Oregon Lawmakers Back $365M for Moda Center; Judge Limits Tear Gas; Traffic Deaths Drop Again

It has been a busy stretch of news in Portland, with major decisions at the state level and new data on public safety.

$365M Approved for Moda Center Renovations

Oregon lawmakers voted Friday to approve $365 million in state support for renovations at the Moda Center in the Rose Quarter. The funding package, which now heads to Gov. Tina Kotek for signature, is designed to modernize the aging arena and help secure the Trail Blazers in Portland for the long term.

The plan relies on state-issued bonds that would be repaid using income taxes generated by players, performers and arena employees. Supporters say the investment protects a key economic and cultural asset. Critics have questioned the use of public dollars, noting that additional funding from the city and county will still be required.

Judge Limits Tear Gas Near ICE Facility

A federal judge on Friday issued a preliminary injunction restricting the use of tear gas by federal officers during protests outside a Portland immigration facility. The order follows a lawsuit filed by residents of a nearby affordable housing complex who reported repeated exposure during demonstrations.

In court, residents described breathing problems, skin irritation and anxiety linked to past crowd-control tactics. The ruling places new limits on how federal agents can deploy tear gas in the area while the broader case moves forward.

Traffic Deaths Decline for Second Straight Year

New figures from the Portland Bureau of Transportation show that 39 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2025. That marks a second consecutive annual decline and a 38 percent drop compared with the average of the previous four years.

City officials say targeted safety investments, particularly in East Portland, are contributing to the improvement. While leaders caution that any loss of life is unacceptable, the numbers signal progress toward the city’s Vision Zero goals.

Rainy Sunday, Later Sunset

Portlanders are also adjusting to daylight saving time this weekend. Sunday brings light rain and gray skies, but the tradeoff is a sunset after 7 p.m. Forecasters expect mild temperatures in the mid-50s across the metro area.

Sources

https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation
https://apnews.com/article/c424a3254550207ade4bfeb715cf8b95
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORPORTLAND_ENT/bulletins/40cb91a
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/rainy-sunday-portland-offers-sunset-130000426.html