Safe Ride Program, Flood Watch and Protest Tensions Lead Portland Headlines

Safe Ride Home Returns for St. Patrick’s Day

The City of Portland is offering discounted rides through its Safe Ride Home program starting tonight, March 13, through early Wednesday morning.

Residents can get up to $10 off Uber or Lyft rides and up to $20 off taxi trips for rides that begin in Portland between 6 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. The program is designed to reduce impaired driving during one of the city’s busiest celebration weekends.

Officials say supplies are limited and encourage riders to download digital coupons or pick up paper vouchers at participating events.

Flood Watch and Heavy Rain Continue

Portland remains under a Flood Watch through late Friday night as steady rain and gusty winds move across the metro area.

Forecasters report saturated ground conditions and rising streams, with urban flooding possible in low-lying neighborhoods. Drivers are urged to watch for ponding on roads and avoid areas with standing water.

The soggy stretch follows several days of wet weather, and more showers are expected into the weekend.

Judge Keeps Limits on Federal Tear Gas Use

A federal judge is continuing restrictions on the use of tear gas outside the ICE facility in South Portland, following testimony from nearby residents who say repeated exposure has affected their homes and health.

The case centers on protests that have drawn large crowds in recent months. Residents of a nearby affordable housing complex have asked the court to curb the use of chemical agents, citing lingering impacts inside their apartments.

City leaders and community advocates say the ruling offers temporary relief as the broader legal fight moves forward.

Sources

https://www.portland.gov/transportation/regulatory/events/2026/3/13/safe-ride-home-saint-patricks-day-weekend-2026
https://weathershogun.com/weather/usa/or/portland/3780/march/2026-03-13
https://hoodline.com/2026/03/soaked-and-shaken-portland-faces-days-of-dumping-rain-and-rowdy-south-winds/
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/3/11/headlines
https://apnews.com/article/676b3b8897f25a86e567b9d9524623b4