♨️ It’s too hot even for snowmaking machines

The State of Homelessness

According to a point-in-time report from Portland State University, unsheltered homelessness for Oregon families with children has declined since 2023, but overall homelessness is up nearly 35%. PSU says at least a portion of the increase could be due to improved data gathering, but estimates the state needs to add almost 96,000 housing units to keep up. [KGW]

• Related: What is Portland doing to end homelessness? [City Cast Portland 🎧 ]

Portland Rose Festival To Downsize Again

Festival organizers are in the process of consolidating both the Grand Floral Parade and Starlight Parade to one day on June 6, with the Junior Parade moving from a Wednesday to a Saturday. The organization says it’s finalizing the details and will make an announcement on Jan. 29. [Oregonian]

Last Call for Zero-Proof Pioneers

The owners of Oregon-based Wilderton Aperitivo say funding issues have forced them to shut down just seven years after founding the country’s first nonalcoholic distillery. Remaining stock will be sold online through the end of the month, and at liquor stores and bars while supplies last. [KOIN]

Winter Meltdown on the Slopes

Unseasonably warm temperatures and a "snow drought" are taking a toll on Mount Hood, whose “snow water equivalent” is less than 25% of its normal snowpack — the folks at Willamette Pass say it’s too warm to even use their snowmaking machines. There’s a mix of frustration and hope among skiers, but one meteorologist says accumulation is unlikely to catch up even if snow returns to the slopes this year. [Oregonian]

Can This Neon-Clad Mall Walking Group Save the Lloyd Center?

The Lloyd Center mall is about to go through some big changes this year, with demolition already partially underway. But the Food Court 5000 retro mall walking group is still hoping the building will be saved. They gather every weekend to strut the endless hallways of the mall with neon leggings and big hair — but their future is uncertain without the Lloyd Center. Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza is talking with Krista Catwood, local performance artist and founder and host of the Food Court 5000. She’s here to share why she wants to save the Lloyd Center and how to get in on the next mall walk.