🌧️ Which cities have it worse than us?

Oregon, Washington Sue Over SNAP Benefits

Nearly two dozen states are suing to get the federal government to use reserve funding to provide ongoing food assistance during the government shutdown. The Trump administration has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will expire on Nov. 1. “This isn’t complicated – people need to eat,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. [KOIN]

An Artistic Response to Portland’s Tough Moment

A pothole Bandit has come to town to spread delight by filling in potholes and sidewalk cracks with artistic mosaics. Inspired by the PDX Sidewalk Joy project — and timed to the current threat of troop deployment — the Bandit arrived in town from Buffalo, N.Y. [Willamette Week]

• Related: The Bandit’s artwork includes a ladybug, a PDX carpet, and milk-and-cookies designs. [Google Maps]
• Related: All about Portland’s Sidewalk Joy map. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

A Rematch in the Governor’s Race

On the midweek roundup, Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan has filed to run for governor again. She lost to Gov. Tina Kotek in 2022, during her previous campaign for the office. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Rain is a good thing. We all know this — at least, in theory: Water helps all our gardens. Agriculture surely needs it. We love our mossy green landscapes. And if it gets too dry, there are forest fires — which are far worse than a little water coming from the sky.

But when the season changes and rain starts to come down by the bucketfuls, it can be hard to see the upsides.

Which is why it’s a good time to look at which cities have it worse.

First question links to a quiz. (Answers come after each question.)