by Wm. Steven Humphrey If you’re reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercury’s 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 can’t 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! 👋 Oh hello... it's 12 days until the election. Have you FILLED OUT YOUR BALLOT YET? If not, and you need some advice from those who have been called "the best election editorial board in the city" (never you mind who said it), then check out the Mercury's Election Issue (in more than 500 spots around town) with all the endorsements you need, AND our handy-dandy voter cheat sheet! And while we're on the topic, I also endorse today's NEWS. IN LOCAL NEWS: • Mayoral candidate Keith Wilson was dinged by the Oregonian yesterday, after it was discovered that his trucking company, TITAN Freight Systems, failed to pay a small portion of its property taxes to the tune of $1,130. After learning of the misstep, Wilson's campaign reportedly paid the small tax bill immediately, and chalked it up to a clerical error. (WOW, as far as "October surprises" go, that's some pretty weak sauce... at least compared to some people. 👇) Editorial: "Rene Gonzalez has repeatedly shown a lack of compassion or real leadership when it comes to Portland’s homelessness crisis, instead showcasing willful opposition to any solutions that don’t involve sweeps, jail, or fines."https://t.co/CVAYwX2MQY — Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) October 23, 2024 • And if you need any further proof.... Multnomah county Republicans endorse Rene and Mingus for mayor. Any doubt Rene is a Republican now? https://t.co/rReXsec0Br pic.twitter.com/V3lmXQHIwC — skywaker9 (@skywaker9) October 22, 2024 • Portland-area doctors and nurses who work at Providence have authorized a strike to protest low wages, staffing levels, and benefits. If an agreement is not reached with Providence management and the walk-out goes forward, it will be the first time in Oregon history that doctors have gone on strike.  • EO Media Group, which owns a dozen newspapers around Oregon (including the Bend Bulletin, the East Oregonian, and Rogue Valley Times), has been purchased by the Mississippi-based Carpenter Media Group, which also recently bought the Portland Tribune and its many papers. Carpenter now owns 250 media outlets across the nation and has a history of gutting their newsrooms with layoffs. (A reminder that journalism is privilege, and needs to be supported if you'd like it to survive. For more proof, check this out: "Most U.S. counties have little to no local news sources.") • A verrrrry tough night for Portland sports fans, with both the Blazers and the Timbers getting their butts kicked during special games. In their season opener, our Blazers got decidedly trounced by the Golden State Warriors, finishing with an embarrassing score of 139-104 (ouch!), while the Timbers suffered an absolute rout in their final game of the season, falling 5-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps. OUCH!! • If you're Wicked-crazy like a lot of folks around the office are, then you may be thinking of seeing the traveling production now playing at Keller Auditorium before the movie hits theaters. OR SHOULD YOU? Check out the Mercury review from TJ Acena before snapping up those tix! • Super fun election night party alert: Looking for something fun to do on election night? Well, DO WE HAVE THE FUN ELECTION NIGHT PARTY FOR YOU!https://t.co/OXyBltp6EZ — Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) October 22, 2024 IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS: • Veep and presidential contender Kamala Harris went HARD on Trump at last night's CNN Town Hall, correctly labeling the former president and convicted felon as "a fascist" who spoke glowingly about the loyalty of Hitler's followers. She also noted Trump's continued threats to lock up those who refuse to go along with his insane plans, saying “He’s going to sit there, unstable and unhinged, plotting his revenge, plotting his retribution, creating an enemies list.” This logic does not seem to be getting through to half of America, as the most recent polls show the two candidates currently running neck and neck. 😑 • But this probably won't hurt: "Beyoncé expected to perform at Harris rally in Houston." I am liking some of these yard signs. pic.twitter.com/CnNe6DcCRm — 𝕏ugene (@BreakingNews4X) October 23, 2024 • Workers at Boeing have overwhelmingly rejected management's proposed contract, and have voted to extend their six week-long strike. While they were offered a wage increase, workers contend it is not nearly enough to make up for what they call a decade of underpayment. • Vince McMahon and his longtime wrestling juggernaut WWE have been accused to turning a blind eye to the alleged sexual exploitation of young boys by ringside announcer Melvin Phillips Jr. during the '80s and '90s. Phillips, who died in 2012, allegedly abused his "ring boys"—some as young as 12 and 13—whom he reportedly groomed and exploited by luring them in with the promise of meeting big wrestling stars. Rob Lowe and Demi Moore did actually hook up several decades ago, in case anyone was wondering. https://t.co/Dot6VhyhXu — The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) October 24, 2024 • Today in "Celebrities... they're just like us!": "Lana Del Rey marries alligator swamp tour guide Jeremy Dufrene in Louisiana." • And finally... don't believe in witches performing supernatural acts? Then how do you explain... THIS?!? @rollerskatetwins The witches are back 🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻‍♀️🎃 #halloween #witches #bladies #skating #flips #inlineskating #rollerblading #twins #girlpower #girlsonskates #frskates #ridetsg #vertskating #twinning #twinsisters ♬ Witching Halloween - TimTaj