There’s a fantastic front page story in the Tribune this morning, called “JAILHOUSE KNOCKS” about the apparently systemic jail beatings going on at the downtown justice center. I particularly liked this line on page 5:

The video, first made public by The Portland Mercury, shows deputies grabbing Evans for no visible provocation and throwing him to the ground.

While there are paragraphs with headlines that could have been written by the County’s PR, such as, “scene can be congenial,” and “one man bangs own head,” (I mean, come on, guys, really…) I’m really pleased the Tribune’s editors have let Nick Budnick write about this important issue at last. And they do let him get away with some zingers about Sheriff Bernie Giusto:

“It’s Bernie. What do you expect when you’ve got no checks and balances whatsoever?”

That’s what you get when you’re Nick Budnick—people will talk shit on the record to you occasionally. Sometimes I’m jealous of that, as a reporter. Most law enforcement people run a metaphorical mile when I call them for a quote on a story, and they’re probably right to. Still, I got there first:

EVANS BEATING: KGW commentator said “not anything excessive…” when we broke the story in July…

For the Mercury’s breaking coverage of this particular story, which has since involved more victims coming forth, and an FBI investigation, and dates back two months, you could do worse than click on these links: 1. 2. 3. 4. and don’t forget, 5. And thanks for the credit, Nick. I appreciate it. Sulzberger at the Oregonian wouldn’t credit me on his story, or you, either, and his daddy runs the New York Times! [wipes hand down face, in favorite new written gesture to sum up attitude to Portland’s media in general].