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.)
⢠Mayor Wheeler Unveils New Bureau Assignments for City Commissioners
Mayor Wheeler kicked off 2023 by reassigning city bureaus to city commissioners. Here's a breakdown of the changes (and why they matter).

⢠POP QUIZ PDX
See how YOU score on this week's funny-fun trivia quiz with Portland questions about such topics as Juanita's Chips, the supposed "best" pizza in town, and YOUR choice for the most annoying thing NOT invited back to 2023! đĄ

⢠Advocates Fear Increased Pedestrian Deaths in Planned Rose Quarter Project
ODOT's analysis of the I-5 Rose Quarter project shows an increased risk of pedestrians being hit by cars near the Moda Center. ODOT says the design is still being developed, while critics doubt the project's commitment to safety.

⢠Exit Interview: Portland NAACPâs Outgoing Leadership on Repairing the Organization's Legacy
Before leaving their leadership positions at the Portland NAACP, Gary-Smith and Scribes reflected on the past two years of repair work, the branchâs recent achievements, and whatâs needed to maintain the NAACPâs relevancy in Portland.

⢠SportsBox Is a Strip Club Reborn as a Vegan Esports Bar
When SportsBox opened its doors In March 2022, it started as Casa Diablo owner Johnny Diablo ŽōklÄ initially imagined itâa vegan Hooters. But it was soon obvious people weren't coming in for the servers. They were there for the food.

⢠Seven Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Try for Dry January
Looking to decrease your alcohol consumption for Dry January? We've compiled a handy list of non-alcoholic beverages around Portland so you can quench your thirst.

⢠The Mercury's Favorite Films of 2022
We watched movies last year! Our favorites included that cannibalism movie, the broke millennial gay âPride and Prejudice,â and an instant internet classic.
⢠HEAR IN PORTLAND
Wynne switches flows in a new music video for âCATALYST II," Veana Baby drops a smooth pair of EPs, and Jeffrey Silverstein + Credit Electric tour the PNW!

⢠Meet the 2023 Undisputable Geniuses of Comedy!
Let's meet the heeee-larious lineup of comedians you'll see at the Mercury's 2023 "Undisputable Geniuses of Comedy" show next Friday at Rev Hall! (Get those tix quick, babies... before it sells out!)
⢠The Mercury's Favorite Books of 2022
Check out the Mercury's fave books of last year, which include queer narratives, punk graphic novels, and tranquil apocalypse tales.
⢠Your Guide to January 2023 Events
2023 is off to a sexy and scintillating start, with must-see events from Moulin Rouge! The Musical to Bish Where? and lots more!

In this week's column: If you tell the new person you're about to fuck the truth and that person runs... that's bad, right?

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 moolahâso please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!