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🌱 Patch AM: How long will Amtrak’s Portland–Seattle shutdown really last?

You won't want to miss Interior Blue Print: An Evening Of Interior Design Inspiration on the Portland Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Greetings Portland! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How long will Amtrak's Portland–Seattle shutdown really last?
  • How one Portland middle school achieved double-digit test score gains
  • Need help with overdue power bills in Portland today?

Also on today's calendar: Interior Blue Print: An Evening Of Interior Design Inspiration and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 84 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 88, low: 63. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Shifting clouds and sun, with a high of 84 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Amtrak extends service cancellation between Seattle and Portland (kpug1170.com) — Train riders between Portland and Seattle are facing extended disruption as Amtrak Cascades service remains suspended through Wednesday, Aug. 19, after a major warehouse fire near Portland tracks. Some replacement buses to and from Portland are also being canceled, with full refunds available for affected travelers.
   

2. Portland middle school's double-digit gains: What Harriet Tubman is doing differently (katu.com) — Harriet Tubman Middle School in Portland has posted double-digit gains in math and English proficiency, far outpacing Portland Public Schools and statewide averages. Staff credit consistent leadership, aligned teaching, and a strong focus on relationships and belonging, which are also driving rising enrollment and a shift in how families view the school's reputation and potential.
   

3. Energy bill assistance available Wednesday in Portland (koin.com) — Portland-area families behind on PGE, Pacific Power or NW Natural bills can get help today at a Catholic Charities assistance event on SE Powell Boulevard. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., eligible households may receive one-time energy bill support on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last, easing pressure on rent, groceries and other essentials.
   

4. Dream Big City hosts event in Southeast Portland ahead of skate park revitalization (kptv.com subscription) — A Southeast Portland skate park at SE 9th and Taylor is getting a major renovation after a community event hosted by nonprofit Dream Big City drew dozens of neighbors. The park has become a haven for at-risk youth, and local architects are donating $60,000 in work, with organizers expecting the expanded, art-infused space to be finished by early October.
   

5. A Place Between Rehab and Home (newmobility.com) — A fully accessible home in a Portland suburb, the Mortensen House, is being turned into transitional housing for people with spinal cord injuries returning from rehab. Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection is piloting the program now, seeking donations and feedback as it refines stays of up to three months for Portland-area wheelchair users preparing permanent housing.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • MKM Hotels posted a job opening for Premium Hotel Guest Service Specialist in Portland. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Employment – Music and Arts Centers (Ages 16+) - Talent Pool in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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