GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being “the last to know,” then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to your email’s in-box… and then… YOUR HEAD.)
• Councilor Smith Walks Back Her Statement Amid Public Outcry
After signaling a desire for a new policy that would allow city councilors to bring loaded firearms to City Hall, Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith says she “denounces violence” but wants additional safety protocols for her and her colleagues.
• Mayor’s Roundtable Aims to Reinvigorate Central City, With or Without Key Stakeholders
Mayor Keith Wilson announced a new group will meet to discuss revitalizing the central city, including downtown and the east side from OMSI to Lloyd Center and Albina District. Critics say the group favors wealthy interests, excluding smaller orgs focused on homelessness & affordable communities.
In this week’s oh-so-juicy gossip: Prince Andrew gets nicked, new beef with Shia LaBeouf, and celebrities give Portland its props! (Oh hello there, Cardi B!) ❤️
• Oregon’s Wildlife is at Risk. Increasing the State’s Lodging Tax Could Help
Oregon lawmakers are advancing House Bill 4134, aiming to boost funding for wildlife conservation and protect Oregon’s most vulnerable species by raising the lodging tax. The new revenue would support Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife programs.
• Portland’s First-Ever Azn Zine Fest Is Coming to Fubonn
Portland’s first Azn Zine Fest, featuring over 100 Asian American zinesters, will take over Fubonn’s hallways and vacant storefronts to sell their wares and connect with other creatives.
In this edition of arts news: Portland’s Frog Brigade is in the nation’s capitol; local food aid charity Feed the Mass just bought the former Portland Airbnb headquarters; and the Portland World Naked Bike Ride announced its date.
There is so incredibly much going on in Portland music this week, it’s bonkers! Album releases, festival announcements, and heaps of touring bands coming through.
• Portland City Council Votes To Reshape Its Committee Structure
Portland City Council’s policy committees, implemented last year, are a relatively new way for the public to engage with elected officials on a regular basis. Starting next month, the committee structure will get a makeover. The change could shake up some power dynamics in and out of City Hall.
This week in Savage Love: “I had an affair with our mutual boss a long time ago… does my hubby need to know?” Dan issues a ruling on this and other sexually fraught (and horny) questions!
• PDX Live Is Back at the Square This August!
Booked by TrueWest—and featuring Ani DiFranco, Modest Mouse, and more—the concert series is heavier than it’s ever been.
WOW, THAT IS A LOT OF GOOD READIN’. I hope you didn’t have any other plans this weekend! Dig in, and remember: Producing all this hard work costs moolah—so please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!
