Axios Portland

June 02, 2025
🫰 It's Monday again. And somehow it's also June? How did that happen?
Today's weather: Sunny and mostly clear. High around 77, low near 50.
Today's newsletter is 548 words — a 2-minute read.
1 big thing: ⚖️ Sanctuary status threatened
The Trump administration has put Portland, Multnomah County and Oregon on notice, including them on a list of 500 so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that it accuses of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: President Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from state and local jurisdictions that don't fall in line.
The big picture: The list released Thursday is the latest pressure tactic on jurisdictions the administration claims are defying federal law by limiting information-sharing and cooperation with immigration authorities.
- The list includes major urban centers like Seattle, New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Zoom in: In Oregon, a total of 15 counties and four cities — Beaverton, Eugene, Hood River and Portland — were among those named on the list published by the Department of Homeland Security.
Between the lines: The term "sanctuary jurisdiction" lacks a specific legal definition, often referring to cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies.
- Oregon's sanctuary law, enacted in 1987, bans "state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement."
- Portland passed a similar resolution in 2017.
What they're saying: "These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a news release.
The other side: "Portland stands unwavering in its commitment to sanctuary policies, rooted in the belief that every resident, including immigrants, deserves dignity, respect, and protection," Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.
- He added that the city "will not obstruct lawful federal enforcement operations."
- "Oregon will not be bullied into doing the federal government's job of performing immigration enforcement," Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement.
Catch up quick: In April, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to document sanctuary cities that are not complying with his immigration agenda.
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2. 💪🏼 Women's sports bars are booming

The Sports Bra's Jenny Nguyen was a trendsetter.
3. Rose City Rundown
⚖️ A bill that would remove time limits for survivors of sexual abuse to pursue lawsuits against their abusers was approved in the House and has moved to the Senate. (OPB)
🏫 The historic NW Portland building where home decor company Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. was founded in 2003 is up for lease or sale, with indications the company plans to vacate the premises. (The Oregonian)
🏘️ Gov. Tina Kotek and Mayor Keith Wilson are pushing to improve the permitting process and encourage conversions of office space to housing as part of their strategy to create more affordable homes. (KGW)
🐳 Depoe Bay — a destination for spring whale watchers and home to the "world's smallest harbor" — landed on HGTV's list of the top 20 places to buy a vacation home. (The Oregonian)
4. 🧐 Where's Joby?
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He's back! Did you miss him? And can you guess where he's at?
👀 Here's a hint: There's an active, ancient landslide nearby.
- Plus: If this landmark looks familiar, you must be an OG Portlander. It's been fenced off from the public for more than a decade.
Got a clue? Send us your guesses! Whoever gets it on the nose will receive special kudos in this newsletter and a better-than-you attitude for the day.
- The answer will be revealed Wednesday.
Just hit reply
🤓 Meira is learning how to read and write again after taking a long weekend off work.
❤️🩹 Kale is sending love to a dear friend going through an awful hardship.
This newsletter was edited by Hadley Malcolm.
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