Portland in the News: Godzilla vs Portland, Portland Fire Contract, Elk Statue Returns & More | March 19, 2026

Sean Sterling

Are Portland’s donuts and therapy llamas any match for a 26-story tall kaiju? Read the new Godzilla vs Portland comic books to find out.

The WNBA and players union have reached a contract deal greatly increasing player salaries just in time for the Portland Fire’s first season.

And after undergoing repairs since its removal in 2020, the Thompson Elk statue will return to downtown next month.

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

• KGW: Portland woman celebrates Iranian culture in new film
• Portland Mercury: Once in a Dead Moon: A conversation with Toody Cole
• KOIN: USA Today names Waterfront Blues Festival among top music festivals in the country
• KOIN: Thompson Elk statue returns to downtown in April
• Here is Oregon: Godzilla just stomped into Portland
• OR Arts Watch: A magical ‘Lizard Boy’ at Center Stage
• WWeek: Tips for a great Portland dog walk
• KGW: Oregon farmers donate millions of pounds of food to fight hunger
• OPB: WNBA players union reach contract agreement
• KPTV: McMenamins renovating historic Portland building into new hotel