Statues Mothballed+PDX Olympic Athletes+Police Sexual Harassment

No time for pleasantries today I’m afraid, there’s a whole lot happening. So sit down and let me tell you all about it.

Weather

More sun than clouds, lots of blue sky and a high of 85. Just bask in it, my friends!

Top news stories for Portland-filmed

1. The City of Portland could be on the line for a $250,000 pay out due to a sexual harassment claim against a Portland Police Bureau employee. If so, this would be the second time the city has had to pay for Officer Robert Bruders’ misconduct, bringing the total cost to taxpayers up to almost $800,000. (KATU)
2. In the political turmoil that plagued Portland last year, protesters toppled and pulled down several statues. Now that things have calmed down, new rules about public art could keep them down. The Regional Arts and Culture Council, the non-profit responsible for maintaining government-owned artworks, approved a policy change that says artwork that's at odds with anti-racism can be removed. (Willamette Week)
3. I hope you’re ready for the weekend, people, because it’s going to get HOT! A heat advisory has been issued, due to the prediction of record breaking heat and temperatures in the triple digits from Saturday to Monday. Keep yourselves, and your pets, cool. (KOIN)
4. Oregon continues to creep towards its goal of vaccinating 70% of its population, needing just over 41,000 more Oregonians to get their shot. The Oregon Health Authority has announced that Polk County will be moving to lower risk status, having vaccinated 65% of residents, joining Benton, Deschutes, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Multnomah and Washington counties. (OHA)
5. More Portland athletes are heading to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Christine Sinclair of the Portland Thorns will join the Canada Women’s National Team roster, while fellow Thorn members Crystal Dunn, Lindsey Horan, Adrianna Franch and Becky Sauerbrunn will be on the U.S. Women’s National Team. (KPTV)

Today’s events for Portland

1. The Makrokosmos Project presents The Seasons at the Portland Piano Company, celebrating the imagination and artistry of women composers from across the globe. Highlights include music by Pulitzer-prize winning composer Caroline Shaw, Galina Ustvolskaya, Jessie Montgomery, Carolyn Quick, among others. 5:00 – 6:30 PM.
2. Blues musicians Ben Rice and JT Thomas will be playing at the Blue Diamond Bar and Grill in NE Portland. Tickets are available online. Shows are outdoors, but face coverings are still required. 6:30 – 9:00 PM.
3. A cappella group The Pride of Portland chorus will be at Sellwood Community House for the Sellwood Rose Fete Celebration. Special guest will be Caesar The No Drama Llama. 3:00 – 7:00 PM.
4. Tennis players of Portland may be interested in the ReuZable Tennis Recycling Event at Willamette Park. Tennis balls, tennis cans and tennis can toppers can all be recycled for free. Donations for the non-profit Recycle Balls are welcomed. 4:45 – 7:00 PM.
5. Eugenia Riot, with Kendl Winter,, will be at the Alberta Street Pub. This Arkansas native uses guitar and banjo to create her own brand of bluegrass and folk. Tickets are sold by the table and available online. 6:00 – 9:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

1. What’s up with all these Portlanders on America’s Got Talent? Last week we saw Portland singer Storm Large wow the judges of the NBC show. This week, the show featured Jimmie Harrod , who performs with the Portland-based band, Pink Martini. He performed the song "Tomorrow" from the Broadway musical "Annie." (NBC)
2. Stargazers get a treat tonight as a “Strawberry Moon” makes an appearance. The “marginal super moon” gets its name from the time of the year it appears, at the same time as the strawberry harvest. (The Oregonian)
3. And now, I give you a Red Panda eating snacks! (The Oregon Zoo)

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I hope your Thursday is a non-stop, fun-paced thrill ride. But how could it not be? You’re in Portland! 'Til tomorrow, friends.