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Snow on the grass on the waterfront
The waterfront in December 2021, the last time Portland saw snow. Motoya Nakamura / Multnomah County

Good morning, Portland! A lot happened last night while we were sleeping (or doom scrolling on Twitter, let’s be honest)—here are the latest headlines.

In local news:

• Well would you look at that, it actually snowed! While Portland just got a small dusting of snow early this morning, some roads are still pretty slick thanks to temperatures hovering right around freezing. Snow is expected to stop around 9 am and we may even see the sun this afternoon. Ah, February.

• Several lawsuits filled last month accuse two Portland prison counselors of coercing inmates into illegal sexual relationships in exchange for favors and contraband. According to an Oregon State Police investigation, the allegations against one of the counselors were unsubstantiated while allegations against another were referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for possible criminal prosecution.

• Oregonians may be one step closer to pumping their own gas, if they so choose. House Bill 4151, which aims to add self-serve options at Oregon pumps, moved out of the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Committee of Transportation this week and into the legislature’s budget committee. If funding for the bill fits into the legislature’s budget, it will move to a vote.

• State legislators are trying to raise their base salary to a more livable wage in an effort to attract a more diverse set of politicians. But, according to a legislative lawyer, the bill proposing the pay increase would actually violate a state pay equity law. The issue stems from a childcare compensation amendment that would give more money to legislators with children than those without.

In national and international news:

• Russia launched an attack on Ukraine early Thursday morning, hitting cities and bases with airstrikes and rolling tanks across the country’s border as citizens fled on trains. Global leaders and advisors are fearful the attack will cause major casualties and threaten Ukraine’s democratically elected government. Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened “consequences you have never seen” for any foreign country attempting to interfere with Russia’s attack. There have been reports of apartment buildings being hit by airstrikes, but no information on possible casualties.

• Vaccination efforts throughout the US are dramatically slowing as the nation removes most COVID-19 precautions. Just 90,000 Americans are getting vaccinated every day—the lowest vaccination rate since vaccines first became available in the country. Less than 65 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated.

• UGH: An analysis by the International Energy Agency found that global methane emissions are 70 percent higher than official figures provided by worldwide governments. Additionally, methane emissions from the global energy sector grew by almost 5 percent last year, which is bad news for anyone who wants to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

• Jury deliberations are underway in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating Gorge Floyd’s civil rights. The first day of deliberations ended Wednesday with no decision. The three officers who watched as Derek Chauvin killed Floyd are charged with violating Floyd’s rights to medical care.
 
• If you're looking for a little pick me up, HUMP screenings at Revolution Hall start today! Get your tickets here.

• And we'll end today with a little breathing exercise. Take care of yourself!