"Congratulations! You win a whole week's worth of Mercury articles!" monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images
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.)
* County Commissioner's Staffer Fired After Scrutiny Over Political Activity
A staffer for County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards simultaneously led the controversial political action group Future Portland while managing communications for the commissioner. She was fired recently over concerns about potential conflicts of interest after organizing an event for the PAC during work hours.
* POP QUIZ PDX
In this week's trivia quiz: The Beatles in Portland, the Blazers' new owner, and who would make a better president: Donald Trump or six farts in a paper bag? (See how well YOU score!)
* With a New Media Conglomerate on the Scene, Oregon's News Landscape is Shrinking
In 2024, Carpenter Media acquired two major Oregon newspaper companies, including Pamplin Media Group. So far, Carpenter's ownership role has been marked by labor fights, layoffs, and the discontinuation of select print products in an aggressive move to cut costs.
* PHOTO ESSAY: The Need for Speed (and Artistic Expression)
Last weekend's Portland Adult Soapbox Derby was -- in its 26th year -- weirder and wilder than ever. In this photo essay, Corbin Smith talks to the creators, drivers, and organizers of this beloved event that is SO VERY PORTLAND. ❤️🏁🏎️
* Album Review: Zipper's Turning 50. Have You Heard It?
Fred Cole's heavy-truckin', boogie-ready, fret-shrieking band Zipper put out one self-titled album in 1975 and that's it. If you haven't heard it yet you're in for a real treat: Throw it on in your bitchin' Camaro, roll the windows down, and cruise the gut 😎.
* Highest 2 Lowest Is Spike Lee's Fanboy Homage to Akira Kurosawa
...But this isn't a Kurosawa film, so don't go looking for one.
* How to Conquer Pickathon (And Still Love It in the End)!
"To Pickathon or not to Pickathon?" is not actually the question. The real question is, "How to Pickaton?" Get expert advice from music writer and Pickathon vet Holly Hazelwood at the link below, and see you next year. 🌞
* Them Portrays the Everyday in the Midst of War
Samah Sabawi has written a prescient play, but is it good?
* Album Review: Holy Sons' Fourth Entry in the Lost Decade Series
Portland's Emil Amos -- a creative force behind Grails, Om, Lilacs & Champagne -- has release the fourth installment of his Lost Decade series under the Holy Sons moniker. Read Jonathan Ludwig's take on the new album, and don't forget the psychedelics. 🫠
* SAVAGE LOVE
Ambiguous desires, nudist camp etiquette, and a new word for straight dudes who like dick. (Get solid advice on this and more in this week's edition of SAVAGE LOVE!)
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!