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Alex Zielinski

Good morning, Portland! What a wild four days we've had, huh?

Here are the headlines.

• Last night saw a fourth night of protests agains police violence and the killing of George Floyd throughout Portland. It was the most peaceful night we've seen so far—both from protestors and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). You can check out our live updates from the night here.

• The hours leading up to those protests, however, were decidedly less chill. PPB blocked off 16 blocks in the city's downtown core, and Gov. Kate Brown announced she would send National Guard troops and Oregon State Troopers to provide backup for PPB. They didn't make a public appearance last night, however.

• Mayor Ted Wheeler is holding a press conference about the protests as I type this. You can watch the full video here—and here are some first impressions from OPB reporter Rebecca Ellis:

• Oh, and don't think we've forgotten our dear old dictator! Yesterday afternoon, Donald Trump threatened state governors, saying if they don't send out the National Guard to quell protesters (who he calls "domestic terrorists"), he would send in the military to do their job for them. He also tear-gassed protestors outside the White House so he could make that very important announcement from the White House lawn.

• As protests continue, TriMet service and infrastructure continues to be impacted.

• Don't think Portland is the only Oregon city showing up for the cause. Last night also saw demonstrations in Eugene, Salem, and... Hermiston? Go off, Hermiston!

• Oh, wait, there's still a pandemic happening, right? That fact is weighing heavy on the minds of some local leaders, even as they recognize the need to protest. "After three nights of thousands of people side by side protesting, I am very concerned that COVID-19 will be exacerbated in Multnomah County and it will be exacerbated, because we know that Black and brown people suffer three times harsher outcomes with COVID-19 than the white population,” Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said at a press conference yesterday.

• Speaking of COVID-19: A new poll shows that seven in 10 Americans say they would "likely" get a vaccine when one becomes available. Which is pretty good, but... not great?

• Read this heartfelt piece from our very own Wm. Steven Humphrey:

• The Louisville, Kentucky chief of police lost his job after one of his officers shot and killed an unarmed Black man because of a curfew violation this weekend. Good luck finding a new gig in this economy!

• Hey, here's some good news! The Multnomah County Library plans to start offering no-contact book pickup at some locations on June 8.

• Hey, Tucker Carlson: FUUUUUCK YOOOOUUUU.