🍴 The best Old Portland restaurants

Seeking More Bottle Drop Exemptions

More Oregon grocery stores want an exemption from redeeming cans and bottles after a Downtown Safeway and Plaid Pantry were given a month-long break during the official fentanyl state of emergency. Industry groups are lobbying for the change to the state’s historic Bottle Bill to allow more exemptions. [Willamette Week]

Phones Down for Unemployment Benefits

Dozens of people seeking unemployment benefits say they’ve got a busy signal when calling the Oregon Employment Department. The agency is transitioning to a new computer system, and officials say the transition has been a smooth one despite the delays. [KATU]

County Considering Northwest for Sobering Center

County officials are considering an office building at Northwest Thurman and 17th Avenue for the new sobering center. The owner was already looking to turn it into a mental health crisis center after it failed as an office building during the pandemic. [KGW]

Reasons To Eat Out This Month

Portland’s restaurants still aren’t back to pre-pandemic busyness, and this month, more than 80 restaurants in close-in neighborhoods are participating in the Ticket to Dine, where diners have a chance of winning prizes for every entree they order. That’s part of this week’s news roundup. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

• Related: The list of restaurants participating in Ticket to Dine.

Millions More to Build Houses, Thousands More to Buy Them, and Prizes for Dinner

This week’s news includes updates on the state of our restaurant industry, Gov. Tina Kotek’s $376 million housing package that lawmakers approved, and how much housing prices in Portland have jumped in the last four years. Portland Business Journal reporter Malia Spencer join City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza and senior producer John Notarianni.