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.)
Amid lagging emergency response times, auditors say programs like Portland Street Response play a key role in freeing up police and fire resources, but political turmoil and a lack of clear leadership from Commissioner Rene Gonzalez threatens their future.
Buckle up, brain! This week you'll answer quizzy Qs about unqualified mayors, cool skateparks, and clumsy airplanes that drop things! 😬 SEE HOW WELL *YOU* SCORE! 🤓
• Auditor: County Contracting Rules Bent to Favor Seattle-Based Nonprofit
A Multnomah County auditor's memo notes staff felt "pressured" by former Commissioner Susheela Jayapal to alter an application process to benefit a Seattle-based affordable housing nonprofit. The group later landed a lucrative contract with the county.
• Why Are People Protesting Michael Rapaport's Portland Comedy Shows?
Until recently the actor/comedian was yelling about Taylor Swift, but now it's all about Israel, Hamas, and Gaza.
• Carmen Rubio Enters 2024 Portland Mayor's Race
Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio is running for mayor. She's now the third (and last) person on council to launch a mayoral campaign under Portland's new form of government. Rubio said she's ready to "take us into our future without drama.”
Happy insurrection anniversary 🤮, airplane doors dropping from the sky ✈️, and hoping you get a cute Bad Bunny boyfriend for 2024.😍 Let's dig into the latest gossip!
Want an electric car, but don't have a place to charge it? The Portland Bureau of Transportation is trying to change that by adding more publicly accessible charging stations to city streets— and they now have a $1.7 million federal grant to get started.
In our music column this week: We’re looking at this will they or won't they weather and showcasing some Portland music shows to make plans about—never fear, only one of them is this weekend.
• Submit Your FREE Mercury Reader's Valentine for our Upcoming PRINT Issue!
Do you love someone or something? Then submit your FREE Mercury Reader Valentine by January 26, and we'll put it in PRINT in our February 7 Valentine's Issue, which will be in more than 500 locations all around the city! SHOW YOUR LOVE TO THE WORLD! 🥰
• Portland, Prepare For a Six-Week MAX Disruption
If you want to take the MAX anytime between today and the end of February, you'll need to make sure your train is actually scheduled to run. Construction for TriMet's "A Better Red" project will limit service on the Blue, Green, and Red MAX lines.
Electropop project PVRIS, experimental electronic wizard Oneohtrix Point Never, and semi-charmed rock band Third Eye Blind—they're all coming to Portland in the near future. Got your tix? Find out where to snag 'em with our TICKET ALERT!
• Where to Find Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Portland for Dry January
Looking to decrease your alcohol consumption for January? Whether you're going dry, damp, or "sober-curious," we've compiled a handy list of places to find non-alcoholic beverages around Portland so you can quench your thirst.
In this week's column: Dan tackles the eternal question: "Why are some people addicted to orgies?"
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!
