Olympic Gold + Healthcare Staff Shortages + Where's Our Rain?

Happy Tuesday, folks! And let me just give a special shout out to the clouds that kept us cooler over the weekend. We haven't seen you for a while and you've been missed. Now, let's see what we have to talk about.

First, today's weather: The clouds take a well deserved rest for most of today, but that leaves us with a high of 92.

Here are the top stories today in Portland:

1. When Simone Biles took a break from the Olympics, Oregon State University student Jade Carey stepped in to take her place. That was an opportunity that she didn't waste, earning a gold medal for the U.S. in the women's floor exercise. (KPTV)
2. If you think that it's been unusually dry in Portland this summer, you'd be right. The city has seen it 46th consecutive day without rain. That makes it one of the longest dry spells in 80 years, the ninth longest ever recorded. There's rain in the forecast for next weekend, so relief may be on the way. (OregonLive)
3. On top of having to deal with the current resurgence of COVID infections, clinics and hospitals have another challenge to contend with; staffing shortages. After 18 months of the pandemic, many healthcare workers are retiring early or changing careers. (KATU)
4. The city of Portland has recently done some zoning changes in a bid to create more affordable housing. As part of its Residential Infill Project and Shelter to Housing Continuum Project, the city has done a dramatic overhaul of its low density zoning. (Sightline Institute)
5. The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) has released some disturbing wildfire statistics. They show that this year there are nearly 60 times as many acres burned as there were at this time last year. Did I mention it's been a little dry? (KGW)

Today's Portland Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Portland!

Today in Portland

• The Boise Neighborhood Association will be celebrating National Night Out tonight with a free performance by the Prismagic Circus in Unthank Park. Bring a picnic blanket or folding chairs. Masks and physical distancing are recommended! 6:30 PM.
• Rainbow City is hosting Sword Society XXVIII! Swing a sword, duel friends, and gain real world experience points at a drum and bass dance dojo. Lightsabers, eyewear, and armor provided but everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring their own. All ages welcome. 8:00 - 11:00 PM.
• They say it takes two to tango and now you can find out for yourself at Tuesday Tango at Shabu Studios in NE Portland. You can pay online or at the door. Proof of vaccination is required. 7:30 - 9:30 PM.
• There's a open stage tonight at the Blind Ox in NE Portland. Hosted by Cody Weathers, they're inviting all singer-songwriters, musicians, poets, comedians, and talent of all varieties. Minors are welcome until 8:00 PM. Sign ups start at 5:30 PM. 6:00 - 9:00 PM.
• Join the Black & Beyond the Binary Collective for Night Out for Safety and Liberation (NOSL) going on in SE Portland. This is a family-friendly event that will feature food, live music, a kid zone, COVID-19 vaccine opportunities, and many other community resources. 4:00 - 9:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Portland Art Museum: "Sherlock Holmes – Rooftop Cinema Sunday, August 1. Enjoy great movies, food, drinks & spectacular rooftop sunsets..." (Instagram)
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income. Started in 1995, the organization partners with Local Champions who help bring the program to cities, towns and communities around the world. It's just recently come to Portland, so check it out. (Imagination Library)
• I'm not sure what your television viewing habits are like, but a few years back, I was hooked on a show called Grimm. It was billed as a fantasy police procedural drama television series and had serious Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes, but I mainly watched it for one reason alone. The absolute star of the show was the city of Portland. It was filmed in town and it loved showing iconic Portland locations and imagery. The Take My Trip YouTube channel has a 15-minute video tour of some of those locations. Take a look!
• Here is a Valkyrie Miss Piggy from your friends at Sign of the Beast Burlesque!

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• What is PDP? Women's Connections & Collaborations (August 3)

How's that for a Tuesday? Kind of a lot, so chill out, have a beer, have a coffee, heck, have a chai, but meet me back here tomorrow, cause I've got a whole lot more to talk about. If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dominic Anaya

About me: Doctor, educator and now a writer/artist, I'm just chillin' in Portland, OR with my wife, our ferrets, our chickens and our goats.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Portland Daily? You can contact me at portland@patch.com.