⛺ A complete about-face for the Multnomah County sheriff

Public Overruled on Burnside Bridge Design

On the midweek news roundup, a county committee has selected a new Burnside Bridge replacement that wasn’t the crowd favorite when the county surveyed the public. Plus, a Burger Week superfan weighs in. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

• Related: The new design won’t have ramps to connect the Burnside Bridge to the Eastbank Esplanade. The cost of the ramps were projected to be $98 to $132 million. [Bike Portland]

Sheriff Will Book People Who Turn Down Shelter

Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell has reversed course on a high-profile decision, agreeing to book people who turn down an offer of shelter. Initially, she’d objected to using law enforcement resources to address a housing problem. Under the city’s new camping ban, seven people have been issued citations so far. [Oregonian 🔒]

Oregon’s COVID-19 Wave

There’s a COVID wave underway. According to wastewater testing, virus levels are higher in Oregon than in other western states and much higher than the national average. There were 223 COVID patients in Oregon hospitals as of the beginning of August — up from 79 in April. [Oregonian 🔒]