🦠 'Massive clumps' in the Willamette

Worst Algae 'Super Bloom' In a Decade

Another algae bloom outbreak in the Ross Island Lagoon is spilling out into the Willamette River — this time, river experts are calling it the most extreme and toxic one they've seen in a decade. River advocates advise people and dogs to stay out of the water for now, warning the toxins can be deadly for pets. Researchers are concerned about surrounding wildlife and are questioning if a "short-term water quality strategy" is needed to protect them. [Oregonian]

• It's probably time to second-guess your plans before heading out for waterfront recreation: The Human Access Project cancelled their final Friday Splashdown of the year last week out of safety concerns. [Human Access Project / Instagram]
• Despite this latest bloom, Portland has made great strides in making the river cleaner, safer, and more swimmable in recent decades. City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza was recently featured on the Your City Could Be Better podcast talking about how Portland made it cool to swim in the Willamette again. [Your City Could Be Better 🎧]

Delayed Discovery of Residents' Bodies at Central City Concern

Seven families have sued nonprofit housing and social services provider Central City Concern after missed wellness checks led to the discovery of several residents' bodies days — or weeks — after their death. Disturbingly, the lawsuits allege that in several cases, bodies were only discovered after the smell became an issue. [Oregonian]

Overnight Shelter Building Faces Foreclosure

A Pearl District building, currently housing one of the city's temporary overnight shelters, faces foreclosure over an alleged $7.2 million in overdue loan and interest payments. Real estate developer Vanessa Sturgeon, Sturgeon Development Partners, and North Pearl LLC are listed as defendants in the lawsuit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court last week. The potential foreclosure should not disrupt the shelter's planned September closure, according to mayoral spokesman Cody Bowman. [Willamette Week]

Trump's Mail-in Voting Restrictions On Hold

Last week, a federal judge put a two-week temporary restraining order on the Trump administration's latest attempt to restrict mail voting. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwan cited concerns that the policy could both impinge on states' authority and disenfranchise voters. The federal government is expected to challenge the restraining order. [Oregon Capitol Chronicle]