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.)
• How Rene Gonzalez Found Common Ground With a Right Wing Provocateur
In the span of 24 hours, Rene Gonzalez managed to alienate voters on both ends of the political spectrum, but a note of gratitude for a right-wing, polarizing media figure triggered alarm bells. Voters and political orgs say the move is troubling.
This week's trivia questions include: injured feet🦶, stinky flowers 🥀, and Olympic-sized Oregon sports! 🥇 See how well YOU score, champion! 🤓
• Portland Pickles’ Ten Cent Beer Night: Bad Idea Gone Good?
In 1974, a Ten Cent Beer Night at a baseball game in Ohio devolved into a riot. Fifty years later, the Portland Pickles tried it again, and it was actually quite nice.
ODOT is seeking a make-or-break, $750 million federal grant for its plan to expand I-5 through central Portland. In letters to USDOT, project critics urge the feds to deny full grant funding, but seek support for Albina neighborhood restoration.
• Oregon Nabs $200 Million EPA Grant to Help Meet State Climate Goals
Oregon will receive a major federal grant for carbon emissions reduction programs statewide. Governor Tina Kotek said the nearly $200 million grant, awarded through the EPA, is a "significant down payment on our ability to meet our reduction goals."
This week's juicy, trashy gossip includes: Will Smith and Johnny Depp's "bromance," Missy Elliott... in SPAAAACE, and Kamala has arrived (so stop talking about golf).
• Portland’s Summers Are Getting Dangerously Hot. More Trees Could Save Lives.
On a bike ride to raise awareness about "urban shade equity" this week, advocates pointed out the disparity in tree canopy across Portland. Shade access can save lives during extreme heat events, which Portland will see more of as climate change worsens.
• Three Country / Folk-Rock / Psych-Rock Acts That Stood Out at FairWell Festival's Year Two
There are other way to go country than listening to the new Macklemore. At FairWell Festival's second year in Deschutes County we found a laud-worthy line-up of headliner jams and new country, folk, psych-rock acts worth a listen.
R&B songstress Kehlani will come crashing through Portland, Keshi also plans to kick off an arena world tour this fall, and Clairo returns to Portland to lay her charm on Edgefield. Get the tix you desperately need with TICKET ALERT!
He doesn't want to have sex anymore. Can this relationship be saved... and if so, how? Dan Savage lays out the options 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 moolah—so please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!
