Stay up to date on Portland news and politics. Looking for fun? Here are the best Things to Do in Portland today.

Chip_Somodevilla_.jpg
Chip Somodevilla / Getty images

Good morning, Portland! In the mood for some BBQ?

Here are the headlines.

Tiny Little Whiny Fucking Babies: Congressional Republicans launched a protest at the Capitol yesterday against the Trump impeachment inquiry. Their totally brave and principled stand reportedly caused hours of delay for the inquiry, and I'm sure they're all very happy and satisfied with themselves and have no trouble sleeping at night or making love to their spouses.

"Welcome to Juul": The national wave of vaping illnesses has spurred state and national authorities into action—but considering flavored e-cigarette companies like Juul have been blatantly marketing to kids for years, it may be too little, too late. Read my story here, or pick up the new Mercury print issue out today!

Watch This! I promise it's five minutes well spent.

Struck: After negotiations between the Burgerville Workers Union and corporate management broke down, workers at four Burgerville locations walked off their jobs yesterday to launch a strike. Per OPB, these workers say they will remain on strike until they have "sufficiently demonstrated their strength to the company.”

Council Watch: Portland City Council voted yesterday to overturn a controversial policy requiring owners of earthquake-unsafe buildings to put up signs warning of potential danger. Moving forward, the city will focus on voluntary incentives for seismic upgrades, rather than on punitive measures.

Backlash: TriMet recently hired nine new fare enforcers, and the way they announced the news on Twitter was... certainly a choice, though not a very popular one! But TriMet's not too worried about it, telling the Oregonian that "The number one reason people evade fare is they’re taking the chance they won’t get caught. More fare enforcement will make their odds worse.” Okay!

Backslide:

Blackout: Our neighbors to the south in Northern California are still having their power routinely shut off, in an effort from utility company Pacific Gas & Electric to avoid another devastating wildfire. Climate change: The future is already here!

Headline of the Day: "Can Someone Check to See If Melania Knows About the Impeachment Inquiry?"