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.)
• Without Tolling Revenue, ODOT Puts the Brakes on Two Portland-Area Freeway Projects
ODOT is stretching to find ways to pay for expansions on Portland-area freeways without tolling revenue—and it’s prompting the agency to reevaluate plans to widen I-205 and I-5.
Strap on your brain, it’s time for another super fun POP QUIZ PDX! Featuring: Quizzy Qs about the stench of death, Oregon’s fucking boring state vegetable, and let’s rename the corrupt Portland Business Alliance! 🎉
• A Portland Woman Is Fighting the City to Keep a Free Pantry on Her Property
A Southeast Portlander says a disgruntled neighbor is using the city’s code enforcement system to harass her family and stymie efforts to aid the area’s homeless.
A very believable Oceangate conspiracy theory, a parade of stupid white guys, and let’s celebrate: It’s Elinor’s birthday! 🎉
• Just in Time for Pride, a Popular Portland Gay Bar Reopens
Iconic queer nightlife spot Local Lounge is reborn as Back 2 Earth—a much needed win for Portland’s gay bar scene.
• A Mother’s Fight for Her Gay Son’s Military Honors
The story of a Portland mom who fought to change her son’s “other than honorable” discharge status from the Navy. She’s asking why there isn’t clemency for all vets who were discharged for being gay.
• Clinton Street Theater’s Hanabi Japanese Film Festival Celebrates Cult Cinema and Local Businesses
Staff at the Clinton dreamed up the Hanabi Japanese Film Festival based on a desire to program some great cult films and show some love to nearby Japanese businesses. (Or in simpler terms: watch “Tampopo” and eat Kashiwagi snacks).
In the Mercury‘s music column this week: Pickathon’s plea for fan support. Portugal. The Man’s new album is here! Plus, the Thirsty City producer showcase celebrates nine years of bangers and beats!
• Goths on Cabaret at PETE’s Cardiac Organ
Entering Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble (PETE)’s latest show, Cardiac Organ: A Goth Cabaret, felt like descending into an underworld. Read our review!
• Hi Honey, I’m Homo Is Gay TV History That Won’t Depress You During Pride
Culture critic Matt Baume not only recounts sitcom TV’s tea—he reads the leaves.
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!
