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 Relents After Ordering Nursing Instructors to Cross Picket Lines
Last month, a community college nursing instructor got an alarming mandate from Providence: Cross picket lines during the strike, or risk her job supervising students at Providence sites. After an attorney intervened, Providence backed off.
• POP QUIZ PDX!
In this week's hilarious trivia quiz, we ask "WHAT SHOULD WE STICK IN THAT HOLE?" Find out more about this mysterious (and deep) hole, as well as local elephants, ancient fashion, and more in POP QUIZ PDX! See how well YOU score!
• New Seasons Employees Remain on Strike Over “Unjust” Firing of Longtime Employee
Unionized workers at a handful of News Seasons Market locations remain on strike after the sudden and unexpected firing of a longtime cashier. Before the strike, the company had tentatively agreed not to terminate anyone without just cause.
• Introducing the Portland Mercury’s New Music Editor, Nolan Parker!
How they went from publishing a grass roots music newspaper in Berlin to being Portland’s ONLY music editor.
• Portland’s Next Top (Architectural) Model
In the early 1970s, Portland design reviewers used a miniature (yet massive) model of downtown to consider proposed construction projects. City of Possibility gives Portlanders the rare opportunity to see the 18-foot by 22-foot city in all its glory!
• City Council Reluctantly Approves Mike Jordan’s Tenure as City Administrator Until 2026
Michael Jordan is arguably the most qualified person to serve as Portland’s city administrator during a transitional year, but a recent controversial Zenith Energy approval, coupled with communication misfires, left Jordan in the hot seat this week. City Council approved his contract through 2026.
This week's hot gossip includes: Trump's vendetta against Black History Month, Pac-Man-splaining, and Pete Davidson scrubs his tats.
• Facing Public and Council Opposition, Portland Grants Zenith Key Approval
The city announced its decision to issue Zenith Energy a new Land Use Compatibility Statement this week. It was met with immediate backlash from people who are critical of the oil transport and storage company—and the city’s oversight of it.
• Fucking Political: Lessons From the Early AIDS Activists Who Took Matters Into Their Own Hands
Today in queer history: It’s possible one booklet by two AIDS patients and their doctor—and another written by drag queens—saved thousands of lives.
• TICKET ALERT
Beabadoobee has dropped dates for her new tour, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan are bringing their Outlaw Music Festival back on the road, and Hozier has extended his tour with a stop in Portland. Get those hot tix quick with TICKET ALERT!
• Celebrate Valentine's Day at These Lovely Portland Events
Whether you’re celebrating romantic, platonic, or familial love this Valentine’s Day this year, we’ve got suggestions on where to grab gifts for your sweetie, where to have a spicy date night, and more!
• SAVAGE LOVE
Solve your trickiest sex problems quick with this edition of Savage Love: Quickies!
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!
