Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: When will Naito Parkway reopen after the Centennial Mills blast?
Be sure to catch Interior Blue Print: An Evening Of Interior Design Inspiration on the Portland Patch calendar

Hey there, Portland! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Portland PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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In today's newsletter:
- When will Naito Parkway reopen after the Centennial Mills blast?
- Which big-name films and guests are headed to OMSI this week?
- Police seek witnesses after deadly train strike in North Portland
Also on today's calendar: Interior Blue Print: An Evening Of Interior Design Inspiration and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 85 and low of 58 degrees.
- Wednesday: Partial sunshine, temps: high: 82, low: 58.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 86 and low of 61 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
📰 News we're reading
1. Northwest Portland's Iconic Centennial Mills Water Tower Demolished In Spectacular Controlled Explosion (kxl.com subscription) — Northwest Portland's skyline just changed dramatically as the fire-damaged Centennial Mills water tower was dropped in a controlled explosion, clearing the way for full demolition of the unstable building. City officials warn people to stay away while crews dismantle the remaining structure, and say Northwest Naito Parkway between 9th and 15th should reopen once the height is safely reduced.
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2. Portland film fest featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, Paul Reubens' final film starts Tuesday (koin.com) — A six-day film festival kicks off today at OMSI in Southeast Portland, bringing more than 170 films from 31 countries, including Jamie Lee Curtis' new thriller and Paul Reubens' final on-screen performance. The Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation and Technology runs through August 23 with stop-motion panels from LAIKA artists, a free Creator Expo on Saturday, and flexible ticket and pass options for local movie lovers.
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3. 1 dead, 1 injured after being hit by a train in North Portland (koin.com) — One person was killed and another injured Monday night after being struck by a BNSF train in North Portland near the 6900 block of North Willamette Boulevard. Portland police say the surviving victim is expected to live and are asking anyone with information about what happened to contact investigators as they work to learn more about the incident.
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4. The Best Fried Chicken In Oregon Is Served Inside This Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant (myfamilytravels.com) — On SE Division Street, Reel M Inn has quietly become a beloved Portland neighborhood bar famed for what many locals call the city's best fried chicken and jojos. With one person running the bar and kitchen, long waits are part of the charm, rewarded by made-to-order chicken, house-made sauces, and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that keeps regulars and visitors coming back.
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5. Pendleton leaders tour Portland homelessness programs (opb.org) — Portland's homelessness response is drawing close scrutiny from Pendleton leaders, who just toured city programs like the Clinton Triangle shelter and Portland Solutions to adapt ideas back home. The visit also spotlights Portland's own challenges, including shelter closures, disputes over rising homelessness data, and ongoing coordination between the mayor's office and service providers.
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📸 Around Portland
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Portland
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Interior Blue Print: An Evening Of Interior Design Inspiration →
Celebrate Me Home, 319 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale
5:30 pm
Thursday August 20
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Spring Garden Volunteer Day →
Hillside Neighborhood Association 2257 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210
9:00 am - Hike with Hoyt
Hillside Neighborhood Association Hoyt Arboretum, Visitor Center
10:00 am - Shemanski Park Farmers Market
Portland Farmers Market - Shemanski Park Shemanski Park Farmers Market, SW Park & Main, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
10:00 am - Ready to Create a More Organized Home & Life? →
6:00 pm - Getting Unburied from your Clutter - Learn How with Support - Class Registration Now Open →
6:00 pm - Smile Boat Parade, North Waterfront PDX →
1611 NE Marine Dr, Portland
11:00 am - Oregon Charter Academy Hosts Kindergarten Meet and Greet →
Memorial Park, 8100 SW Wilsonville Rd, Wilsonville
11:00 am - Wine for Wildlife →
Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland
6:00 pm - Wine for Wildlife →
Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland
6:00 pm - Montavilla Jazz Festival 2026 →
6:00 pm - Montavilla Jazz Festival 2026 →
11:00 am
Wednesday August 19
Thursday August 20
Saturday August 22
Monday August 24
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
Friday September 4
Saturday September 5
📣 Portland Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Makeready, LLC posted a job opening for Houseperson in Portland. Apply here.
- Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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