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.)
Portland cop Brian Hunzekerâwho was fired for leaking false information linking then-Commissioner Hardesty to a hit-and-runâis back on the force. A labor arbitrator says the city failed to prove Hunzeker retaliated against Hardesty.
⢠POP QUIZ PDX
Let's go, brainy pants! This week's sassy-ass trivia Qs include: lotsa entitled white guys, Hollywood (in Portland), and... whoopee! You're marrying a robot! đ¤đĽ°
⢠Hundreds of Critical Portland Operations Workers on Strike After Mediation Fails
More than 600 city maintenance and operations workers are on strike Thursday after Portland officials declined to accept the workersâ request for higher wages competitive with the private sector.
⢠THE TRASH REPORT
What's up, trash pandas? đŚ It's time to dig through this week's gossipy garbage with THE TRASH REPORT. This week: A Pamela Anderson/Julian Assange hook-up, runaway Republicans, and soooo many delicious Rick Astley references! đ
⢠City of Portland Office Workers Move to Form an Independent Union
City of Portland office workers have launched an independent union drive, hoping to represent the remainder of the city's non-unionized staff. âWhen push comes to shove at budget time, we always take the hit first,â the organizing team said.
⢠Street Disco Went from a Pop-Up to a Brick-and-Mortar Success
Thereâs something about Foster-Powell restaurant Street Disco that makes our food critic want to shout, âIâm back, baby! Iâm back!â The popular pop-up's brick-and-mortar success is a good sign for Portland's indie restaurants.
⢠Tobacco Retailers Sue Multnomah County Over Ban on Flavored Products
Unsurprisingly, tobacco and vape retailers have sued Multnomah County over a ban aiming to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in 2024. However, the lawsuit could soon be moot if the Oregon Legislature passes a statewide flavored tobacco ban.
⢠HEAR IN PORTLAND
In this week's hot new music column: MAITA's All-Acoustic Album, Portland's brand new Downtown Bloc Party, and A Beat Happening's chic hotel spot!
⢠Mercury Reader Valentines!
Hey love birds! It's time to get romantic with the Mercury's FREE Reader Valentines. Submit yours now and prove your eternal love! đ
⢠Despite New Leadership, Portland Officials Decline to Reconsider Zenith Energy Deal
City officials are holding steady in their decision to green light Zenith Energyâs liquid fuel operations along Portlandâs waterfront.
⢠SAVAGE LOVE
Need sex advice in a hurry? Then this week's edition of SAVAGE LOVE "quickies" may be able to help! (Particularly if you're into "feet.") đŚś
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!
