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.)
• Peterson Says He’s Officially Out of the Portland School Board Race—Again
After waffling and radio silence, the controversial Derrick Peterson said he's officially withdrawn from the Portland School Board race. He had previously told a board member he would stay on the board, if elected, despite telling the public he would vacate the seat.
• POP QUIZ PDX!
How well do YOU know Portland? 🤔 Test your knowledge on the city's ties to The Simpsons, oddball local pronunciations, artistic abominations, and more!
• Portland Parent Says Public School Bus Driver Encouraged Prayer, Religious Singing
A Portland parent says a school bus driver was recorded asking students to "scream Hallelujah" and sing along to hymns, in violation of federal laws prohibiting religious activities in public schools. The state warns the district could lose funding.
• Food Review: Janken Is the Most Un-Portlandy Restaurant Possible
If you're served maguro tuna, foie gras, and truffle nigiri beneath a blossoming cherry tree in Portland, you could only be at Janken—the swanky, celebratory Pearl District restaurant that demands your fanciest attire.
Despite a legal requirement that shelters be accessible to people with disabilities, homeless services providers and unhoused Portlanders say shelters aren't equipped to assist those who need the most help.
• THE TRASH REPORT
This week's hot gossip: Drake's remarkably boring home, the funnest couples' therapy ever, and our fave hobby—dragging the royals.
• ODOT’s Plans for Tolling Generate Broad Backlash
Skepticism from Governor Tina Kotek and state legislators about the Oregon Department of Transportation's tolling plans may have lasting impacts.
• HEAR IN PORTLAND
This week in music news: There Are No Skips on Sqip’s "Boi." Plus, some some excellent shows on our radar: the Shivas rock Lollipop Shoppe and Oh, Rose melts faces at Mississippi Studios
• Q & A with PICA's Outgoing and Incoming Executive Directors
After 20 years, Victoria Frey passes the torch to Reuben Roqueñi—who has been involved with PICA for over a decade.
• SAVAGE LOVE
She's got erotic literature on the brain. And that's good... right? Or is it?
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!
