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.)
• Street Roots Staff Announce Intent to Unionize
Street Roots staff recently announced their intent to unionize with CWA, with eligible workers voting unanimously in favor of the decision. Staff say they hope to receive voluntary recognition from the social justice nonprofit's board.
In this week's trivia quiz: good news and bad for local queer bars, Oregon's award-winning cheese, and it's time to pick a new Portland Santa! (See how well YOU score!)
• Can Portland's New Independent Monitor Help Prevent Police Misconduct?
With nearly $3.3 million paid out to injured protesters, a follow-up assessment highlights Portland Police Bureau’s progress and shortcomings on new policies, crowd control tactics.
• Film Review: Queer Is a Romance with a Dead Wife Problem
In Queer, starring Daniel Craig, director Luca Guadagino sets out to make William Burroughs romantic. He mostly succeeds.
This week: Crybaby Drake, Biden pardons turkeys (including his son), and FINALLY pugs get the respect they deserve!
• Father Christmas, Bring Us Some Snow Plows
Snow plows, drones, and riot gear: Christmas came early this year for Portland's bureaus and agencies. Let’s see what ‘Taxpayer Santa’ brought them!
Bluegrass icons Alison Krauss & Union Station are coming to Troutdale, Philly indie rock five-piece Mt. Joy will stop in Bend, and stand-up Nate Bargatze is bringing his self-deprecating humor to Portland.
• Happening NOW—it's the Mercury's HOLIDAY DRINK WEEK!
Get ready for cheery, festive, and one-of-a-kind cocktails made by the best bartenders in town, and they're only $8 each! (But hurry, hurry... the fun ends today, Sunday, December 8!) 🍸🎄
• The Best Things To Do in December
We've compiled the biggest events of December in every genre, from Billie Eilish to Robin Wall Kimmerer In Conversation With Emma Marris and from A Charlie Brown Christmas Live to the Portland Holiday Brew Fest.
Get your sex questions answered quick—including ones about holiday kinks, sneaky sex, anal etiquette, and more!
• Theater Review: Waiting for Godot Is Samuel Beckett—Straight, No Chaser
One of the central plays of the 20th century, Samuel Beckett's famously bleak comedy "Waiting for Godot" has been adapted, reinvented, and reimagined countless times, but Portlanders would do well to see Corrib Theatre's faithful staging.
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!
