Portland Police investigated several angel crime scenes today.
Portland Police investigated several angel crime scenes today. nycshooter / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Here's your daily roundup of all the latest local and national news. (Like our coverage? Please consider making a recurring contribution to the Mercury to keep it comin'!)

IN LOCAL NEWS:

ā€¢ If you liked the snow today, you're gonna LOVE the snow tomorrow! Last night Portland saw one to two inches of the white stuff in the metro region, and according to the weather peeps, we could be getting up to EIGHT more inches tonight in addition to freezing rain which could make travel treacherous. So maybe stay home if you canā€”and check out this handy tip sheet for ULTIMATE SLEDDING. And while you're safe and cozy inside, don't forget about those who don't have a warm place to stay. Check out our roundup of winter sleeping shelters and ideas of what YOU can do to help those who need it most!

ā€¢ Well, this is disturbing: Four Oregonians who were fully vaccinated from the coronavirus ended up catching COVID anyway. This was somewhat expected since the vaccines are only 95 percent effective, but stillā€”it raises some rather troubling questions.

ā€¢ In a very different type of police response than the one we're used to in Portland, on the Oregon Coast, Gearhart Police Chief Jeff Bowman has informed the mayor and city council that his officers will no longer be the first on the scene to respond to people in mental health crisis, saying, "To be honest with you, we arenā€™t trained to be mental health counselors.ā€ AND HE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.

IN NATIONAL NEWS:

ā€¢ As predicted, the defense team for Trump's impeachment trial was a fucking disaster (just like their employer), and they wrapped their case in just three hours today with a high-pitched, lie-filled, illogical screed (also just like their employer). Frankly, their defense was just too insultingly stupid to repeat hereā€”and it doesn't matter because the Republicans are going to acquit their dear leader anyway, probably on Saturday. The good news is, and the GOP senators agree, the Democrats damning case has virtually destroyed Trump's chances of ever getting the Republican nomination for president.

ā€¢Ā In very good news, Trump is in danger of losing two of his most profitable real estate purchases because his business partner is considering withholding cash flow. This could make the former prez sell both properties at a discount, putting him in even further dire financial straits. (Note: That's good news for us, not so much for him!)

ā€¢ In even more bad news for Trump, former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has finally turned her back on her former boss, chastising him for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, and saying he has no future in the GOP. Welcome to the resistance, Nikki. (And yes, I'm being sarcastic!)

ā€¢ While they can't force kids back into school, the CDC has released their long-awaited roadmap that offers strict advice on how students can return somewhat safely to classes.

ā€¢ Things are going from bad to worse for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who is getting roasted for refusing to reveal disturbing death counts from state nursing homes (thousands more than initially reported), fearing there would be a federal investigation. (Well, I'll bet he's getting one now!)

ā€¢ At long lastā€”though it took a lot of internet shaming to get thereā€”Justin Timberlake has finally apologized to both Britney Spears and Janet Jackson for his past abysmal behavior. (Read his apology and judge for yourself how his crisis management team did.)

ā€¢Ā DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE? Then submit your FREE Mercury Reader Valentine which will be published online for all the world to see! Valentines will remain on the site until Feb 17... but you can enter yours now!

ā€¢Ā Let the bells ring and the confetti fall! The HUMP! 2021 Film Festival is NOW STREAMING ONLINE, featuring an array of hot 'n' horny amateur dirty flicks submitted by hot people like YOU. Get your tickets pronto!

ā€¢ And now... THE WEATHER REPORT: Expect lots more snow tonight and into tomorrow with a chance of 8 inches of accumulation (!!) and a high tomorrow of 35!

ā€¢ And finally, I hope your weekend is filled with heavy metal bird energy.