Whooo! You're a BUSY BEE. Look, it's completely understandable that since you've been SO busy, you may have missed some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! So while you're lounging about this weekend, catch up on the knowledge you need by reading some of these A+++ Mercury articles! (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.)
• Mayor Wheeler's Office Considers Banning Homeless Camping Downtown
Mayor Ted Wheeler's office has been discussing a strategy to ban homeless camping from areas of downtown Portland—and to move those campers into a "high-population outdoor camping zone." Umm... THAT'S NOT GOOD.
• Faced With Heat, Smoke, and Ice, Portland’s Urban Farmers Are Resilient to Climate Change
From hot temps that frizzled crops to heavy smoke that kept staff from working outdoors, the effects of climate change have fundamentally restructured the work of an urban farmer in Portland, a city known for its sustainable agriculture and food scene.
• Dispatch from an Indoor Concert During a Pandemic
Hesitant about attending a live show indoors at this stage in the pandemic? Here's a cautiously hopeful look at what the experience can be like.
• As Oregon's Wine Industry Adapts to Changing Climate, Imbibers May Need to Adapt Too
Despite a changing climate, industry experts have a surprisingly positive outlook when it comes to the future of Oregon wine, and vineyard workers are getting more safety protections. But you might have to put down the pinot noir and pick up the syrah.
• 123 City, County Employees Fired Tuesday After Refusing to Get Vaccinated
This week 123 Portland and Multnomah County employees were fired for refusing to get vaccinated or submit an exemption to the government employee vaccine mandate.
• POP QUIZ PDX: Whoopee, It's Portland's Funnest Trivia Quiz for the Week of October 21!
Look out, brainy butt! It's the newest edition of the super fun POP QUIZ PDX—featuring sassy trivia about this week's Portland scandals, oddball history, and who's the greatest "moderately famous" Oregon celebrity of 'em all!
• Q&A: Three of Portland’s Best Vegan Chefs on Fall Flavors and What Sustains Them
"As a basic bitch, I am very excited for pumpkin spice...I love the heartiness of fall foods, the transition between light summer eating to filling my belly to the brim with potatoes, corn, baked goods, and soup."
Check out even more Portland vegan chefs on their fave fall flavors.
• Savage Love: The Goodies
Someone picks up an STI that most adults already have. Should she disclose this to her new partner? Dan Savage (with an expert assist) tackles yet another thorny question in the latest SAVAGE LOVE!
• Portland Film Festival's Women-Directed Shorts Bring Fun-Size Horror for Halloween
In the mood to stream something spooky this weekend? Check out this block of women-directed short horror films from the Portland Film Festival.
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!