🌱 Washington Square Shoplifting Sting + Local School Pilots AP Course

Hi all. I'm here right on time with your Thursday edition of the Portland Patch newsletter, full of all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly cloudy. High: 56 Low: 43.
• Friday: A bit of rain. High: 52 Low: 38.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Portland:

1. Over the weekend, the Tigard Police Department arrested over a dozen people as part of a shoplifting sting around the Washington Square Mall area. In conjunction with patrol officers and stores' loss prevention staff, authorities recovered over $4,000 in merchandise, shoplifting tools, and what is believed to be pills containing fentanyl. TPD reports the sting is part of a "proactive enforcement" effort to stop shoplifting, which has reportedly become more violent as more shoplifters arm themselves or fight with employees. (KOIN.com)
2. A Northeast Portland high school is one of 60 high schools across the U.S. — and the first in Oregon — to pilot an AP African American Studies Course. Mr. Maurice Cowley, a Black educator, teaches the course to a group of 33 students at McDaniel High School. Said Cowley, "It's really meaningful to know that the work isn't just for the 33 kids in my room, but for a whole host of kids across the country, and even in our city and state, that get to encounter this." (Fox 12 Oregon)
3. A 16-year-old boy allegedly seen selling drugs near Southwest 4th Avenue and Washington Street on Monday has been linked to a Sunday shooting nearby. According to the Portland Police Bureau, the juvenile (whose name will not be released to the public) stands accused of firing a gun while riding a scooter near Southwest 2nd Avenue and Morrison Street, then fleeing the scene. No further information on either incident has been released as of Wednesday. (Subscription: OregonLive)

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Today in Portland:

• American Mah Jongg Intermediate Class At Mittleman Jewish Community Center (10:30 AM)
• Brent Follis Trio: Some Of My Best Friends Are...Pianists At Vino Veritas Wine Bar And Bottle Shop (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Portland man reports that $3,000 worth of swords and equipment were stolen from his vehicle. Cameron Turner, who teaches fencing, asks anyone who sees the stolen goods to contact Portland police. (Fox 12 Oregon)
• Attention, drivers: the Morrison Bridge will close to traffic, bikes, and pedestrians for the weekends of Feb. 18, Feb. 25, and Mar. 4 for a painting project. (KBND)
• From the Valentine’s Ball to the Portland Jazz Festival, here are 10 things to do this week in and around the area. (OregonLive)

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• Free Zoom meeting about electricians near Portland, Oregon (February 13)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you soon with 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.