🍌Friday finally. Cool start to the weekend - Friday tops out around 56°F with a slim chance of rain, Saturday about the same. Today is the city council budget amendment deadline: $170 million in the hole, and the clock is ticking. Also we got dogs. Like, too many dogs.
🚨 THE NEWS
Your Water Bill Is About to Have a Real Conversation With You
Portland's Bull Run filtration project was approved in 2017 for $500 million. The current estimate: $2.58 billion, more than five times that. A retired city administrator told a crowd it could hit $4 billion before construction wraps. The city blames permitting delays, inflation, and better cost certainty. Portland is requesting a two-year extension on its 2027 filtration deadline. When the project was at $2.1 billion, the city projected roughly eight percent annual rate hikes for five years which would roughly double your bill. Councilor Mitch Green has been pushing to ask state regulators if a cheaper compliance option exists. The Water Bureau says their hands are tied by federal drinking water rules. Mike Jordan, recently retired city administrator, was blunter: rates will rise "at a rate that will drive you all nuts." KATU
A Bus Broke Down. Now 80 Dogs Need a Home.
Oregon Dog Rescue is already at capacity, 75 dogs looking for homes right now. This weekend, 80 more are arriving. Fifty from Mexico. Thirty from Texas. The backup happened when a transport bus broke down last week, compressing two shipments into one very hectic Saturday. Staff have been prepping extra crates, extra food, extra volunteers. The new dogs arrive Saturday and will be available for adoption Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. So if you've been on the fence about a dog: the fence just got shorter. Oregon Dog Rescue is at 6100 S. Macadam Ave, open 11AM–6PM daily.
A Timber Is Going to the World Cup
Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman has been named to New Zealand's 26-player World Cup roster. It's the All Whites' first tournament appearance since 2010 — a 16-year absence from the biggest stage in the sport. Surman, 22, leads MLS in defensive contributions this season and has started every Timbers match. New Zealand drew into Group G. They open June 15 against Iran in Los Angeles, then face Egypt and Belgium in Vancouver. He'll become just the second active Timber to appear in an official World Cup match, David Guzmán did it for Costa Rica in 2018. Portland doesn't win the World Cup. But for a few weeks in June, one of its own will be trying. timbers.com
OREGON DOG RESCUE SPOTLIGHT
This is Florence- isn’t she just the cutest? She is a 12 pound terrier and she needs a home. Florence is a shy gal looking for an adult-only home where she will have another dog to help her gain confidence! There are so many adoptable treasures at Oregon Dog Rescue, you can see Florence here and the more here.
📚 ON THIS DAY
In 1994, the USS Blueback — the last diesel-powered submarine to serve the U.S. Navy — opened for tours at OMSI. It's still docked there if you've never been aboard.
🥳 UPCOMING EVENTS
🌧️ Well…
Portland water is about to cost twice as much. At least they have to filter it first.
by Michael Simpson Contact: [email protected]