Good morning, Portland! With a high of 80 degrees and sunny skies, today promises to be a lovely day, though temperatures are expected to drop into the 60s by Friday, and we may see rain this weekend as we transition into summer.
In local news, significant developments are unfolding in the Oregon Legislature, where lawmakers are poised to pass a budget that would drastically reduce eviction protections for renters. This decision could potentially displace approximately 20,000 individuals. On the ground, Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton joined forces with representatives from the Community Alliance of Tenants, the Urban League of Portland, and other organizations focused on housing to protest the proposed budget cuts. This year’s budget plan offers eviction resources for around 4,300 individuals, a stark contrast to the 27,700 resources available in the previous year’s budget, according to OPB.
Further complicating matters, a wildfire in Jefferson County has expanded to an estimated 1,500 acres, leading to mandatory evacuation orders in affected areas. The Alder Springs Fire, which ignited Monday near Redmond in central Oregon, is drawing resources away from another active wildfire—the Rowena Fire—located near the Dalles in Wasco County. This fire has devastated 56 homes and is only 24 percent contained as of last Saturday.
On a brighter note for Portland’s culinary scene, JinJu Patisserie, a beloved pastry and chocolate shop on N Williams Ave, has received a prestigious James Beard award for Outstanding Bakery during a recent awards ceremony. This honor celebrates exemplary performance in food quality, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations among bakers.
Additionally, Portlanders are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming Nacho Week, scheduled for next week. For just $10 per plate, residents will have the opportunity to experience creative nacho combinations from over 50 participating locations throughout the city, turning up the excitement for summer snacking.
Shifting to national and international news, tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East between Iran and Israel. Reports indicate that both nations carried out attacks against each other on Tuesday. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has cautioned Iran’s leader that failure to halt the aggression could result in a fate similar to that of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. World leaders, including President Donald Trump, have urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities, although Israeli officials remain focused on dismantling what they describe as an ‘axis of terrorism’ in the region. Notably, Iran has been providing military support to Hamas, with whom Israel is also involved in a violent conflict, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists. Following the execution of an Israeli intelligence officer by Iran in late April, Israel intensified its military responses by targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites.
In a concerning reflection of U.S. immigration policy, two recent incidents involving college students who are Dreamers have heightened fears regarding ICE’s enforcement tactics. In the latest case, Caroline Dias Goncalves, a college student in Utah, was initially stopped by a sheriff’s deputy for a traffic infraction but was later detained by ICE agents. The communication between the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and ICE agents likely facilitated her apprehension. For two days, Caroline’s family had no idea of her whereabouts until she was finally allowed to contact them, revealing that she had been taken into custody by ICE.
In another developing story, the Louvre Museum in Paris unexpectedly closed its doors on Monday after museum staff refused to work, citing overwhelming visitor crowds and chronic understaffing. Hundreds of confused visitors found themselves waiting outside, unaware of the reason for the museum’s closure. Employees voiced their frustrations following an internal meeting, highlighting not only the physical conditions of the workplace but also the overwhelming demands placed on them amid record attendance. The Louvre, famously known as the world’s most-visited art museum, is at a crossroads, facing internal challenges that threaten its ability to operate as an institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing cultural heritage.
As these stories unfold, they paint a picture of both the challenges and triumphs within our local communities and the broader global landscape. The issues surrounding housing, environmental disasters, and international conflicts require our attention and action, while the celebration of Portland’s culinary excellence offers a bright spot amidst the challenges.
Stay informed and engaged, as the events of today and the coming days will undoubtedly shape our lives and communities.
image source from：https://www.portlandmercury.com/good-morning-news/2025/06/17/47860467/good-morning-news-portland-bakery-wins-james-beard-award-ice-snatches-college-dreamers-and-staff-strike-shuts-down-the-louvre
