How long has Portland gone without rain?

Reasons for Overdose Crisis

In the third wave of the opioid crisis, fentanyl use has skyrocketed, according to data from a federal drug task force operating in Idaho and Oregon. They seized just 43 doses of the synthetic opioid in 2019 and then 32 million doses in 2022. Also, the price has fallen sharply to as little as $2 a pill. [OPB]

Water Rate Hike Partly Reinstated

With much fanfare, Portland City Council last month nixed a plan to raise water rates significantly. But they quickly reversed course, partly reinstating the rate hikes, in an effort to save a program that provides utility-bill assistance for low-income renters. The increase will cost the average ratepayer $90 annually. [Oregonian]

City Hall Daytime Camping Ban

City Hall plans to crack down on daytime camping by unsheltered people. Opponents expect to mount a legal challenge in the courts, while nonprofits that provide daytime shelter say they may be overwhelmed. “This is how it tends to happen,” said Scott Kerman, director of social service nonprofit Blanchet House. “The mayor’s office says it’s going to rain next week and we have to figure out how to keep everybody dry.” [OPB]

Best Portland Doughnut

In honor of National Doughnut Day, the City Cast Portland team gorged themselves to determine the best local doughnut. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Pedalpalooza ‘Bike Summer’ Kickoff | Thursday | 6:30 p.m.

This family-friendly hour-long ride from Alberta Park to the Southwest Waterfront kicks off the summer-long festival. [Free, Alberta Park Start]

‘Cleopatra Jones’ | Thursday | 7:30 p.m.

The historical society Oregon Black Pioneers is sponsoring a series of Blaxploitation films, created by Black directors featuring Black actors. This 1973 film features a James Bond-style federal agent, but she has a supermodel cover story. [$10, Hollywood]

First Thursday Street Gallery | Thursday | 5 - 9 p.m.

The event runs April through October on Northwest 13th between Hoyt and Kearney. [Free entry, Pearl District]

The Doughnut Throwdown: Who Makes Portland’s Best?

Friday is National Doughnut Day! So today, we’ve got a few dozen of the freshest doughnuts from four different shops. Is Blue Star worth all the hype? Is anyone still eating Voodoo Doughnuts? Does Portland even have good doughnuts??? Helping host Claudia Meza compare and decide which are the best in town is lead producer John Notarianni and audio producer Giulia Fiaoni.