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.)
• Amid Stifling Heat Wave, Multnomah County Lacks Dedicated Shelter Spaces
Two years ago, a heat wave killed 69 people in Multnomah County. This week, three more people are suspected to have died from the heat. The county was slow to confirm cooling center locations this week, saying it lacks any dedicated emergency shelters.
Hey smarty butt! 🤓 How much do YOU know about Portland's biggest buildings, money wasters, and wealthy liars? See how well you score on this week's super sassy POP QUIZ PDX! 🧠
Accountants, medical professionals and private investigators are among the types of experts often needed for a proper defense, in addition to attorneys, but the state's low pay rate drove them all away, leaving Oregon with a public defender crisis.
Let's go, trash pandas! 🦝 It's time for this week's hottest gossip. This week: Drake doesn't want your bras, DeSantis has "pudding fingers," and crocodiles are in love with your babies!
• Prepare for Lindy West's Every Castle, Ranked Portland Tour Date
Don't get caught sleepin' during the UNLIKELY quiz portion of Lindy West's "Every Castle, Ranked" tour. Prepare with this spoiler-free Q&A. There are still Portland tickets! Everybody freak out!
Orquestra Pacifico Tropicale promises new songs and a third album. Meanwhile, Dani Danger's gorgeous "Addicted to Love" is good listening for the inevitable traffic jam at the 50 Cent/ Busta Rhymes/ Jeremih concert. Read up on what else to listen to Hear in Portland!
• Knot Springs and the Hot Tub Financial Disparity Machine
We visited what may be Portland’s fanciest spa—certainly the only one with a proper cold plunge pool.
• Portland Is Losing Its Babytooth
Co-released by local labels Antiquated Future Records and Bud Tapes, the excellent debut from Portland's Babytooth is both quiet and loud, both a hello and goodbye, for now.
• The Mercury's Favorite Moments of Pickathon 2023
One of the writers covering Pickathon this year summed it up well: "The volunteers were kind. The music was excellently curated, and I again came out of it appreciating new artists."
His partner is demanding “relationship milestones”—but is that too heavy of a lift? Dan Savage weighs in on this and more in this week's SAVAGE LOVE!
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!
