Portland Dry Spell+Aging Bridges+Tri-Met Driver Shot

How’s your week going, fellow Stump Town-a-roonies? I hope it’s been great! Now let’s see what’s happening in the Rose City today.

Weather

Today will see morning showers that end in the afternoon and a high of 63. Looks like Spring is trying to get back in the game, but warm weather comes back next week.

Here are the top news stories in Portland today

• Speaking of the weather, enjoy the rain, because scientists say that Portland could be in for another record breaking dry month. This may be uncomfortable news for those who remember the wildfires of last year. (KATU News)
• Gun violence continues in Portland, with a Tri-Met driver being the latest victim. Luckily, they are in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery. Commissioner Mingus Mapps talks about the steps the city is taking in response. (KOIN 6 News)
• If you drive in Portland, you should know that we are a city of bridges and they’re not getting any younger. That’s why the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is a thing and they’re trying to decide how best to spend millions of tax payer dollars. They’re looking for public input in several listening sessions, starting this week on May 27th. (KXL FM 101)
• Will Rip City get vaccinated? The Trail Blazers just announced increased capacity at the Moda Center, some sections designated for fully vaccinated fans. They’re off to a great start, beating the Denver Nuggets in the first game of the NBA Playoffs, so send our home team some love! Next game, in Denver, is tonight at 7PM. Go Blazers! (FOX 12 News)

Today in Portland

• Haven’t been vaccinated yet? Still want a beer? Kelly’s Olympian is hosting a vaccination clinic next week. Forget the lottery, Kelly’s is giving away a free beer for those getting vaccinated! (Willamette Week)
• A pop-up event is taking place at tonight at Northeast Mexican restaurant, Nightingale. It’s a benefit to raise awareness and funds for Columbia. 7:00 PM
• There will be a series of open mike vigils to commemorate the victims of COVID-19. They will take place every day until the end of May at various parks around the city. Look here for times and locations.
• Still not ready for in-person events? Why not tune in to a conversation between Robbie Robertson and Jonathan Taplin. Music fans may know Robertson from his days in the 60’s group, The Band. Taplin has had a more varied career, being Bob Dylan’s tour manager in the 60’s, an executive at Merrill Lynch in the 80’s and creator of the first video-on-demand service in the 90’s. A Powell’s City of Books event, they’ll be discussing Robertson’s new book, The Magic Years. 5:00 PM

Portland Patch Notebook

• Local artist, Mike Bennett is at it again. You may be familiar with his giant, cartoon cut-outs that he has placed around the city during the pandemic. Now he’s selling a fun, dinosaur-themed T-shirts to help the homeless. All proceeds to go to Sisters of the Road Cafe. (KGW News)
• Soul food is coming to the Pearl! Everybody Eats , the restaurant that teamed up with Don’t Shoot PDX to feed Black Lives Matter supporters during last years protests, has moved. From their Northeast Portland location inside of a supermarket, they now have a brick and mortar in the posh Northwest. Time to get myself some Cajun Shrimp! (Portland Mercury)

Well, that takes care of the happenings around our fine city . Go out and enjoy the day and remember to be kind to each other!