Greetings Portland! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Barrel Bandapalooza - Support Local Music and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. The remarkable story of a Portland judo school that has shaped lives for a century (hereisoregon.com) — Obukan Judo Dojo, Oregon's oldest continuously operating judo school, is celebrating 100 years of shaping lives in Northeast Portland, with more than 225 students training at its Fremont Street location. The volunteer-run nonprofit offers scholarships and free clinics for Portland-area youth, preserves Japanese American history, and is about to return its treasured calligraphy to judo's birthplace in Tokyo.
2. Southwest Airlines brings back 2 routes from PDX in 2027 (kgw.com) — Southwest Airlines plans to restore daily seasonal flights between Portland and both Austin and Nashville in summer 2027, expanding options from PDX. The story also notes Southwest's current market share at the airport, Alaska's recent route growth, and a new Travel Oregon grant aimed at securing nonstop service from Portland to Asia.
3. Portland Public Schools will reveal school closure proposals Monday evening. Parents, teachers and school staff are on pins and needles (oregonlive.com) — Portland Public Schools will unveil detailed school closure and boundary-change proposals Monday evening that could affect thousands of local students and staff. With enrollment down by about 6,000 since 2019 and further declines projected, district leaders are weighing closing 15 to 20 schools while promising stronger programs at remaining campuses and bracing for intense community debate this fall.
4. Beloved Portland religious leader and former high school principal dies at 86 (oregonlive.com) — Portland's Catholic community is mourning Msgr. Timothy Murphy, longtime Central Catholic High School principal, president, and beloved priest, who died Friday at 86. A 1958 Central Catholic graduate, he spent decades teaching, leading the school, and quietly showing up for parishioners' weddings, hospital visits, and last rites; funeral details will be announced once finalized.
5. Now Open! APSA Teaching & Learning Conference Awards and Travel Grants (politicalsciencenow.com) — Portland will host the 2027 APSA Teaching & Learning Conference, bringing political science educators and students to the city February 5–7. Applications are now open for travel grants and teaching awards, which can help cover travel, lodging, and other conference costs for attendees coming to Portland.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Portland PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes?" — So when they come back to port they can just scan-da-navi-an! (Thank you Jessica C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Portland Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.