If youâre reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercuryâs news reporting, arts and culture coverage, event calendar, and the bevy of events we host throughout the year. The work we do helps our city shine, but we canât do it without your support. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support!
GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND!đ
Oh, hello! Would you like your personal love note to run in the print version of the Portland Mercury (available at 500 spots around town) for Valentine's Day? Then listen up, love bugs! Today (Wednesday, January 15) is your LAST CHANCE to submit your FREE Mercury Reader Valentine for your schmoopy-woopy (AKA sex pal)! But don't fretâwe'll still accept and print your valentines online (AKA the internet) through February 15. And now? Here's your daily dose of bullshit (AKA NEWS).
IN LOCAL NEWS:
⢠After furiously backpedaling last month on his plan to require all city employees to stop remote work and return to their downtown offices at least four days per week, Mayor Keith Wilson is reviving his failed (and wrong-headed) schemeâbut this time he's ordering 700 NON-union workers (who can't refuse his demands) to return to the office. Here's your reminder that the city seemingly cares more about the health of downtown businesses and "foot traffic" than employees who prioritize increased productivity, taking care of their children, and not sitting in their cars during impossibly long commutes that they don't get paid for. Anyhoo, our Courtney Vaughn has the details!
⢠And speaking of labor matters: It took four days of striking for Providence healthcare management to decide to resume negotiating with the roughly 5,000 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who walked off the job on Friday. Management hasn't negotiated with union reps since they called for the strike on December 30. Striking workers are asking for higher pay, better working conditions, and more sane nurse-to-patient ratios.
Open the overnight warming shelters asap.
[image or embed]
â Kat Mahoney (@kmahoneylaw.bsky.social) January 14, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Continue reading »