Arson Arrest+Multnomah County Budget+82nd Ave Renovations

Hey, Portland, let’s get our weekend on. There’s so much fun to be had, but, first, the news.

Weather

Morning showers give way to a cloudy afternoon, as cooler weather prevails with a high of 65.

Top news stories in Portland today

1. A man has been arrested in connection with the fires that were set Wednesday morning in North Portland. The fires, which were mostly in the Humboldt neighborhood, are reported to have caused approximately $142,000 in damage. (KPTV)
2. The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has approved an unprecedented $2.82 billion budget. Much of the budget goes to counter the effects COVID-19 had on the region, but at least $52 million will go to the Joint Office of Homeless Services. (The Skanner)
3. Oregon Department of Transportation wants to begin a long awaited plan to improve conditions along 82nd Ave., one of Portland’s deadliest streets for car crashes and pedestrian fatalities. A big part of that plan is transferring ownership from the Portland Department of Transportation to ODOT. They’re also asking the state for $80 million to help pay for improvements. (Willamette Week)
4. The Portland Trailblazers are out of the NBA play-offs after losing to the Denver Nuggets in a 126-115 game. The Nuggets advance in the Western Semifinals to play the Phoenix Suns on Monday. (KOIN)
5. Oregon’s House Judiciary Committee held talks this week to consider a bill that would decriminalize prostitution in the state. House Bill 3088 would repeal laws of prostitution and sexual solicitation. (KATU)

Today’s events in Portland

1. The World Famous Kenton Club wants you to get your groove on by hosting DJ Action Slacks. He’ll be spinning R&B, Soul and Roots Rock. The event is free, but registration is required and CDC safety guidelines are in effect, so bring a mask. (The World Famous Kenton Club)
2. Calling all latte artists! Put your skills to the test in a latte art throw down at the Buckman Coffee Factory. Sign ups begin at 6:30 PM and are first come, first served. There is a $5 entrance fee, but attendance if free. Gentlemen, start your frothing! (7:00 PM)
3. Want to shake your booty, but still not ready to leave the house. Tune into DJ Po’s Desolation Disco on Twitch. Tunes will include everything from ABBA to ZZ Top and more. (8:00 PM)
4. Maybe you just want to watch someone else shake their booty with a little burlesque? Well, ShowGirl Temple has you covered with a virtual show. Tickets start at $10 and this an 18 and over show. There will be performers from all along the West Coast, bringing you enchanting mysteries and saucy seduction. (7:00 PM)
5. After being postponed last year due to the pandemic, The Dolly Parton Hoot night is back. See Portland’s best musicians pay tribute to this country music icon. This is a virtual event and tickets for the livestream are $20. (7:00 PM)

The Portland Patch Notebook

1. For those of you in the Southeast, the Woodstock Farmer’s Market opens on Sunday. There will be vendors with a wide assortment of locally grown produce, as well as baked good, meats, cheeses and artisan made products like jewelry and art. The market is from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
2. With the year we’ve been having, we could all use a few laughs and the Helium Comedy Club is happy to oblige. They’re doing an outdoor comedy series in a big tent they’ve set up in the parking lot next to their club. There will be acts every Sunday throughout the month of June. This Sunday features Tyler Boeh, an award-winning “beat-boxing” talent. Shows start at 5:00 PM and tickets are required.

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Featured event

• June 8th: Celebrate Best Friends Day with a bouquet of flowers

There’s your news and events for the day in Portland. Hope you have lots of fun and I’ll be back with you next week. Now I’m off to have a weekend!