts event, with all supplies included in museum admission.
Lastly, Loyal Legion Southeast invites patrons to enjoy pints and cuddle kittens from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in a donation-based event with adoptable kittens from Northwest Animal Companions.
There’s much to look forward to in Portland this weekend.
Make sure to catch the latest updates and stories from FOX 12 Newsroom, as we return on Monday.
Have a fantastic weekend!
image source from：https://www.kptv.com/2025/04/25/newsroom-report-apr-25/
