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.)
• Portland's Crime Rate Isn't Impacted By Size of Police Force, Data Finds
Data crunched and analyzed by local researchers finds no significant decrease in crime when the number of Portland police officers increases.
• The Food at Plant Based Papi Is Worth Every Bit of the Hype
If you're wondering if the hype surrounding Plant Based Papi's food is the real deal... it's the *realest* of deals.
• Former State Rep. Akasha Lawrence Spence Announces Run For Commissioner Ryan's Council SeatÂ
Commissioner Dan Ryan has a new (and very formidable) opponent vying for his seat on City Council.
• Council Hears Support and Criticism of Proposed $44 Million Fall Budget Package
Members of the public spent hours giving feedback on Mayor Wheeler's proposed budget requests regarding cops, homelessness, mental health, and more. Here's our round up!
• Hear in Portland: Three New Album Drops, Plus Kikagaku Moyo and Federale Shows
This week in Portland music news: Outstanding album drops from local artists, a new rap diss track, and three upcoming shows you'll want to mask up and attend.
• The Campaign to Recall Mayor Ted Wheeler is Officially Over
Four months after its celebratory kick-off, the campaign to recall Mayor Ted Wheeler has come to an unceremonious end.
• Savage Love: Backlot Access
A 44-year-old has never had a longterm relationship—is the problem his circumstances... or him? The sage Dan Savage issues a ruling in the latest SAVAGE LOVE!
• Q&A: Mean Girls: The Musical Star Mary Kate Morrissey Helps Weird Art Kids Feel Less Alone
Mean Girls: The Musical is in town this week. Here's a Q&A with the performer who plays Janis, a weird art kid, about how she helps other weird art kids feel less alone.
• POP QUIZ PDX: Fire Up Your Brain for Portland's Funnest Quiz!
Hooty-hoo! It's time again for Portland's funnest puzzler, POP QUIZ PDX! This week's theme is "Eat the Rich" with loads of Qs about wealthy scandals, city bribery, and a subjective question about which billionaire you would bankrupt... with your MIND.
• An Intimate Documentary about the Many Lives of Portland's Most Beloved Stripper, Viva Las Vegas
Thank You for Supporting the Arts, now on DVD and streaming, is a heartfelt documentary about the many lives of Portland's beloved stripper/singer/writer/artist Viva Las Vegas.
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!
