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GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! We are always running for the thrill of it, thrill of it. Always pushing up the hill, searching for the thrill of it. LET'S GO TO PRESS.
IN LOCAL NEWS:
• Portland Police has revealed that 17-year veteran officer John Hughes (who has a bit of a controversial past) was the person who shot and killed the man suspected of carjacking several vehicles on I-5 Monday.
• Right-wing Proud Boy Alan Swinney has admitted he assaulted a woman during an August 2020 downtown protest, but will not have to pay damages as part of a civil suit against him.
Self-proclaimed Proud Boy Alan Swinney admits in civil settlement to assaulting woman during 2020 protest https://t.co/bGmOpZAuvi pic.twitter.com/SOjTaByVmC
— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) December 7, 2021
• Related: A Portland woman has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that the cops' use of tear gas in her neighborhood during protests seeped into her home causing a variety of side effects, such as cramping, irregular periods, and spotting.
• Highly respected and very experienced conservationist, Terri Preeg Riggsby, announced her run for the recently-vacated Metro Council District 6 seat. Our Isabella Garcia fills in the details!
• While we didn't feel anything on land, a whopping 50 (!!) earthquakes hit off of the Oregon coast in a 24 hour period.
Got family coming to town for the holidays? Bring them to a local wine or distillery tasting to get in the festive spirit.https://t.co/9bUgboTaSi
— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) December 7, 2021
• Wow! Our popular "Free Tickets Tuesday" giveaway has some absolute home runs this week, so hurry up and enter to win free tix to see the amazing Black Pumas AND Jazmine Sullivan!
IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:
• Pharmaceutical company Pfizer says their COVID-19 vaccines—two shots and a booster—are effective against the Omicron variant. They also noted that just two shots may be less effective but will keep the individual from getting seriously ill.
• In a video call yesterday, President Biden warned Russia's Vladimir Putin that there would be economic consequences if he continues to mount an aggressive, military stance against Ukraine.
• Today in the deteriorating wall between church and state: The Supreme Court will be hearing a Maine case that could significantly expand the amount of state funds that go to religious schools.
Kellogg's says it will permanently replace most of 1,400 workers who went on strike over a new system that cuts newer workers' pay and benefits.
— AJ+ (@ajplus) December 7, 2021
Workers reported 16-hour shifts and 80-hour weeks during the pandemic, and rejected a proposal giving only veteran workers a 3% raise. pic.twitter.com/Wuxz6ptgHy
• The congressional panel investigating the domestic terrorist attack on the nation's capitol on January 6 are moving to hold former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows in criminal contempt for refusing to testify.
• The Senate could be voting as soon as today on a resolution that would nullify Biden's employer vaccine mandate—and it could very well pass, thanks to Democrat/traitor Joe Manchin.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley has just introduced a resolution that would remove Republican Lauren Boebert from her committee assignments over her racist, anti-Muslim remarks. The resolution is backed by more than a dozen other House Democrats.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) December 8, 2021
• Today's holiday headline: "Giant Christmas tree outside Fox News headquarters set afire." (This sounds less like a "war on Christmas" and more of a war on Fox.)
Turned the Fox News Christmas tree fire into a 10 minute yule log video: pic.twitter.com/zL9zo350rF
— Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) December 8, 2021
• You want to find the perfect gift while also supporting local businesses, yes? YES! Then don't miss the Mercury's Holiday Gift Guide, featuring only the coolest gifts and where to find them... locally!
• And now... THE WEATHER REPORT: Expect clouds and rain today with a high of 48.
• And finally... if you're not familiar, please welcome your new favorite cable access show, "Gabfest with Paul and George."
I am once again asking you to please stop what you’re doing and watch Gabfest with Paul and George on Billerica public access tv pic.twitter.com/btpPCadhIq
— blaire erskine (@blaireerskine) December 7, 2021