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.)
• Providence Nurses Say They've Been Barred From Work By Management Following Strike
Meanwhile, the Oregon Health Authority is overwhelmed by staffing complaints from health care workers across the state.
This week's super fun trivia quiz includes questions about rampaging bulls, out-of-control commissioners, and fatal attractions (of the amusement park variety). 🎢 See how well YOU score!
• Women Across Portland and the US Encouraged to Strike on June 24
Wear red. Skip work. Skip school. Don't spend your money. That's the message organizers are conveying, ahead of a Portland Women's Strike on Monday, June 24. Women will line the Burnside Bridge at noon, as part of a national protest.
• Activists Reignite the Battle for Oregon’s Old-Growth Timber
Using both the democratic process and a bit of civil disobedience, "forest protectors" rally to save ancient trees.
• Queer Eye for the Pedalpalooza Ride
Portland leads the way in welcoming riders of all genders and sexualities. Here are some of the best queer bike rides of the summer!
As trust in the Supreme Court wanes and the US gears up for pivotal elections this November, queer advocates in Oregon are working to enshrine rights for all.
Attention trash pandas! 🦝 This week's hot gossip includes: MAGA's confusing feelings about Hunter Biden, Sandy B and Nicole K are back, and Chris Brown has the dangles!
Rapper Karma Rivera headlines a show on Portland Pride weekend, Wynne gives us "Rug Burn," and a free Nonbinary Girlfriend show? Whoopee! All this and more in this week's music news!
• Queer Guide Comic: COVID-Safer Pride Guide
Keeping a baseline for COVID safety during Pride has never been easier to remember, thanks to this deeply charming comic by Portland-raised cartoonist and editor Hazel Newlevant!
• How a Billionaire Philanthropist is Transforming Oregon Nonprofits
For a nonprofit, a $2 million donation with no strings attached is virtually unheard of. But one of the wealthiest women in the world is changing that. Three Oregon nonprofits each recently received millions from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Need a few (or a LOT) of good laughs? Check out our roundup of the best queer (and queer adjacent) comedy shows in Portland.
A reader who hurts himself feels like he's being judged while people into BDSM get celebrated. What's the difference? Dan Savage and experts chime in to settle this sexual conundrum in this week's column!
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!
