Alex Zielinski
@alexzee.bsky.social
Portland city politics reporter, @opb.org
Past lives: CA, DC, TX
📬 azielinski@opb.org
Signal: alex_zee.03
Past lives: CA, DC, TX
📬 azielinski@opb.org
Signal: alex_zee.03
Reposted by Alex Zielinski
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Newport officials raise alarm about possible new ICE facility
Rumors have spread since last week that the Trump administration is planning an outpost on Oregon's central coast.
www.opb.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:40 AM
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Budget talks in Portland City Hall have exposed a political chasm between how some city councilors and Mayor Keith Wilson want to address homelessness.
Proposed cuts to Portland’s homeless camp removal program puts mayor on defense
Budget talks in Portland City Hall have exposed a political chasm between how some city councilors and Mayor Keith Wilson want to address homelessness.
www.opb.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Budget talks in Portland City Hall have exposed a political chasm between how some city councilors and Mayor Keith Wilson want to address homelessness.
It’s official (for now): Trump can’t deploy the National Gaurd to Portland.
Federal judge prohibits Trump from deploying National Guard to Portland
In her ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut found President Trump “did not have a lawful basis to federalize the National Guard.”
opb.org
November 8, 2025 at 2:09 AM
It’s official (for now): Trump can’t deploy the National Gaurd to Portland.
Staff are picketing in front of City Hall, where their office is located.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
Eleven employees in Portland’s police oversight office are on strike after a breakdown in negotiations.
Portland police oversight staff on strike
Eleven employees of Portland’s Independent Police Review began a three-day strike on Wednesday.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Staff are picketing in front of City Hall, where their office is located.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
Eleven employees in Portland’s police oversight office are on strike after a breakdown in negotiations.
Portland police oversight staff on strike
Eleven employees of Portland’s Independent Police Review began a three-day strike on Wednesday.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Eleven employees in Portland’s police oversight office are on strike after a breakdown in negotiations.
These number are closer to 54% yes and 46% no after the 10 pm ballot drop.
In partial returns, Portland's parks levy has about 53% support. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
Portland’s parks levy passage favored in early returns Tuesday night
In partial returns, the measure had 53% support on Tuesday shortly after 8 p.m. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:12 AM
These number are closer to 54% yes and 46% no after the 10 pm ballot drop.
In partial returns, Portland's parks levy has about 53% support. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
Portland’s parks levy passage favored in early returns Tuesday night
In partial returns, the measure had 53% support on Tuesday shortly after 8 p.m. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:10 AM
In partial returns, Portland's parks levy has about 53% support. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
It appears the fire at Councilor Avalos' house may have been started by a man trying to keep warm.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
Portland police arrest suspect in Councilor Avalos’ house fire
Portland police have arrested a man suspected of starting a fire near Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos’ house on Oct. 26.
www.opb.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:52 PM
It appears the fire at Councilor Avalos' house may have been started by a man trying to keep warm.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
Update for those following Portland's ICE land use appeal: The city has given the property owner two more weeks to submit info before meeting/deciding on the appeal.
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
Owner of Portland ICE building accuses city of ‘retaliatory’ land use ruling
The owner of the South Portland building that houses the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office says city leaders are unconstitutionally penalizing him for his choice in tenants.
www.opb.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Update for those following Portland's ICE land use appeal: The city has given the property owner two more weeks to submit info before meeting/deciding on the appeal.
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
You've got questions, I've got... limited answers.
Portland will begin enforcing its camping ban today. What does that mean?
What to know about the new criminal citation.
www.opb.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:16 PM
You've got questions, I've got... limited answers.
“I am concerned that police leadership may be jumping to conclusions before the investigation is complete,” Councilor Avalos said in a statement emailed to OPB on Friday.
Portland councilor questions police investigation into house fire
A threatening email was sent to Councilor Candace Avalos’ office before the fire, raising suspicions about whether the blaze was politically motivated, but she said she doesn’t know if that was the ca...
www.opb.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:46 PM
“I am concerned that police leadership may be jumping to conclusions before the investigation is complete,” Councilor Avalos said in a statement emailed to OPB on Friday.
It’s not clear why Portland's housing director ways placed on leave.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
Portland’s housing director placed on leave
The city administrator gave vague reasoning for Helmi Hisserich’s abrupt exit, but staff close to her pointed to a strained relationship with Mayor Keith Wilson.
www.opb.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:17 PM
It’s not clear why Portland's housing director ways placed on leave.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
Interesting, 11th hour update: Councilor Dan Ryan has come out in opposition to the Parks Levy renewal, splitting from the mayor and his 10 city council colleagues.
A breakdown of what Measure 26-260 does – and doesn’t – do, and how it relates to the parks department’s financial crisis.
