⛽ The uncertain path for Oregon transportation funding

Gas Tax Hike in Proposed Transportation Bill

A transportation bill introduced this week by Democratic state legislators faces an uncertain future, because passing it requires every Democrat's vote, including one who has been out all session for cancer treatments. Republican legislators are opposing the bill that would raise the gas tax, as well as creating or hiking other transportation fees. [OPB]

Phil Knight Foundation Helps Early Education Nonprofit

Albina Head Start has found a way to secure its future — thanks to donations from Nike founder Phil Knight. The nonprofit has bought the buildings where it operates, thereby securing its ability to serve needy kids in gentrifying neighborhoods where rent has risen. [Oregonian]

The High Cost of Blocking Camps

On the midweek roundup, the Oregon Department of Transportation is installing a fence along I-405 to block campers from accessing the area. The cost is a whopping $900,000 — and it's not the only fence that’s gone up in Portland lately to block camping. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

It’s hard to believe these recently opened spots haven’t been around for ages. They already feel like Portland classics.

🍕 Yum's of PDX | 830 SE 8th Ave. (Buckman neighborhood)

Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday - Saturday, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

It’s Neo-Neopolitan and Sicilian pizza from a chef with New York cred. And it’s ready to compete in a town rich with pizza options.

Go for: the hype.

Stay for: the fact it’s more than pizza — cocktails, meatballs, caesar salad, and burrata round out the experience.

Return for: the excellent pizza.

🍸 Bar Hollywood | 4128 NE Sandy Blvd. (Hollywood neighborhood)

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 6 - 10 p.m. (minors allowed until 9 p.m.)

This David Lynch-themed bar opened beside the Hollywood Theatre is a highlight in a neighborhood boasting several new spots.

Go for: a good space to meet up before or after a movie.

Stay for: the ambience.

Return for: another drink once some additional new spots move into the neighborhood: Movie Madness, Missionary Chocolate’s new location, and new food carts — all coming soon. (Hat tip: Bridgetown Bites’ Meg Cotner talked to the City Cast Portland podcast about all these new places moving in.)

☕ Slow Haste | 2341 NE Glisan St. (Kerns neighborhood)

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Like a growing number of Portland spots, this location serves coffee by day, drinks by night.

Go for: good coffee and a breakfast pastry.

Stay for: a pleasant, bright coffee shop atmosphere.

Return for: drinks later in the day, when it turns into Collective Bar.

For more recent openings: there are plenty of new Portland restaurants we can't wait to try. [City Cast Portland 🎧]