If you’re reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercury’s news reporting, arts and culture coverage, event calendar, and the bevy of events we host throughout the year. The work we do helps our city shine, but we can’t do it without your support. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support!

Good morning, Portland! Hopefully you’re finding shade and staying hydrated. Yesterday was a scorcher. Today will be slightly better, with a high of 87 degrees and a low of 55. 🥵

In case you spent yesterday in a heat-induced stupor, here's a recap of what's happening in the city and beyond.

In Local News: 

• Medical debt- a term that shouldn't exist: The Oregon Legislature approved a bill on Monday that prohibits medical providers from reporting debt to creditors. Senate Bill 605 passed the House and Senate, and now awaits the governor’s signature. The bill aims to prevent medical debt from showing up on a person’s credit report. Champions of the bill say it’s sorely needed, as federal protections weaken and the country has yet to adopt a health care system that doesn’t put people at risk of losing their financial stability over unexpected medical procedures. 

• Rise of the democratic socialists: DSA- that acronym that sounds like a legal form or medical procedure, is actually a political movement gaining major steam, including on Portland’s City Council. But what the hell is it? Taylor Griggs does an excellent job of unpacking what the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is all about, and how it rose to prominence in local politics. 

As Portland contends with a dire budget crisis, the local DSA chapter has a suggestion: Tax the rich. While it's not a totally new message, DSA leaders think it may land differently now—partly thanks to their new allies in City Hall.

[image or embed]

— Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) June 9, 2025 at 11:15 AM

• Was she fooled, or just foolish? While state lawmakers were busy trying to make life easier for Oregonians, US 5th District Rep. Janelle Bynum was the only democrat in Oregon to vote with republicans on a wack-ass resolution that, among other things, praises law enforcement like ICE, while masquerading as a move to combat antisemitism. Among the language in the resolution, is a clause that “expresses gratitude to law enforcement officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, for protecting the homeland.” Last we checked, ICE isn’t protecting anyone. Here’s a useful blog post that breaks down the recent vote, which garnered support from 75 democrats in Congress. 

These 75 Democrats joined Republicans to "express gratitude" to ICE agents and call for greater local and state collaboration with ICE. jonathancohn.medium.com/a-tale-of-tw...

[image or embed]

— Jonathan Cohn (@jonathancohn.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:27 PM

• Much to do around Portland: The weather is heating up, which means PLENTY of events, exhibitions, and screenings to check out. Stay in the loop with this week's rundown, courtesy of EverOut. 

It's another very busy week! Here's our great list of fun events, from the 8 Seconds Rodeo to the second annual Portland Book Week and from the perfectly ripe James Beard Strawberry Shortcake Week to WasabiFest PDX.

[image or embed]

— Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) June 9, 2025 at 1:52 PM

In National/World News: 

• Music world mourns funk pioneer: Sly Stone, frontman of pioneering funk band Sly and the Family Stone, has died at age 82. Stone, whose legacy in music is indelible, disappeared from public life for several decades after the mid-1960s and late ‘70s. The musician reportedly had extended battles with addiction and financial affairs, but tributes to the music legend are pouring out in troves.

Earlier this year, Questlove released the documentary “Sly Lives!” in an attempt to capture what he called “the burden of Black genius” that enveloped Mr. Stone.

 

• Police state: A CNN reporter was detained by police in Los Angeles Monday night while live on air. Jason Carroll and a CNN camera crew were filming at the site of protests when Los Angeles Police Department officers escorted him away, saying he couldn’t come back to the area. The network says officers were trying to clear the area. It’s not the first time police have arrested journalists (who have a legal right to observe and film protests, because they are distinct from those participating in protests) and sadly, probably won’t be the last. 

CNN’s reporter on scene in Los Angeles: I’m being detained..

[image or embed]

— Acyn (@acyn.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM

• The fire has died down, literally: Speaking of all that… After a fiery Sunday that saw cars ablaze, smoke bombs thrown, and tear gas deployed by police, the fury in Los Angeles has died down since then, the LA Times reports. In ongoing protests and havoc over ramped up, often unconstitutional ICE arrests and deportations, LA residents have come out in force to push back. Police largely cleared crowds of protesters in downtown LA and surrounding areas Monday night, BUT Chief Cheeto’s recent deployment of US Marines and National Guard troops to help quell protests there has only enflamed tensions and led to legal battles between the state of California and the Trump administration. The LAPD also says the arrival of hundreds of Marines without any coordinated plan has complicated things for them. 

Doechii the queen.

[image or embed]

— Philip Bump (@pbump.com) June 9, 2025 at 7:08 PM

• Don't get too comfortable: The chaos may have subsided for now, but more protests are expected nationwide this Saturday (Flag Day), as part of a "No Kings" movement meant to counter an expensive, grandiose military parade being thrown by the White House on the 250th anniversary of the Army, which just so happens to also mark Trump's birthday.Â