Portland in the News: Cherry Blossoms, Olympian Skater, Big Baby Elephant & More | March 5, 2026

ECHOVISUALS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Have you seen a few flashes of pink whilst meandering Portland’s streets this week? That’s because it’s almost spring AND cherry blossom season. PoMo has the skinny on where to spot blush blooms this season.

Another bright spot this spring: figure skater and Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu will hit the ice at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum in May.

And while it seems like yesterday when the Oregon Zoo’s baby elephant Tula-Tu was born, she now weighs over 1,000 pounds after turning one last month.

Here’s a roundup of the goings-on in Portland this week:

• KPTV: Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu performing in Portland this May
• KOIN: Prized painting returned to gallery after being found on the freeway
• MultCo Library: Take a walk in Ramona’s neighborhood
• OPB: Portland filmmaker James Westby teams up with author Chelsea Cain to make micro-budget movie in Central OR
• Here is Oregon: At more than 1,000 pounds, elephant toddler Tula-Tu is growing up
• OregonLive: This crumbling Portland castle finally found buyers
• WWeek: Peek inside Portland’s 12 wildest bar bathrooms
• Here is Oregon: Portland library unveils tribute to beloved author
• PDX Monthly: Where to spot Portland’s blooming cherry blossoms