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Good morning, Portland! Hope you've bundled appropriately for a brisk, mid-40s February day. Here's the news you need to start your week:
Christian Guilty: On Friday, Jeremy Christian was unanimously convicted on all 12 criminal charges tied to the 2017 MAX stabbingsâincluding two first-degree murder chargesâby a 12-person jury. The verdict comes three years after the tragic attack.
"We're really grateful for the jury's service in the case," says @Muzzakh w/ @CAIROregon. "They said they believed survivors and the victims. That mentality is enough to create a culture change within Oregon that can help us overcome both the hate in our state and our country."
â Alex Zielinski (@alex_zee) February 21, 2020
Taking the Stage: Chileans protesting economic inequality have brought their rallying cry to the gates of a major Chile music festival, clashing with armed cops in the streets outside a seaside resort about 75 miles west of Santiago. Ricky Martin, whoâs scheduled to perform at the festival, told government leaders to pay attention.
Supreme Disappointment: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a scathing dissent Friday, criticizing the government for regularly asking SCOTUS to issue emergency rulings that favor the GOP-led administration. Sotomayorâs statements followed the courtâs whirlwind approval of the White Houseâs cruel "public charge" rule, which makes it difficult for immigrants to obtain legal status if they use public benefits like food stamps and housing vouchers.
Itâs Not Just New Hampshire: Bernie Sanders came out of Saturdayâs Nevada primary election on top, with Biden, Buttigieg, and Warren trailing far behind. As he sprints towards Super Tuesday, Sandersâ picked up a mystic endorsement from the all-seeing anti-vaxx queen Marianne Williamson.
âSurprise guestâ and native Texan Marianne Williamson endorses Bernie Sanders for president at his rally in Austin, TX pic.twitter.com/wpBb2MK4iM
â Emma Kinery (@EmmaKinery) February 23, 2020
Campaigning on Cannabis: Elizabeth Warren has unveiled her plan to legalize marijuana, and it includes reversing past cannabis convictions, allowing cannabis companies to use banks, and allowing veterans easier access to weed. (Plus! She plans to take down Big Tobacco while sheâs at it.)
No Pity for Roger: Recently convicted trash heap Roger Stone, who is requesting a retrial because he believes a juror was biased, also wants the judge in charge of his case thrown out. The federal judge, Amy Berman Jackson, isnât having it.
Breaking News: Katherine Johnson, whose calculations enabled Apollo 11 to land on the moon, has died at 101. Her story was told in the film "Hidden Figures." https://t.co/FtwydTd0US
â The New York Times (@nytimes) February 24, 2020
A Good Week for Dim Sum: While the coronavirus hasnât spread to Oregon, fears of its imminent arrival has impacted the economy in Portlandâs Jade District. Owners of small shops and restaurants along 82nd Ave. say news of the virus has hurt sales.
Landlords' Lament: An Oregon landlord advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against the City of Portland for its new rules limiting landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants and capping security deposit rates.
The Mercury's Highball Week is coming: Are you ready?
