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GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! Let’s start with the obvious: the weather. Much like Beyoncé, it’s been hot, it’s currently hot and it’s going to stay hot. Today’s high is 86, with a low of 58.
Gotta fan yourself off? Do it with your ballot if you haven’t voted yet, and then toss that sucker in a ballot drop box near you TODAY!
In case you forgot, today is election day. As long as your ballot is postmarked by today, it will still be counted if you mail it. If you need help filling out your ballot, the Mercury’s endorsements are here to help.
IN LOCAL NEWS:
- Oregon Democrats are advancing a bill they say is meant to curb violent extremism, but environmental activists say it could end up targeting climate and racial justice protesters. Abe Asher explains.
HB 2772 was crafted to prevent extremist attacks, but activists worry it will be used to target climate and racial justice protesters. https://t.co/WlTf9VqUfZ
— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) May 15, 2023
- A 13-year-old boy was arrested Monday afternoon, after police say he threatened to shoot at the Creative Science School in Southeast Portland. He was found with tactical gear, a helmet and a fake glock before being taken to jail.
Inbox: @ppbeast arrested a 13-year-old who allegedly threatened to shoot at a school in SE Portland this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/6Hb8cAjYE0
— Courtney Vaughn (@C__Vaughn) May 16, 2023
- Last weekend, eight fatal overdoses were reported by the Portland Police Bureau, prompting police to warn of a “bad batch” of drugs–likely fentanyl– circulating through the region. Authorities say those who took the lethal doses likely thought they were getting cocaine. The people who died ranged in age from 37 to 69.
- Oregon Republican senators continued their walkout, which reached its tenth day Monday, triggering Measure 113, a new law that says lawmakers who accrue ten unexcused absences won’t be eligible for reelection. The Senate GOP believes the law is unconstitutional and has started raising funds during the walkout, in part to challenge the new law.
- There's a lot going on this week, but we'd be remiss not to remind you of the UFO Fest happening in McMinnville. Prepare for guest speakers and an ALIEN PET COSTUME CONTEST!
Between the warm temperatures and this latest crop of events, you have no excuse not to get out there this week. https://t.co/bxcrBMhPL0
— EverOut Portland (@EverOutPortland) May 15, 2023
IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:
- An 18-year-old gunman in New Mexico killed three people and injured six, as he made his way through Farmington, armed with at least three guns, including an AR-15-style rifle, before police shot and killed him.
- Vice News has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, likely paving the way for the company’s sale. The news outlet recently dropped its Vice World News and Vice News Tonight products, laying off more than 100 employees.
It's hot girl-doing-journalism-through-a-bankruptcy-summer. Thanks for your messages - I still have a job and am still breaking stories. Like this one.
— Sophia Smith Galer (@sophiasgaler) May 16, 2023
EXCL: The NHS website was promoting *seven* 'crisis pregnancy' centres tied to anti-abortion networks.https://t.co/8psm4zD5hW
- Florida is investigating a teacher for showing a Disney film, meanwhile, that state’s governor signed a bill prohibiting the state’s public universities and colleges from funding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, because…GOP priorities? Meanwhile, please enjoy Bowen Yang’s take on DeSantis and the Disney debacle. You’re welcome.
- Iceland is hosting the Council of Europe today, where European leaders are expected to condemn Russia’s war on Ukraine and hold the country accountable for damages.
And now, some levity:
@therock “Life is a delicious drink that you have to suck deep” Im still belly laughing so f*cking hard at this 😂 Jack destroys the DJ impersonation 🤣👏🏾👏🏾 Our next Jumanji movie is gonna be so much fun!! @Jack Black @Kevin Hart ♬ original sound - The Rock