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In local news:
⢠The Oregon Health Authority has updated its mask guidelines for fully vaccinated people after Governor Brown announced last week that fully vaccinated individuals can now go maskless in most spaces. If businesses choose to allow maskless customers, they must check proof of vaccination for every individual before entry. Plus, all Oregonians, regardless of vaccination status, no longer have to wear masks when outside.
â˘Â Top Chef Portlandâs Sara Hauman recently talked with the Mercury about seasonal cooking, tips for kitchen novices, and her longing to eat a burger in a loud bar by herself. Check out Blair Stenvickâs Q & A with the chef to learn some tips on how to utilize your summer produce!
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Top Chef Portland's Sara Hauman about cooking with Oregon produce.
One thing I learned: Strawberries go great in ceviche.https://t.co/2k5FslHIyv
â Blair Stenvick (@BlairStenvick) May 18, 2021
â˘Â Last week, PPS board members reiterated their concerns of how ODOTâs Rose Quarter expansion will impact Harriet Tubman Middle School, whose students already experience high levels of pollution that board members worry may be exacerbated by the encroaching freeway. The school board members also made it clear that they do not trust ODOT to be honest about its construction plans.
⢠Today is the last day to vote in Multnomah Countyâs special election! Make sure to drop off your ballot before 8 pm.
⢠There are only two weeks left to watch HUMPâs Greatest Hits Volume 3! Get your tickets now to spice up your weekend!
In national news:
â˘Â A bill to combat hate crimes against Asian Americans passed the House today and now awaits President Bidenâs signature. The vote was 364-62 with all votes in opposition coming fromâyou guessed itâRepublicans.
â˘Â Amazon is extending its global ban on police departments using its facial recognition software indefinitely. The ban was first issued in June of last year during nationwide protests over racial injustice. Amazonâs facial recognition software, as with most similar software, is less accurate at recognizing darker skinned people, leading to false arrests of people of color.
An investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has concluded the fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. by law enforcement last month was "justified."
Brown's family has called his death an execution.https://t.co/gTVehZNnVt
â NPR (@NPR) May 18, 2021
â˘Â South Dakotaâs governor is suing the federal government in an attempt to put on a 4th of July fireworks display on Mount Rushmore. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe wants to join the lawsuit in opposition to the governor; the Black Hills, which include Mount Rushmore, are the tribeâs most sacred site.
â˘Â In âthe end is nearâ news: a new study found that half of the worldâs single-use plastic is produced by 20 companies.
â˘Â You want to look GOOD, true or false? If "true," you'll want to purchase a new, wicked awesome Mercury T-shirt... just in time for tee season!
â˘Â And finally, a reminder from Maple to get outside and make friends with some plants:
Maple made a new fern fren pic.twitter.com/ykZm4CsZxE
â Oregon Zoo (@OregonZoo) May 18, 2021