🌱 PPD Clears Suspected Drug Den + Missing Boy Found In Portland

Hello, neighbors. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Portland Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

An afternoon shower. High: 53 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories in Portland today:

1. On Wednesday, Portland police cleared a vacant building in downtown Portland that was connected to suspected drug dealing and recent fentanyl overdoses. City building inspectors and the Portland Fire Unsafe Building Team conducted an inspection of the property after the police cleared the building. Reports of people living inside the building prompted the police to close the surrounding area to ensure there was no one inside. The building has been associated with an open-air fentanyl market, and police have increased patrols in the area to address illegal drug activity. (KATU)
2. An Albany woman has been found in Portland after disappearing with a 13-year-old boy. Alyssa Kathleen Thomas, 24, was arrested earlier this week in Portland after she left Albany with a 13-year-old boy earlier this month. The boy's mother reported him missing, and police later found Thomas and the boy at Lloyd Center Mall's food court after receiving a tip on their location. Thomas faces charges including rape, and the boy has been returned home. (OregonLive)
3. The Portland International Airport recently announced that 20 new shops and restaurants are planned for the new main terminal in May 2024. The businesses will include wood-fired pizza, local coffee and tea brands, a beer hall, and a speakeasy. Twelve of the new businesses are expected to open in May 2024, with the remainder debuting by December 2025. An official stated that "100 percent of the businesses that travelers find in the main terminal will be Oregon brands (and) half involve woman or minority ownership." (OregonLive)

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Today in and around Portland:

• Chxi-San Playgroup At Zenger Farm (11:00 AM)
• Spiderverse Marathon At Tigard Public Library, Tigard (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The victim of a recent stabbing homicide in Portland has been identified as Reese McDowell Lawhon, 43. The suspect, Moses Lopez, has been arrested and charged. The incident has caused public alarm, but preliminary investigation suggests it was not related to nearby houseless camps. (Portland Police Bureau via Facebook)
• The top five best Yelp-reviewed real estate agencies in Oregon are all based here in Portland, according to a new NeighborWho study. Visit the link for the full list of top-rated real estate agencies in Oregon and across the U.S. (NeighborWho)
• Who doesn't love baby animals — especially in springtime? Join Portland Parks and Recreation on Thursday, Apr. 14 for a trip to the Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch for a tour and a hands-on experience with these sweet, fluffy animals. Be sure to follow the department's Facebook page so you don't miss the reservation window for their next trip. (Portland Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another 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.