Portland is set to experience the warmest temperatures of the week, peaking today at a sweltering 94 degrees. With the sunny weather comes the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cool cocktail.
Starting tomorrow, July 1, the Portland Mercury will kick off the SUMMER OF SLUSHIES, offering a selection of frozen cocktails at 22 local bars for just $10 each throughout the month of July.
In local news, the Oregon legislature concluded its session late Friday, marking significant achievements as well as notable failures. Labor unions have secured a victory, allowing them to collect unemployment pay while on strike, amidst other advances such as stricter gun laws, improved mental health measures, and increased affordable housing.
However, Democrats could not pass a critical transportation bill that would have funded essential road improvements and prevented layoffs in the transportation sector.
Tensions between Democrats and Republicans led to this lack of agreement, deeply frustrating Governor Tina Kotek, who has threatened a special session to readdress the stalled transportation plan.
In a concerning development, Multnomah County DA Nathan Vasquez closed a case regarding a fatal police shooting without a grand jury process, causing outcry for transparency and accountability. Only a memo and a video were released, leading to public condemnation of this action.
Further complicating matters, Idaho faced a tragic incident where a gunman ambushed firefighters who were responding to a fire, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to another firefighter. The suspect was found dead at the scene, with indications that the act was premeditated.
In more positive news, Portland International Airport has been distinguished as the top airport in America by the Washington Post, receiving praise for its atmosphere likened to a “nature bath” and an abundance of amenities.
Meanwhile, the Mercury is gearing up for the annual pre-July 4th reminder that the sale and use of fireworks is illegal in Portland. Despite the warning, the enforcement of this law often goes ignored, prompting concerns over safety and disturbances during the holiday.
Oregon’s minimum wage will increase by 35 cents starting tomorrow, adjusting Portland’s rate to $16.30 an hour. However, this adjustment is regarded as the smallest increase since 2015 due to cooling inflation.
As for national news, the Senate is currently embroiled in discussions over King Fool’s proposed healthcare bill, which stands to add 12 million Americans to the uninsured and balloon the national debt by a staggering $3.3 trillion.
With the Trump administration aiming for a swift passage before July 4, senators are at a stalemate, losing critical support from Rand Paul and Thom Tillis, who oppose cuts to Medicaid in the bill.
Amidst these tensions, a recent poll shows that Americans are wary of President Donald Trump’s decision-making regarding strikes in Iran, disapproving of his actions by a margin of 56% to 44%.
In matters of campaign finance, the Trump-influenced Supreme Court is poised to revisit a case concerning spending limits for political parties in federal elections, raising concerns about the potential for increased influence from wealthy donors.
On a brighter note for women’s sports, the WNBA is set to expand with three new teams slated for Detroit, Philadelphia, and Cleveland within the next five years.
This expansion will broaden the reach of women’s professional basketball, pending approval from the NBA, with Cleveland expected to debut in 2028, followed by Philadelphia in 2029, and Detroit in 2030.
Furthermore, a national Gallup poll indicates that national pride has dropped significantly since Trump returned to office, with current sentiments indicating a decline to 58%, well below previous years. This trend reflects growing discontent among the populace regarding his administration.
In conclusion, as Portland embraces the sunny weather and a month filled with refreshing cocktails, the legislative landscape and national tensions continue to unfold, reflecting significant changes and challenges ahead.
image source from：portlandmercury
