👀 Is Silver Falls getting a zipline?

Immigrant Legal Aid Program Gets Boost

State lawmakers approved $15 million in additional funding for a universal representation program that provides legal aid to immigrants seeking asylum or facing deportation proceedings. That brings the total to $37 million since 2022, but some are concerned about long wait times and a lack of transparency. [Oregonian]

State Program Reportedly Wasted Millions

Oregon’s Preschool Promise program awarded $1.4 million in “wasteful” funds due to a lack of oversight, according to an investigation by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. PSP is intended to help at-need children between ages three and five, but much of the funds went to schools with as few as one or two children enrolled. [Willamette Week]

A Zipline at Silver Falls?

Oregon state parks are exploring creative ideas to combat a looming $30 million budget shortfall. Some parks have already increased fees and added concessions, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is brainstorming possible additions like ziplines and food trucks. [Oregonian]

• The parks department has a public survey open through August 8 where you can share your own ideas for improving state parks.

⛽️ Prepare to Pay More at the Pump

On the Friday news roundup, Gov. Tina Kotek has proposed a plan to raise fees and taxes (including a higher gas tax and a new annual EV fee) to fund Oregon's struggling transportation system. Lawmakers will take up the package during a special session on Aug. 29. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

These gorgeous pieces are painted on the exterior of Oak Street Studios in the Central Eastside Mural District. The graphic pieces on the left are by artist Forest Wolf Kell; the feathers on the right are by artist Derek Yost.

“Frogs symbolize water and land. Feathers symbolize freedom,” wrote reader Courtnae.

Shout out to the other readers that guessed correctly: Howie B., Mark M., Sarah S., Cassandra, Randi M., Heidi F., and Camila S., who loves the food carts that set up right by the mural.

This week’s scavenger hunt comes from reader Heidi Franklin. 💚

Where is this mural?

Please click here to send me the location — and anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt (almost) every Friday. Please send me the location if you know it — and for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll shout out the first 10 readers who respond correctly (and reveal the answer).

📸 Want to submit a photo? Please email us a snapshot of a spot in the Portland metro area and we’ll consider it for an upcoming “Where Is It?” segment!