What to know about Portland’s Parks Levy ballot measure
The proposal to renew and increase the city’s Parks Levy has reignited a debate around how the city’s cash-strapped parks department is financed. And there’s a lot on the line.
www.opb.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Interesting, 11th hour update: Councilor Dan Ryan has come out in opposition to the Parks Levy renewal, splitting from the mayor and his 10 city council colleagues.
Separately, reminded that I started reporting on Portland 14 years ago. 👵🏻
Happy Halloween. Reminded it's been 14 years since Michael Moore showed up dressed as Michael Moore at Occupy Portland.
October 31, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Separately, reminded that I started reporting on Portland 14 years ago. 👵🏻
Happy Halloween. Reminded it's been 14 years since Michael Moore showed up dressed as Michael Moore at Occupy Portland.
October 31, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Happy Halloween. Reminded it's been 14 years since Michael Moore showed up dressed as Michael Moore at Occupy Portland.
Reposted by Alex Zielinski
Days before Portland begins enforcing its public camping ban, those closest to the work — and its impact — are largely in the dark about how penalties will be carried out.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
Courts, homeless service providers await answers as Portland camping ban enforcement looms
The ban is set to be enforced starting Nov. 1, but some key players say they are in the dark.
www.opb.org
October 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Days before Portland begins enforcing its public camping ban, those closest to the work — and its impact — are largely in the dark about how penalties will be carried out.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
A real rollercoaster of a story here:
A top Portland political aide took in a homeless woman. He abandoned her at a state park days later
"If I could do it over, I would do it differently.”
www.oregonlive.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:37 PM
A real rollercoaster of a story here:
According to Portland Councilor Avalos, she received an email days before her house caught fire reading “hope the entire state burns and your house is the first one to go."
www.portland.gov/council/dist...
www.portland.gov/council/dist...
Hey Portland! A column by Councilor Avalos
www.portland.gov
October 31, 2025 at 2:19 AM
According to Portland Councilor Avalos, she received an email days before her house caught fire reading “hope the entire state burns and your house is the first one to go."
www.portland.gov/council/dist...
www.portland.gov/council/dist...
Days before Portland begins enforcing its public camping ban, those closest to the work — and its impact — are largely in the dark about how penalties will be carried out.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
Courts, homeless service providers await answers as Portland camping ban enforcement looms
The ban is set to be enforced starting Nov. 1, but some key players say they are in the dark.
www.opb.org
October 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Days before Portland begins enforcing its public camping ban, those closest to the work — and its impact — are largely in the dark about how penalties will be carried out.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
“I’m not sure what the mayor’s plan is,” said Judge Greenlick, who oversees the criminal court system.
Oops, I guess?
National Guard troops briefly deployed to Portland despite judge’s order, federal trial reveals
The revelation came to light today in federal court in Portland, where U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut will decide if President Trump acted lawfully or violated the state’s rights by trying t...
www.opb.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Oops, I guess?
As the city waits for the result of a land use violation appeal involving the South Portland ICE building, councilors are considering new sanctions that would impact ICE's landlord.
Portland councilors will mull policy that would target property owners who lease to detention centers
Portland City Council will consider new sanctions against a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, which has been the focus of monthslong demonstrations, recent land use debates and severa...
www.opb.org
October 29, 2025 at 6:31 PM
As the city waits for the result of a land use violation appeal involving the South Portland ICE building, councilors are considering new sanctions that would impact ICE's landlord.
Reposted by Alex Zielinski
I’m still searching for words for this…
BREAKING: Trump is expected to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next month, AP sources say.
Trump is expected to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next month, AP sources say
President Donald Trump's administration is preparing for a visit to the United States by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next month.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
I’m still searching for words for this…
The federal trial over whether Trump can legally deploy National Guard to Portland begins today. Here's what you need to know:
Trial over National Guard deployment in Portland begins
A federal trial in Oregon that could determine whether President Donald Trump can legally deploy the National Guard to the city of Portland is set to get underway Wednesday.
www.opb.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The federal trial over whether Trump can legally deploy National Guard to Portland begins today. Here's what you need to know:
In Hillsboro, which has seen a surge of ICE arrests in the past week, elementary school staff are spending early mornings on neighborhood watch to ensure families/students feel safe coming to school. By @hbarth.bsky.social:
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
‘This community is not the enemy’: Hillsboro teachers form neighborhood ICE watch
ICE arrested a parent near Eastwood Elementary School last Monday. Teachers and parents have been patrolling the neighborhood every morning since.
www.opb.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:25 PM
In Hillsboro, which has seen a surge of ICE arrests in the past week, elementary school staff are spending early mornings on neighborhood watch to ensure families/students feel safe coming to school. By @hbarth.bsky.social:
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Update on the fire at Councilor Avalos' house.
City says there’s ‘no evidence’ that Councilor Avalos was targeted by house fire
Investigators with Portland Fire & Rescue say it’s not clear whether City Council Candace Avalos was the intended target of the Sunday fire at her Southeast Portland home.
www.opb.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Update on the fire at Councilor Avalos' house.