🌱 AI Operator Testing For Non-Emergency Calls + Weekend Construction

Hey, neighbors. It's Saturday in Portland and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny. High: 80 Low: 54.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 82 Low: 55.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Portland:

1. The Bureau of Emergency Communications in Portland plans to test an AI-driven automated-operator service to handle non-emergency calls, aiming to reduce 911 wait times. The trial will identify calls that can be redirected from the non-emergency line to the 311 system, which provides information on city services. The bureau hopes that eventually 311 and 911 will be the sole contact points, with the AI operator serving as the main point of contact for non-emergency calls on the 311 line. (OregonLive)
2. Portland drivers are advised to avoid the I-84 at the I-205 interchange this weekend due to repaving work, resulting in several closures and detours. The westbound lanes of I-84 will be closed near 122nd Avenue with traffic redirected to I-205 southbound. On-ramps to I-84 westbound will also be closed throughout the weekend, and the closures are expected to continue until 5:00 a.m. on Monday. The Oregon Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed by fall, with several more weekend closures planned for the six-mile highway repaving. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
3. Officials in Northeast Portland reported a shooting and subsequent crash in the early morning hours on Friday, Jun. 23, resulting in one fatality and another person being hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The incident occurred near the intersection of Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Northeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, where officers discovered a vehicle had crashed into a pole. Currently, the affected area is blocked off, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and reference case number 23-164650. (KOIN.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Portland:

Saturday, June 24

• Portland Farmers Market At Shemanski Park (8:30 AM)
• Small Batch Trivia From Geeks Who Drink At Saint Pizza Lounge (8:00 PM)

Sunday, June 25

• Drag Queen Bingo With Poison Waters At Mittleman Jewish Community Center (4:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At The Twilight Room (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Portland's local distillery, Freeland Spirits, has unveiled Forest Gin, a new creation inspired by the city's Forest Park, featuring unique ingredients like Douglas fir tips, chanterelle mushrooms, berries, and nettle. Located just blocks away from Forest Park, the women-led distillery aims to make Forest Gin a permanent addition to its collection, joining its existing bourbon whiskey and other gin varieties. (KOIN.com)
• Experience the thrilling Jurassic World Live Tour at the Moda Center until Sunday, Jun. 25! You can purchase your tickets and find additional details here. (KATU)
• Join the Police Accountability Commission on Tuesday, Jun. 27 on Zoom to hear their policy recommendations and engage in discussions about police accountability. It's an opportunity to ask questions, meet the volunteer commissioners, and contribute ideas for policy recommendations. Find more details here. (City of Portland, OR via Facebook)

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• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 27)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.