Should Portland get a high speed train?

🌡️ We’re Breaking Heat Records

Yesterday’s 100-degree heat marked the 15th day of triple-digit temps this decade, tying the record for hot days within a decade — and we’re only four years into the 2020s. According to meteorological technician Gerald Macke, the mean temperature in Portland has been trending upward. [The Oregonian]

• 🎧 Related: Hot tips for staying cool in the Portland heat. [City Cast Portland]

🧑‍⚖️ Former Civil Rights Investigator Wins Workplace Harassment Lawsuit

A Multnomah County Circuit Court jury sided with Carol Johnson and awarded her $1.7 million in a case against her former employer, the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries. Johnson alleged that the state agency, where she headed the civil rights division, was itself a hostile workplace where she faced racial discrimination. The Oregon Department of Justice had previously investigated the claims and found them to be “unsubstantiated.” [OPB]

🍼 Oregon Paid Family Leave

Applications are now open for the state’s new family paid leave program, which will allow Oregonians to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave if they are not covered by their employer. Benefits start September 3 and payout amounts will depend on the regular wage of the employee. [KTVZ]

🛗 Swingers Club Troubles

Nearly two dozen models are suing Portland’s Club Privata for using their photos in advertisements without consent. The models are asking for nearly $6 million in compensation for alleged defamation. [Willamette Week]

🚨 We recently talked about Portland’s emergency response overhaul on the Portland City Cast Podcast and it seems even the non-emergency lines have issues:

“I was on hold for two hours and fifteen minutes on the non-emergency police line to report a home break-in, a crime that cannot be reported using their online system. Very few people can spend that much time waiting. As a result, I suspect that crime is much worse than statistically reported. Perhaps the non-emergency situation is worthy of a story, too.”

— Paul Diener

• 🎧 Further context: The plan to fix Portland’s troubled emergency response. [City Cast Portland]

🌳 And one reader has an idea for PBOT:

“The city could be smart and plant their replacement trees after the rains start this fall, rather than in the spring. At least fall-planted saplings, if anything about our historical weather pattern still holds true, will get half a year of water without anyone's efforts. Planting them in the spring is stupid. Does PBOT not have the budget for it until the next fiscal year? I'll lend them the money. Grrrrrr.”

— Marsha Hanchrow

🚆 Plus, our neighbors to the south in Salem-Keizer say they should be included in any regional expansion of passenger train service:

Washington state Democrats are rallying support for a high speed train between Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC. What do you think?

🧘 Yoga in the Park | Wednesday | 5:30 p.m.

Unwind with a 60-minute all-levels session at Sellwood Riverfront Park. [Free, Sellwood]

🍹 Cocktail Mixology for Summertime | Wednesday | 5:30 p.m.

Learn how to make four summer-themed cocktails from professional mixologists. Supplies are provided and you get 15% off bar tools! [$85, Buckman]

🎮 Mario Kart 8 Tournament | Wednesday | 4 p.m.

Test your Mario Kart skills and win prizes! Casual play begins at 4 p.m. and the official tournament kicks off at 6 p.m. [$5, Buckman]

🎤 The Spot: A Monthly Karaoke Night | Wednesday | 9 p.m.

Sing your heart out at this monthly themed night at Kelly’s Olympian. [Free, Downtown]

Portland’s Renters Are Sweltering, But This New Program Could Help

Since the 2021 heat dome, there’s been a ton of interest in helping Oregonians prepare for a warming climate. But this year, the Oregon Department of Energy launched a program to provide rebates for landlords to install heat pumps and electrical upgrades in rental properties. Today on the show, we’re talking with OPB climate reporter Monica Samayoa about how the program works and whether or not it will be successful in getting landlords on board.