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In local news:
â˘Â Portland, Portland Fire & Rescue, and Multnomah County have all banned fireworks through at least July 14. And no, you canât sneak up to Clark County to skirt the local bansâthey banned the sale and use of fireworks, too. Local authorities have asked people not to call 911 to report fireworks and, instead, ask you to kindly remind any selfish assholes fireworks-users there is a ban.
â˘Â During peak hours of the heatwave, over 100 callers could not reach 2-1-1âthe information hotline widely publicized as a primary source for cooling center information and transportation assistance. Local and state officials are looking for lessons in the failure in hopes of being better prepared for wildfire season.
Today, we're announcing that 70% of people in Oregon 18 years and older have now received at least one #COVID19 vaccination in advance of the July 4th holiday weekend.https://t.co/AsF6RvjqRY pic.twitter.com/MjpoLF5cm8
â OR Health Authority (@OHAOregon) July 2, 2021
â˘Â The death toll from the heatwave has risen to 59 people in Multnomah County and over 80 statewide. State and county officials say the number of heat-related deaths may continue to climb into next week, particularly because the isolation that factored into many of the deaths also impedes authoritiesâ ability to find the people who died. Multnomah County Health Officer Jennifer Vines is asking people to continue to check on their neighbors, especially if they live alone.
â˘Â Now that Governor Kate Brown has lifted almost all mask, capacity, and distancing requirements, Oregonians are free to decide their personal COVID safety restrictions. Here is OPBâs look at how a smattering of Oregon businesses, universities, and towns are handling the new freedom.
â˘Â Several Voodoo Doughnut workers walked out during the heatwave, citing dangerously hot working conditions. The business has fired three of those workers, saying they had âunexcused absences.â The workers plan to respond with legal action.
Woo-hoo! It's our latest POP QUIZ PDX featuring funny, sassy multiple choice questions about Portland news, trivia, and our popular "subjective" question... this week about the best ice cream treats! đ Take it and GET SMART!https://t.co/mpPZiG1PZt
â Portland Mercury đ (@portlandmercury) July 2, 2021
In national news:
â˘Â An independent review of the US militaryâs response to internal reports of sexual assault found commanders need more training to prevent "daily acts of demeaning language and sexual harassment.â The report lists 28 recommendations for improvement, including having independent, non-military sexual assault coordinators and victim advocates who can make recommendations to commanders.
Dream Crushed Over Trivial Bullshit Represents Nation Better Than Gold Medal Ever Could https://t.co/Eqd0kSuPMg pic.twitter.com/np6RYhy8Ai
â The Onion (@TheOnion) July 2, 2021
â˘Â A Californian couple who bulldozed and buried 36 Joshua trees to make way for their new home have been fined $18,000 for damaging the trees. Joshua trees are a candidate for protection under the California Endangered Species Act and cannot be damaged while under review for lasting protection.
â˘Â Air travel exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time Thursday. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened 2,147,090 people nationwide on July 1.
Hurricane Elsa is expected to hit Florida early next week â potentially complicating search-and-rescue efforts at the collapsed condo building in Surfside. At least 128 people are still unaccounted for.https://t.co/nrAyTlsIRw
â NPR (@NPR) July 2, 2021
â˘Â The Mercury is hosting a summer movie mash up of all of our film fests (HUMP, SPLIFF, and SLAY)! Get those tickets now!
â˘Â Itâs officially the Mercuryâs SUMMER OF SLUSHIES! Check out the local bars that are serving up $5 delicious, boozy frozen concoctions all month long!
â˘Â Itâs been a heavy week. I hope you all are taking care of yourselves. If you need some help doing that, here are some peaceful nature sounds that researchers say can help boost your mood and decrease stress.
Feeling anxious? Take a moment to listen to the sounds of nature â here or anywhere around you.
Research done in national parks has found that uninterrupted sounds like falling rain and bird chatter can improve your mood and lower stress.https://t.co/XT7Wfd96yT pic.twitter.com/PY3L02z6Sv
â NPR (@NPR) July 2, 2021