Your roundup of this week’s most widely-read, shared, and discussed stories.
• A beloved Bettie Page mural was vandalized by “some feminists” earlier this summer. Now, local artist Two Thangs is restoring the mural. And what’s better, Page is getting a new housemate: the filthiest person alive, Babs Johnson. (Played by drag icon, Divine.)
• This week we rescinded our endorsement of Erin Jones, a candidate running for the state’s top education post, based on a number of concerning statements that she made about LGBTQ youth during this this election cycle. Following our withdrawal of support, Jones published an open letter, admitting that she has “made mistakes” but that she has always been a supporter of LGBTQ individuals.
• You’d think this would have been the end of the matter, but there’s more. Thursday, in an e-mail to supporters, Jones accused The Stranger of twisting her words. Which explanation for her comments is Jones sticking to? She either meant what she said when she told us that she “made mistakes,” or she believes that we misrepresented her words. Can’t be both.
• We interviewed English pop-funk band Duran Duran’s lead singer about music festivals, the band’s sound, and what the future holds for them. He also told us that he’s forever listening to and learning from other musicians: Tame Impala, Kanye West, and Rihanna, specifically. Very cool.
• In other music news, Seattle buskers will now be allowed to perform at light rail stations. Nothing like hearing an acoustic rendition of “Can’t Feel My Face” at the light rail station to start your work day, right?
• Donald Trump came back to Washington state this week, where he held a fundraiser and a rally in Everett, WA. See Nate Gowdy’s stunning photos of the event. One commenter quipped: “These photos are more beautiful than they have any right to be. A beautiful aesthetic for a truly ugly event. It makes my brain itch.”
• Stranger staffer Rich Smith attended the rally, and emerged from it cautiously optimistic. Editor Sean Nelson was there, too, but he came from it feeling very afraid. Were you there, as well? How are you feeling?
• Are you going to Bumbershoot this weekend? If so, check out our comprehensive <a href=”http://www.thestranger.com/things-to-do/2016/08/31/24530910/the-strangers-complete-guide-to-bumbershoot-2016
“>Bumbershoot guide—everything you need to know and do, spelled out for you. We even have a Facebook messenger bot, named BumberBot, who will answer any questions you have about the festival.
• Are you staying home this weekend instead? Follow The Stranger music critic Dave Segal. He’ll be there all Labor Day weekend, live-tweeting what he sees and hears.
• September is upon us, which means all the arts institutions are gearing up for their season openers. Here are the arts events you’ve got to buy tickets for now. Here are the concerts that you should see this month. Here are the movies you should see this weekend. For an activity that costs less than $10, check out this week’s cheap and easy listings. If that isn’t enough, then you’re on your own.
Enjoy the sun this weekend.