Your Daily Guide

‘A Cheap Date’ for Data Centers

Last week, Gov. Tina Kotek said she’ll push for new protections against data centers’ expansion in the state. “Oregon needs to stop being a cheap date and making it too easy for them,” Kotek said. She didn’t call for a moratorium, but is looking for ways to protect against the impacts of their water and power use. She didn’t offer specifics, saying she’s awaiting recommendations of an advisory committee she appointed in January. [OPB / City Cast Portland 🎧]

• A utility rate hike for data centers: The state has approved PGE’s 29.7% rate hike for data centers. For residential customers, the rate is declining by about 1%. That comes after a state law passed last year required utility companies to pass along the costs of expanding to meet data center demand. [OPB / City Cast Portland 🎧]
• Heated debates: A Hillsboro City Councilor has received a censure from his colleagues over his conduct during a heated meeting last month about the future of data centers. One thing he did: He pulled out his phone and started recording the crowd. He has apologized for his conduct, though he disputed the technicalities around the censure. [Oregonian]

A Portland ‘Barmaggedon’?

Portland’s lost a lot of bars recently: Last year, the city’s only lesbian bar closed, as did a top-notch farmhouse brewery and one of the oldest McMenamins. This year’s notable closures include the gastropub Interurban and Expatriate, which was once a James Beard semifinalist. Most recently, the wine bar Firefly and Aviation Gin’s tasting room and visitor’s center shuttered. Plus, North Portland beer bar Mayfly is closing in September. [Oregonian]

Oregon Medicaid Will Cover Some Groceries

Two new Medicaid programs in Oregon will buy groceries for some patients. One program will cover vegetables and fruits for a limited number of people with specific health risks who are also food insecure. An additional pantry stocking program has even more limited criteria, focused on pregnant people and young children. [Oregonian]

• Related: Oregon needs to make a $421 million cut to its Medicaid program in the state's next two year budget in response to federal funding cuts that were part of the Trump Administration’s tax bill. An expert panel convened by Gov. Tina Kotek didn’t offer her definitive recommendations, given the tough tradeoffs. [OPB]

Oregon Rankings for Kids' Health and Education Diverge

A recent national ranking from The Annie E. Casey Foundation of how the state is supporting its youngest residents tells two distinct stories. Oregon lags behind the vast majority of states related to educational indicators, coming in at 44 out of 50. Outside of the classroom, Oregon — and Washington as well — are in the top 10 of states in health and community indicators. Overall, Oregon ranks 23rd. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Each week, we feature favorite local spots and organizations picked by City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city:

• “Evolve Body Work located at 1724 NE Broadway. Rachel, the owner and massage therapist, is absolutely incredible. She will make you melt into the massage table and is the kindest soul. AND bonus! She takes insurance (Regence, BCBS, Moda and Providence)! I highly recommend you check it out!” — Amy M.
• “Alberta Veterinary Care is helpful, patient and thorough in taking care of our sweet furry community. Our senior french bulldog has thrived under their care and we'll be patients for life. 12/10, highly recommend.” — Kelsey B.
• "Westside Youth Rugby: We host flag rugby for ages 7 - 12 in the spring, but all-ages touch rugby is every Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Chapman Elementary's turf. Everyone is welcome, all experience levels. If you're rugby-curious, we'd love to have you.” — Stephen Price

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!