🔥 The worst air quality in the world

Portland Ranks Among the Worst in Air Quality Globally

This week, Portland briefly topped the list of major cities with the worst air quality in the world, rising from tenth on Tuesday to the worst by yesterday morning. Oregon also broke a record for the annual number of acres burned in our state's history — now over two million. Experts say the smoke should clear by Friday, but in the meantime avoid being outdoors, keep doors and windows closed with air purifiers running, and if needed, wear N95 masks to lessen smoke exposure. [Oregonian]

Thorns and Fire Fans Reject New AI Partnership

Local professional women's sports teams Portland Fire and Thorns announced a partnership with an AI company last week, and fans are not pleased. The company is Treasure AI — a platform that uses customer data to assist marketers in making more personalized offers to sports fans. Details about how exactly the partnership will impact fans are unclear, but many are upset by the Fire's announcement, which said the deal will help "teams build stronger connections with every fan." [Portland Mercury]

Desperate Incentives for Downtown Tenants

Today on the podcast, we've got updates on the I-5 Rose Quarter renovation, the demise of the cash for cops ballot initiative, and Portland's toxic air quality in a news lightning round. Plus, we're looking at big incentives being paid to real estate brokers bringing tenants downtown and digging into our listener mailbag. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Last week's scavenger hunt was submitted by local photographer and reader Mark E. McClure. The photo is of "a bicycle ground mosaic in the Lloyd Center parking garage, part of Portland artist Christine Bourdette's 1991 site-specific installation 'Consumer Reliquaries,'" said McClure.

He also mentioned the piece is made up of "a mix of brick, checkerboard tiles, safety tactile paving, and custom elements" and that he's not sure what will happen to it when the mall is demolished.

Exactly ten of you guessed the correct location. Shout out to Christie K., Collin S., Hank, Loren S., Leo, Beth S., Irisa P., Camilla, Mark H., and Kathy M!

This week's scavenger hunt comes from Irisa P.:

Do you know where this mural is? A hint from Irisa P.: "It's not in Egypt."

Please click here to submit the location — and, for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt usually every Friday. We're off tomorrow for a summer Friday break, but we'll be back next week on Friday with the answer and a new scavenger hunt for you.

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