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.)


•  Oregon Legislators Aim to Reduce Waste With New Reusable Takeout Container Rules

A new bill could allow Oregonians to bring their own reusable containers to restaurants for takeout orders. The proposed change aims to reduce single-use plastic and landfill waste.

Man vs Fries 

• POP QUIZ PDX!

This week's super fun trivia game includes such topics as sketchy Portland NIMBYs, your fave local scandal-plagued figure skater, and can the Blazers support TWO hairy mascots? 🤔

Portland Trail Blazers

• Auditor Finds Police Lack Data to Judge Effectiveness in Curbing Gun Violence

The Portland Police Bureau still doesn’t track enough data to evaluate whether its gun violence intervention tactics are effective at measurably reducing gun violence, a follow-up report from the city auditor found.

Mathieu Lewis-Rolland

• BEHOLD! Pickathon's 2023 Lineup

Get ready to celebrate: Pickathon has announced its 2023 lineup! Read on to see who'll grace the stage of the best darn little music festival held 16 miles outside of Portland.

MATHIEU LEWIS-ROLLAND

• THE TRASH REPORT!

Calling all trash pandas! 🦝 This week: bad press for raccoon dogs, Portland mascot wars, and the latest on baby wipes... for men. 👀

HAN MYUNG-GU / GETTY IMAGES

• Oregon Lawmakers Seek to Expand Access to Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Healthcare Amid National Attacks

As states across the nation restrict abortion access and launch legislative attacks on LGBTQ Americans, Oregon legislators are looking to protect people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming medical care, as well as doctors providing the services.

Mathieu Lewis-Rolland

• The Crying in H Mart Paperback Release Will Be Author Michelle Zauner's First Book Tour

Ahead of her upcoming Portland appearance, the Mercury spoke with musician and author Michelle Zauner about going on her first book tour for the paperback release of "Crying in H Mart," and being shaped by the places where we live and go.

HYUNWOO MIN

• HEAR IN PORTLAND

In this week's music news column: The Get Down celebrates one year as a venue, a dream downtown music bill of Edna Vazquez and Mariachi Tradición, and Joseph's new single “The Sun” reminds us of a pivotal Grey's Anatomy scene. 

SHERVIN LAINEZ

• Theater Review: The Value of Forbidden Fruit

Shaking the Tree makes theater that is both boundary-pushing and wonderfully relatable. With "Forbidden Fruit," they have raised the bar once again.

JAREN KERR

• Tides Is Jenny Conlee's Soundtrack to the Pacific Northwest Coast

"Tides," the new solo album from founding Decemberists member Jenny Conlee, is perhaps unsurprisingly inspired by the Pacific Northwest's gray and moody coastline.

 JASON QUIGLEY

• SAVAGE LOVE

In this week's column: "I'm ashamed of my body... is there any way to feel sexy again?"

Joe Newton

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!