Hey Mercury pals!

Wm. Steven Humphrey here, editor in chief of the Portland Mercury. First things first: HOW ARE YOU DOING? Please know that you are deep in my heart during all this madness, and I am rooting for you every single day.

Second things second: HOW AM I DOING? Thank you for asking. The good news is thanks to your terrific suggestions I finally found a therapist... but I also got a puppy! At first I was just going to use the puppy as my therapist, because they are very good at licking the sadness off your face. But as it turns out, the puppy is also very good at destroying expensive, vintage High School Musical paraphernalia—which is why I've decided to entrust my mental health to a qualified therapist.

Third things third: THANK YOU! Other things that greatly help my mental health are your recurring monthly contributions to the Portland Mercury! Your monetary help has really given the Mercury life, but it’s also critical to make sure you keep getting the quality, progressive journalism our city needs—especially right now. That's why we've set a goal for ourselves to get 300 brand new recurring monthly contributors by January 1, 2021.

Look, I know times are tough, but I also know that you are a sweetheart who will help if you can. And even if you can make a small recurring contribution of just $5 a month, that is HUGE to us, and can be a real game-changer.

Pals, it’s vitally important to keep our reporters on the streets and bringing Portland the clear-eyed journalism we all need to make smart decisions right now. And make no mistake, YOU’RE THE ONE MAKING IT HAPPEN. So please keep making it happen by helping us hit our goal of 300 brand new recurring monthly contributors by January 1. THANK YOU, YOU ARE THE FREAKING BEST.

We sincerely appreciate all the support you give us—and if you need to borrow a puppy to lick your face or destroy your favorite High School Musical beach towel, give me a ring.

yer always pal,
Wm. Steven Humphrey
Editor in Chief
Portland Mercury
(he/him)