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.)

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• Portland City Council Will Consider Public Camping Ban Ordinance That Would Fine, Jail Unhoused Residents

Mayor Ted Wheeler's proposed ordinance would heavily restrict public camping to nighttime hours only (and in very few places), while also prohibiting fires and gas stoves.

• "PBOT Is on Life Support": Inside Portland’s Transportation Budget Crisis

A last-minute budget amendment proposed by Mayor Ted Wheeler—and reactions to it from Portland transportation stakeholders—reveals the depth of PBOT’s financial woes.

• POP QUIZ PDX!

Think you're smart? 🤓 Time to prove it with this week's super fun edition of POP QUIZ PDX! Featuring: People for Portland's actual address, mysterious Oregon parks, and animals that wanna eat yer butt. 🐗

• Portland’s Newest Safe Rest Village Will Be the Largest Yet—But Can It Transition Houseless Residents Into Permanent Housing?

City staff say data so far is promising, but it’s far too soon to tell.

• Come As You Are

Don't miss this gorgeous essay from Rose Wong about being a transplant who was nervous about moving to Portland, but then fell deeply in love with our city. Another great entry in the Mercury's "SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT PORTLAND" guide!

• 10 Barbecue Places Worth Trying in Portland

Celebrate Memorial Day in the correct style with our delicious guide to Portland barbecue.

• Portland Thrash Trio U SCO Has a New Record, and It Was Worth the Wait

The new album from Portland tech thrash trio U SCO defies description, but we'll still try: monolithic and euphoric, with one track containing epic interlocking bass clarinet from Golden Retriever's Jonathan Sielaff.

• THE TRASH REPORT

Here comes the trash! 🦝 It's time for another hilarious TRASH REPORT. This week: In praise of short kings, and both bears and John Cougar Mellencamps are unwelcome in Portland.

• HEAR IN PORTLAND

In this week's music column: Wynne's super sexy music video, dream-folk duo Shady Cove at Lollipop Shoppe, and the unmissable local talent at a Prince birthday tribute night.

• Want Some Devilish Fun? Don't Miss This Thursday's "TWO EVILS" Live Comedy Game Show!

Get those tickets NOW for the absolutely devilish fun of "TWO EVILS with Arlo & Kate"—a live comedy game show that pits the audience against this month's celebrity guest, Nariko Ott! (This *will* sell out, so hurry, hurry!) 😈

• Say Nice Things About… Portland’s Kickass LGBTQ+ Community!

Pride summer starts early with this fantastic roundup of the amazing people and events from the LGBTQ+ community! It's all in our "SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT PORTLAND" guide (available in 500+ locations citywide!)

• Western Sky Music Places Jeffrey Silverstein at a Crossroads

The new record from Portland-based songwriter Jeffery Silverstein shows more country influence than ever before and features—somewhat spoken—vocals.

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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!