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by Wm. Steven Humphrey

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GOOD AFTERNOON, PORTLAND! Ummmmmm… where was that freaking SUN the weather peeps promised today? Anyway, tomorrow you can expect a return to occasional showers and a high of 71… or, you know… maybe NOT. Now let’s get into something far more reliable: THE NEWS.

IN LOCAL NEWS:

• Get excited, Portland! This November you’re going to get to vote on a new form of government for the city—one we’ve been waiting on for, like, forever—and there are some BIG CHANGES on the table. Find out what they are with this informative explainer from our Alex Zielinski!

DIY (and non-enforceable) rule making in Old Town Portland: pic.twitter.com/UIF1d0o8Zj
— Alex Zielinski (@alex_zee) June 15, 2022

• The man who allegedly shot into a crowd of peaceful protesters at Normandale Park, injuring five and killing one, back in February was previously contacted by THE FBI for (get this) “concerns about his state of mind and potential for violence.” So why didn’t they stop him? Check out this fascinating/terrifying deep dive from OPB.

When the FBI contacted Smith in 2021, they had already received multiple tips over many years that Smith might be dangerous. (4 of 9)
— OPB (@OPB) June 15, 2022

• After enduring a constant stream of racist, conservative bullshit, the last two normal people on the Newberg School Board—which famously banned Black Lives Matter and Pride symbols from the district—have resigned out of disgust with their co-members.

• A large portion of the roof at the Buoy Beer building in Astoria collapsed due to structural failure—but happily no one was injured in the accident.

For a second year, Pride Pics offers festival attendees a chance to watch queer films outdoors. This year, the selection centers queer Black films, with a program of shorts and a feature documentary about BeBe—the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.https://t.co/N00nzoJW0h
— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) June 15, 2022

• Sandwich lovers rejoice! Starting Monday, January 20 through Sunday, June 26, get deeeeelicious $8 sammies from 30 (!) local restaurants. It’s the Mercury’s SANDWICH WEEK! Eat ’em up!

IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:

• The January 6 panel dropped some more damning evidence today—video of Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk giving a tour of the Capitol building on January 5 to people who participated in the next day’s attack. Meanwhile a court document reveals that the Proud Boys had a plan to occupy the Capitol on January 6 in an attempt to “force a new election.” Coming up next for the panel: Making the case that Trump’s many attempts to force Mike Pence to overturn the election put the vice president’s life in real danger.

Surveillance footage shows a tour led by Loudermilk to areas in the House Office Buildings, as well as the entrances to Capitol tunnels.

Individuals on the tour photographed/recorded areas not typically of interest to tourists: hallways, staircases and security checkpoints. pic.twitter.com/Rjhf2BTdbc
— January 6th Committee (@January6thCmte) June 15, 2022

• Related: A county in New Mexico is refusing to certify the results of its June 7 primary election because of lies spread about their voting machines inspired by… you guessed it… Trump.

The Justice Department has charged the man who shot and killed 10 Black people in Buffalo last month with 26 counts of hate crimes and a firearms offense that could lead to the death penalty. https://t.co/hzihqU7nDg
— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) June 15, 2022

• In an effort to put a damper on escalating inflation, the Federal Reserve has announced the biggest rate increase (three-quarters of a percent) since 1994—and more could be on the way.

• The FDA has approved the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for kids under the age of five, and the tykes could be getting those shots as soon as next week.

• ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!

Come up, Barbie, let’s go party: Warner Bros. has shared the first look at Ryan Gosling as a real-life Ken doll in Greta Gerwig’s forthcoming Barbie movie.

DETAILS: https://t.co/I6xCNaDKp9 pic.twitter.com/txml3iavrR
— Consequence (@consequence) June 15, 2022

• And finally…

I never want to see a giant pair of scissors at an opening ever again.. pic.twitter.com/fyHgLmawRz
— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) June 15, 2022

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