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.)
• The Mercury's 2023 May Election Endorsements
Even “small” local elections (like this one) are important! So grab your ballot, because the Mercury’s 2023 May Election Endorsements have arrived!
This week's hilariously fun quiz includes political scandals, local child detectives, and (buckle up, vampires) Oregon "Twilight" trivia!
• Portland School Board Candidate Withdraws From Race
Derrick Peterson withdrew from the school board race, despite denying any ties to Ché Ahn's Christian nationalist religious groups. In 2020, he spoke about policing Portland protests at one of Ahn's affiliate churches, despite never working at the protests.
• Oregon Secretary of State Resigns Amid Ethics Questions About Cannabis Consulting Work
Shemia Fagan announced her resignation after reports of a private consulting job with a company under audit by the state.
• Rip City Comedy Fest Packs First Year With Star Power
Every year in Portland there's at least one fresh comedy fest, but the brand new Rip City looks promising. Every show on the schedule has a name you want to see or juicy premise. That's due to the experience of the fest's planners, two Helium staffers.
• Civic Life Office Turns Down Portland Neighborhood Group’s Bid for City Funds
Citing upcoming changes to Portland's form of government and district representation, the city turned down Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc.'s request for public funding. The move came after a handful of people urged the city not to give SWNI any money.
It's time to dig through this week's gossipy garbage! This week: RIP OG trash god Jerry Springer, the welcome return of Shannen Doherty, and (ew) a Tucker Carlson affair? ICK.
• Return of Sunday Parkways Kicks Off in East Portland May 7
This Sunday, May 7, marks the return of PBOT's Sunday Parkways. Live music, free bike repair, roller skate rentals and food vendors are on deck.
• Film Q & A: Wild Life Questions Conservation and Capitalism
There's a new documentary from the team behind 2018's "Free Solo," this time profiling former Patagonia and North Face executives Kris and Doug Tompkins. Ahead of the Portland debut, and we spoke with the "Wild Life" directors.
• All Classical Radio Intends to Move to Dishier Downtown Digs
Riding high on ratings and approachable programming, an internationally-recognized Portland radio organization has announced its intention to expand and move downtown.
• The I, Anonymous Rant o' the Week
"For the love of god, will you PLEASE stop saying 'kiddo' and 'doggo'???"
In this week's music news: More Grey's Anatomy x Joseph crossover, Wynne teases a visual for “Jaw Morant," and Nigerian American hip-hop artist Jidenna returns with an ode to make men blush.
Walk this way for this week's event announcements: Aerosmith is peacing out on their Farewell tour, Thundercat will slap da bass in Troutdale, and Ray LaMontagne plans to play a fan-selected setlist. Here's where to get ALL the tickets!
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!
