Record Breaking Heat + Power Outages + Fire Season Approaches

I hope everyone made it through the weekend okay. It was a rough one, but, hopefully, we’re over the worst of the heat. Let’s see what’s going on today.

Weather

I’d normally say it was hot today, but after the last few days, it’s going to feel downright temperate. Even so, it’s another full day of sun, with a high of 97.

Top news stories for Port land

1. The one thing that everyone is talking about is the record breaking heatwave that hit Portland. The high temperatures caused Tri-Met to suspend its operations, Portland Parks and Recreation to close its outdoor pools and all Portland Public Schools to shut down. Several business also shut down, because of the heat. (KGW)
2. Thousands of people in the Portland metro area are still without power, after heat-related outages on Sunday afternoon. At that time, the temperature at the Portland International Airport was 111 degrees. Portland General Electric is directing concerned customers to its website for updates. (KOIN)
3. Police officers investigating reports of gun fire at Rocky Butte found a man dead at the scene. The call came in around 4:30 AM, sending police to the Madison South Neighborhood. No information about the victim has been released. (KPTV)
4. In addition to the heat, it’s also been abnormally dry and this has many Portlanders worried about fire season. Despite warnings from officials and local bans on fireworks, several experts fear that the loosening of pandemic restriction will make for a number of large Fourth of July celebrations, with fireworks being a long held tradition. (OPB)
5. More locals are going to the Olympics, as Vancouver native Jordan Chiles makes the roster for Team USA’s women’s gymnastics team. She’ll be joining the likes of Simone Biles, Sunisha Lee and Grace McCallum when she heads to Tokyo next month. (KATU)

Today's events for Portland

1. Have you gotten vaccinated yet? The Multnomah County Health Department is hosting a Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Event at the old Fabric Depot Building in SE Portland. This event is free, no insurance information or ID are required and transportation assistance will be available. 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
2. The North Portland bar The Fixin’ To is celebrating the album release of the band Kvasir with 2 nights of music. Tickets can be purchased online. Tonight’s show starts at 7:00 PM.
3. The Meet-Up group Meaningful Conversations Portland is hosting Spiritual Stewards of the Earth, a free online event. Come join a conversation about climate change as viewed through the spiritual lens of Bahá’í teachings. This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. 7:00 PM.
4. The Clinton Street Theater presents the horror film "That Which Keeps You Alive." Jackie and Jules, a female married couple go to a secluded cabin in the woods to celebrate their one-year anniversary. Then, something changes in Jules’ normally loving wife and she discovers a previously unknown dark side. 7:00 PM.
5. If your politics fall to the left on the political spectrum, join Politics and the Left Meet-Up group for coffee and conversation. The group meets at Palio Dessert and Espresso. 6:00 – 7:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

1. The local magazine Portland Monthly has a great article about some forward thinking ideas coming out of Portland. From the universal flu vaccine being developed at OHSU to ethically sourced “leather” made from mushrooms it’s a pretty interesting read. Plus, it’s always great to hear about awesome things being created in our own backyard. (Portland Monthly)
2. Lots of news from Tri-Met! There are no longer limiting how many riders are allowed on buses and trains, though masks are still required. In addition to that, it also unveiled the new Frequent Express bus. While they’re not expected to be in operation until next year, they have higher rider capacity and will run every 12 minutes. (Tri-Met)

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That’s your Tuesday and I hope it’s a great one for you. Stay cool and be happy!