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.)
• Attorneys Claim Plasma Donation Centers Illegally Discriminate Against Gay and Bisexual Men
Plasma donation saves lives and typically comes with compensation, but the leading company running plasma donation centers in Oregon won’t allow gay or bisexual men to donate. Attorneys say it's based on harmful, outdated stereotypes, and it's illegal.
Hello, brain! This week's trivia game includes stolen Olympic medals, curious Portland carpets, and (in our subjective question) where you think Trump should be eternally banished to! 😈 See how well YOU score!
• Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 4
These candidates are running in the district composed of Portland's west side and some Southeast neighborhoods—updated for your convenience!
• Photo Essay: Pickathon Night Mode
Our annual Pickathon photo essay brings you beautiful live music moments from Elephant Revival, Durand Jones, and Pahua.
• City of Portland Gets Back With the RACC to Distribute Small Arts Grants
After last year's contentious fallout between the the Regional Arts & Culture Council and Commissioner Dan Ryan's office, many worried RACC would be shut out of the city's arts funding processes. But that's not what happened.
• In the Shadow of Writer's Block, Blind Pilot Triumphantly Returns
It has been almost exactly eight years since Oregon-based indie-folk band Blind Pilot released an album. The group—who famously toured by bicycle in their early days—have a new record dropping this week.
Let's go, trash pandas! It's another week of hilarious gossip, including: J.LO & Ben on the skids (again), Tim Walz is the dad we need, and ideas for new Olympic events! 🏅
"I got that dog in me" admits Wynne on her latest certified bop—and like, we knew, but yes, please. Plus, the debut LP of a beloved local jazz quartet, and which cannabis dispensary throws a great block party?
She's queer and doesn't like to be licked. Why can't people get that through their heads? Dan Savage offers some GGG words of wisdom in this week's column!
DC rapper Wale dropped dates for his upcoming tour, pop punk quartet State Champs will make an appearance at the Crystal, and alt-rockers Guster will be popping by Portland as well! Get the low-down on all the hot upcoming shows with TICKET ALERT.
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!
