🌱 More People Die From Heat + Help For Pot Businesses

The weekend is officially here! It's going to be a hot one, but it's still the weekend. Let's make the most of it. Here's what's happening today.

First, today's weather:

Like I said, it's going to be HOT. Blazing sun and a high temp of 101. Keep to the shade my friends.

Here are the top five stories in Portland today:

1. More deaths are being attributed to the devastating heatwave that has descended upon Portland. At least three people died from suspected hyperthermia in Multnomah County, the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office said, and a fourth heat-related death was suspected in Umatilla County. Temperatures across Oregon have hovered around 100 degrees every day since Monday and on Tuesday, Portland recorded a daily record of 102 degrees. (Portland Patch)
2. Portland is faced with three police-involved shootings in less than a week. In the early hours of Sunday, July 24, bystander video captured the moments leading up to 19-year-old Johnathan Worth being shot by a police officer at SE 148th Avenue and Clinton. Sgt. Aron Schmautz says officers responded with others’ safety in mind. “The police respond and do the best we can to navigate those situations,” said Schmautz. “These officers are all heroic and are responding to highly dangerous and highly fraught situations and just looking to ensure that the community is safe.” (KPTV)
3. Portland City Council gives some good news to struggling pot dispensaries. Portland officials agreed Thursday to continue bankrolling an assistance program for the city’s marijuana businesses amid continued industry woes. Ongoing weed shop robberies, plummeting sales and lingering pandemic setbacks prompted the Portland City Council to unanimously grant an additional $457,000 for the Cannabis Emergency Relief Fund launched earlier this year. (OregonLive)
4. And they're off! The race to be Oregon's next governor is heating up as we move towards November, with each of the three main candidates making strides: Former state Sen. Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) reported a $100,000 contribution from Sid DeBoer, founder and chairman of Lithia Motors. GOP nominee Christine Drazan reported a $250,000 contribution from the Republican Governors Association. Former House Speaker Tina Kotek, the Democratic nominee, racked up endorsements from Everytown for Gun Safety, a Michael Bloomberg-funded group, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. (Willamette Week)
5. The one thing on everyone's mind is how much longer can this heatwave go on? Portland’s current heat wave is likely to produce eight straight days of at least 90 degree weather. That’s happened only four times in recorded history – with three of those times in the past 13 years. The fifth could come Sunday, where there’s a 59% chance temperatures will meet the 90 degree threshold, said National Weather Service meteorologist Lisa Kriederman. (OregonLive)

Today in Portland:

• XRAY.FM Presents: Summer Soundwaves at Revolution Hall! The music will be vibing, records will be swapped, delicious food and libations will be enjoyed and there will be workshops and activities the whole family can enjoy! Bring your friends and your neighbors as this event is FREE. Noon to 10 p.m.
• This is the season for outdoor fairs and today is no different. The Makers Fair will be at Hammer & Stitch Brewing Co. in NW Portland. A collective of 30+ of the most talented makers in Portland will be selling their goods. This summer event also features free live music at Hammer & Stitch. And some of Portland’s best food vendors will be there. Noon to 6 p.m.
• Creston-Kenilworth is proud to be partnering with Portland Parks & Recreation to host a showing of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in Kenilworth Park. I know it's hot, but this park has trees and shade. The movie event starts at 7:30 but you can come join them beforehand for a fun neighborhood party. It all starts at 3:30 p.m.
• NW Portland cocktail bar Pink Rabbit is celebrating their one year anniversary and you're invited. They're going to have live music and patio games and, of course, cocktails. 2 - 10 p.m.
• Tonight seems like a great night for... Tax Evasion! If you agree, head on over to Rainbow City as The Little King Carpenter presents Tax Evasion Seminar 2022. Performances by isac, AKA Carpenter, Porsche, Zai Redd, Ricky Lagoon, 818 Suki and many, many more. 5 - 10 p.m.

From my notebook:

• Travel Portland: "Throwback to this year's Cathedral Park Jazz Festival! This is such an awesome event that brings people from all over Portland (and the world) together to enjoy music in one of Bridgetown's most beautiful and iconic parks." (Travel Portland via Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "The Bird Days of Summer wraps-up in August with more beginner-friendly opportunities for anyone curious about birds and nature. ➡ Tap on the link in our bio and sign-up to join us for a combination of community-building and exploration." (Portland Audubon via Instagram)
• Do you need a job? Have you ever considered becoming a 911 dispatcher? The City of Portland is looking to hire 911 dispatchers, and fast. The Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) says it is taking applications through August 14. It cites an increase in 911 calls and multiple staff resignations for the increased need. LaBar said candidates must be at least 18 years old and have either a high school degree or GED. They must be able to type 40 words-per-minute with 90% accuracy and pass a background and psychological assessment. (KGW)
• If you can't get enough of Portland's food scene, a local couple recently released a new documentary series aimed at highlighting Portland as a “foodie city” emerging from the pandemic. Lathen and Anne-Marie Gorbett have interviewed several people, including chefs, food cart owners and coffee shop owners. Their documentary looks at how Portland’s food scene continues to develop even after being hit hard over the last few years. The series is called “Bridge to Table” and their pilot episode is available on YouTube.(KOIN)
• On hot days like this, sometimes you just want to go to the beach. If that's the case, then it's pretty handy that we already live in a beach town. That's right, I'm calling Portland a beach town. If memories from the 90s have made you avoid the Willamette, there are plenty of other places to cool off in the water. Here's a list of some of the best spots around town to get wet. (Portland Monthly)
• From the Unipiper: FREE BEER ALERT!!! 🍺 @OregonBrewFest is back and to help celebrate I'll be rolling around this afternoon giving out free beer tokens to anyone who says to me the magic words, "Beer Me Up, Pipes!"👍 Just remember to stay hydrated folks! 💦 (Instagram)

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Have a great weekend, peeps. I wish you luck with staying cool. I'll be back here next week to tell you everything I know about Portland. Well, maybe not everything.

— Dominic Anaya

About me: Doctor, educator and now a writer/artist, I'm just chillin' in Portland, OR with my wife, our ferrets, our chickens and our goats.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Portland Daily? Contact me at portland@patch.com