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.)
⢠City, County Leaders Unveil Plans to Cut Homeless Count By Half. Not Everyone Is On Board.
Local leaders are heralding a âcomprehensive and ambitious planâ to open 1,000 more shelter beds and provide roughly 2,700 unhoused people with housing or shelter over the next two years. One county commissioner calls the plan âabsurdly unrealistic.â
⢠Auditors: Future of Historic Kenton Firehouse in Jeopardy After Mismanagement
A fraud hotline report details a Portland bureau's failure to follow city contracting guidelines for management of the Historic Kenton Firehouse. State Rep. Travis Nelson has been using the building as his district office, rent-free.
⢠Film Review: Love Lies Bleeding Is a Bold Newcomer to the Erotic Thriller Canon
Director Rose Glassâ second film tells the sleazy, sexy story of two star-crossed sapphic lovers.
⢠Loud, Polluting Leaf Blowers Are on Their Way Out of Portland
City Council voted unanimously to phase out gasoline-powered leaf blowers in Portland. The ban will begin on a partial basis in 2026, with full implementation in 2028.
In our music column this week: Don't sleep on the Foamboy bandcamp b-sides, the latest Wynne rap collabs (both local and high profile), and China Forbes adds a second record release night at the Reser.
⢠Despite Funding Windfalls, the Future of the Rose Quarter I-5 Project Remains Uncertain
While ODOT celebrates a recent federal funding windfall and environmental approval for its I-5 Rose Quarter project, opponents of the plan call say the state could make better use of limited resources by focusing on Albina neighborhood restoration.
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⢠THE TRASH REPORT
"Raise your hand if you think Greta Gerwig should've won an Oscar!" You can expect this, plus an entire week's full of garbage-y gossip, in the latest hilarious episode of THE TRASH REPORT! Â
 ⢠Portland Eyes Another Round of Water and Sewer Rate Hikes
The Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services say they need to raise rates again to cover rising costs, and construction of the Bull Run Water Treatment plant. Customers could see an 8% jump in water rates and a 5.15% spike in sewer rates.
⢠Ticket Alert
Rapper Kid Cudi is coming to town with Pusha T and EARTHGANG, Def Leppard will pour some sugar on Portland this September alongside Journey, and say it ainât soâWeezer has announced their Voyage To The Blue Planet tour with a local stop this fall. Get your tickets for all these fun events NOW.
⢠Father Fannie's Funhouse Is Constantly Changing
The latest resident at ILY2 Too in the Lloyd Center Mall, Portland-based artist Father Fannie has filled the space's signature lavender walls with curated artworks and workshops. He calls it Father Fannieâs Funhouse.
⢠Do You Remember Content? The Hotel Room Takeover Art Installation Event Returns
One of the coolest pre-pandemic Portland events is back: "Content" features fashion, design, and art in a constrained but also immersive space: A hotel room.
⢠SAVAGE LOVE
After a lifetime of one-sided relationships, a person finds someone they're attracted toâand starts freaking out! Is this from a lack of confidence, or something more *sinister*? Dan Savage dives deep into this thorny problem in this week's SAVAGE LOVE!
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 moolahâso please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!
