The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support!
Good morning, Portland! You probably know that we’re on the edge of another brutal heatwave coming later this week—here’s a friendly reminder to check on your friends and neighbors to make sure they have a plan for staying safe.
And here are the headlines.
• In case you somehow hadn’t heard the news yet: Starting Friday, Multnomah County is requiring masks to be worn inside all businesses and public spaces. I know our culture is obsessed with superficial nostalgia, but it feels a little early to be bringing back 2020 fashion trends—thanks a lot, Delta!
• Those visiting downtown Portland Sunday evening were confronted with an alarming scene: A man associated with far-right extremists strolling through the street, pointing what appeared to be an assault rifle at various members of the public. It turns out that man was holding a replica rifle (at least, that’s what the Portland Police Bureau says), and he won’t be charged with anything. I’m just glad this young man’s promising future wasn’t ruined over a little harmless fun!
• The Warm Springs reservation in Central Oregon needs an upgrade to its water system—and tribal leaders are considering using “air water technology,” a novel system in which solar panels essentially collect moisture from the air and convert it to drinking water. Could this be a sustainable solution to the terrible drought experienced throughout the West?
• DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS SEE THIS TWEET (unless you want a new puppy):
Oregon Humane Society takes in 45 dogs and puppies from Oklahoma https://t.co/q6EwbOtZX7 pic.twitter.com/EP12Ubxa8s
— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) August 8, 2021
• The United States Senate is set to approve President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill today, and then send it to the House for a vote. The bill is considered bipartisan because Biden let Republicans weigh in on it, meaning it doesn’t really have teeth when it comes to meaningful climate solutions—despite having Democratic majorities in both houses. Gotta love the filibuster and centrists!
• New data shows that in the US, Muslims are twice as likely to attempt suicide as other religious groups. Researches say the numbers are likely due to “religious discrimination and community stigma — both of which, they say, prevent Muslim American communities from seeking mental health services,” according to NPR. (If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.)
• For context here, Arkansas has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country:
NEW: Arkansas saw the single biggest one-day increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations, leaving just 8 ICU beds open in the entire state, authorities say. https://t.co/dZ7bSrvu4X
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 10, 2021
• In 2018, California voters passed a landmark ballot measure meant to improve living conditions for farmed animals. The new requirements—which essentially boil down to giving animals a little more breathing room—will require big factory farms to change their systems and infrastructure. So now, Big Meat is pushing back against the new restrictions.
• 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!
• And finally, here’s a good cat:
pic.twitter.com/iU2EEcJF0p
— Bodega Cats (@Bodegacats_) August 5, 2021
