The surface of Mars
NASA is taking applications to live in a man-made Martian habitat for a year. Credit: ESA / Getty Images

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The surface of Mars
NASA is taking applications to live in a man-made Martian habitat for a year. ESA / Getty Images

In local news:

• The city and Portland Police Association are in the midst of contract negotiations that will impact future police bureau operations. One change proposed by the city is a new discipline guide detailing what officer actions will prompt termination from the bureau and offers a new rehabilitation path for officers who violate minor bureau policies. The Mercury obtained the guide through a records request—check it out here.

• The Interstate-5 Rose Quarter expansion project is one step closer to an actual design now that Governor Brown endorsed a freeway cap model that will return some land to the Albina neighborhood by way of cover on top of the freeway. With that contentious decision starting to reach a conclusion, transportation leaders can start to tackle other questions about the project, like how the heck it’s going to be funded.

• Abe Asher breaks down the Timber’s recent roster change that has fans—and the team itself—frustrated.

• If this weekend’s overcast summer weather inspires you to hit the town, make sure you know which bars and venues are requiring proof of vaccination!

• Community members weighed in Wednesday on the city and county’s report on the oil tank hub in Northwest Portland that predicts the hub will cause a massive oil spill during a major earthquake. They pointed to some topic areas the report is missing—like what happens to the people who live on houseboats during the earthquake and subsequent oil spill—as well as urged the city to take preventative action.

• Sharpen your pencils, brush off your backpack, and restock your mask collection—it’s back to school season! Portland Public Schools is preparing for a full return to in-person learning by developing a “layered Swiss cheese approach” (yes, seriously, that’s what they’re calling it) that employs masks, physical distance, testing symptomatic staff and students, and HEPA air filters to keep school-goers safe.

In national news:

• Across the nation, many schools are strongly recommending masks but not enforcing them, leaving unvaccinated children more at-risk for catching the Delta variant.

• The Biden administration extended the pause on student loan payments though January 31, 2022 (hooray!). The pause has been in place since the beginning of the pandemic, but was set to expire in September. Biden said this will be the final extension for the pause on payments (boo!).

• Calling all weirdos: NASA is taking applications for four people to live in a man-made, 1,700-square-foot Martian habitat in Houston for a year. The experiment is being used as a way to prepare to send astronauts to Mars.

• Look your best (and support local journalism) by purchasing a new Mercury T-shirt! Check out this month’s hot designs here!

• REJOICE! Portland’s favorite food event is back! Sample 37 delicious, one-of-a-kind burgers from the greatest local restaurants (and only $6 each). It’s the Mercury’s PORTLAND BURGER WEEK, coming at you August 16-22!

• Finally, if you’ve ever had an oddly specific question about the Olympic Games—like where the beach volleyball sand comes from, or how dressage horses are transported overseas—that you couldn’t find an answer to, look no further!

Isabella Garcia is the former News Editor for the Portland Mercury. She covered City Hall, transportation, the environment, breaking news, and more.