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.)
• Five Months Down, 20 to Go: Checking In on Portland’s Charter Reform Makeover
It’s been nearly five months since Portland voters approved charter reform. With a long list of critical tasks to complete by next fall, it begs the question: Can they get it all accomplished in time?
Strap on your brains, it's time for another super fun local trivia game! This week: the latest terrible political decisions, local celebs in big-time movies, and which "career Barbie" are YOU? 🤔 See how well you score!
• City Council Okays $80K for New Police Drone Program
Police say a new pilot program will use drones to help photograph crash and crime scenes. Drones could also be used for rescue missions or hostage situations. One watchdog group is skeptical.
• Hundreds of Portland-Area Students March Against Gun Violence
Students from multiple schools across Portland joined a national walkout this week, rallying and marching against gun violence. They described feelings of helplessness and a desire to see elected officials advocate on their behalf.
Calling all trash pandas! In this week's gossip trash can: horny dads, how to steal a forklift, and... did Elinor get AI to write this week's column?
• New Affordable Housing Complex Provides Alternative to Tent Cities
The new Hattie Redmond affordable housing complex offers more stability to Black Portlanders than plans laid out by the city, according to project leaders.
Afrobeat- and dancehall-infused songs at the Thesis, new "swimwave" from Siren and the Sea, and all the Portland music icons collaborating on Beats & Rhymes are all on the menu in this week's music news from Jenni Moore!
• Review: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Is a Dazzling Journey as Hollow as a Big, Green Pipe
"It's maybe the sixth-best game-to-film conversion ever made, which is like ranking Panera Bread sandwiches."
• New Literary Names Sindya Bhanoo and Casey Parks Win Big at the 2023 Oregon Book Awards
The 2023 Oregon Book Awards winners have arrived! Despite a wealth of local lit giants in competition, newcomers swept the night.
• Warning: Seeing Comedy Duo Girl God Might Kill You
The last time absurdist trans comedy duo Girl God played Portland, an audience member got a concussion from laughing. They're that funny.
Don’t cry! Goth heroes The Cure have penned in a Portland stop on their upcoming tour. Pop princesses Melanie Martinez and Ava Max will ignite dance floors in June. Plus, dope queen Phoebe Robinson will get Messy AF on the Revolution Hall stage. Here's where to get the hottest tickets in town.
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!
