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.)
• Shoofly Vegan Bakery Employees Locked Out After Disputes With New Owner
Staff say paychecks were late twice in a row, and the cafe's new owner abruptly canceled all wholesale delivery contracts with local cafes. Employees recently voted to unionize. Now they want to buy the business.
This week's trivia includes: the Real ID deadline, dumbass ideas from dingbat Republicans, and everything you know about the area's newest fast food sexpot, Jollibee! (See how well you score!)
• Advocates, Transit Agencies Say Oregon Legislators' Transportation Package Proposal Falls Short
With public transit and safety programs on the line, Democrats are under pressure to find more funding. A gas tax increase and higher registration fees could be part of the solution.
• Going Deep on Bottoming for Jesus
Michael Holt's first solo show, "Bottoming for Jesus," is both "a send up and a love letter" to his years as a closeted gay in the Mormon Church.
Big release energy this week in Mercury Music Picks—both Grails and Alien Boy droppin' new albums like they're hot. Plus lots more! 🥵
• Councilor Mitch Green Suggests Borrowing Money from PCEF to Fund Parks
Councilor Mitch Green is the latest Portland leader to suggest leveraging clean energy fund dollars for other budget woes. In a plan released today, Green proposed the city take out a short-term loan from unspent PCEF funds to pay for parks programs on the chopping block in next year’s budget.
• Film Review: Björk's Cornucopia Is What a Concert Film Should Be
Björk's new concert film Cornucopia is powerful, feminine, and emotionally cleansing. Sacred music and visuals for trying times 🌸
This week: More Trumpy blunders, the Luigi Mangione musical, and E.T. the "sex-terrestrial"?
The Queen of Hear In Portland, Jenni Moore sings the praises of fellow Portland queens Esperanza Spalding and Karma Rivera—along with Bronx rapper Coco Jones—in this week's column. 👑
• Album Review: Slowing Down with elijah jamal asani
The new album by Portland's elijah jamal asani contains multitudes: the earth, the sky, the body. Our Robert Ham wandered Mount Tabor with the artist to catch his frequencies.
Get the smartest advice for your horniest sex problems answered lickety-split in 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!
