Keep these items on hand for power outages

Oregon Dems Return $500K

The Democratic Party of Oregon has returned its largest donation ever: $500,000 given last year by an executive at the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The party handed it over to the feds who are overseeing assets as part of the bankruptcy case. [Willamette Week]

Unsafe Conditions at Women’s Prison

Staffing shortages at Coffee Creek, the state’s only women’s prison, have led to days-long lockdowns since the pandemic. That means prisoners have had to stay in their cells, resulting in deteriorating mental health for prisoners, according to a new report released last week by the Oregon Justice Resource Center. [OPB]

Little Recovery in Oregon Student Achievement

Just 40% of Oregon third-graders testing proficient in math and reading on standardized tests this spring — a single percentage point higher than last year, according to unofficial statewide results. Before the pandemic, upwards of 46% of third-graders tested proficient. The lack of progress is in line with what’s happening nationally and comes as there’s been a major federal investment alongside state money. [Oregonian]

Petty Crimes Add Up for Small Businesses

Small businesses struggled through the pandemic (not to mention inflation), but now they’re contending with a rising number of petty crimes. Nicole Blanchette, co-owner of the Leisure Public House, a restaurant and bar in St. Johns, talks about the challenges she’s encountered to keep her business afloat. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🎥 ‘A Scanner Darkly’ With Live Score | Monday | 7 p.m.

An improvised live score will accompany the film, which is based on Philip K. Dick’s classic science fiction novel. [$10, Southeast Clinton Street]

🐝 Where Have All the Pollinators Gone? | Tuesday | 7 - 9 p.m.

At this science pub, learn the basics of bumblebee biology and their precipitous population decline. [$5 suggested donation, Concordia]

🎭 Ali Wong Live | Tuesday - Wednesday | 7 p.m.

The hilarious, raunchy “mom comic” is coming to make us laugh. [$61+, Downtown]

Portland’s Best Restaurants That Are Actually Open on Monday

Searching for restaurants to eat at earlier in the week, especially on a Monday, can feel impossible. Staffing shortages, inflation, and other costs of doing business are making eateries all over Portland prioritize opening closer to the weekends, which typically bring in more customers. Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden shares her picks for eating out early in the week.