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 and Washington's DOTs, equipped with a new $600 million federal grant, are prepared to drop billions to replace and expand the I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver. Project critics say the public doesn't know what they're in for.
• POP QUIZ PDX!
This week's trivia game includes: beloved (and not-so-beloved) celebs in Portland, Nike "swoosh" history, and let's kick Trump off the ballot! See how well YOU score!
• Extreme Weather Events Are a Threat to Small Businesses, Like Your Favorite Food Cart
For your favorite food cart—or a similar small business—this unexpected weather event could very well hit like a one-two knockout punch.
• THE TRASH REPORT
Let's go, Trash Pandas! It's time for another hilarious TRASH REPORT. This week: wild weather, tiny hot chefs, and what are Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift whispering about?? 🤫
As South Africa accused Israel of genocide in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Jewish protesters and allies in Portland blocked the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Madison Street, in solidarity. The sit-in demonstration led to 20 arrests.
• Submit your FREE Mercury Valentine!
Do you love someone or something? Then submit your FREE Mercury Reader Valentine by January 26, and we'll put it in PRINT in our February 7 Valentine's Issue, which will be in more than 500 locations all around the city! SHOW YOUR LOVE TO THE WORLD! 🥰
• Suspected Vehicle Arson Investigated at the Home of Portland City Commissioner
According to police and city staff, a car parked in front of Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez’s home in the Eastmoreland neighborhood caught fire late last week. Fire investigators say it was arson.
• HEAR IN PORTLAND
A new Drae Slapz and Scooter Rogers collab, an intimate soul single from Blossom, and celebrating 400 episodes of Portland music podcast Dan Cable Presents. Catch up on all the hottest music news of the week!
• The Week In Portland Food News
We're delving into some wing-based developments, from the arrival of Nom Nom Wings in the Pearl District to the upcoming opening of the pop-up Daddy's Vegan Wangz 'n Rangz inside Kickstand Comedy.
• Bory Debut Perfectly Splits Elliott Smith's Figure 8 and DIY Vibe of Elephant 6
The debut full length record from Bory AKA Portland singer-songwriter Brenden Ramirez perfectly splits the two indie pillars of Elliott Smith's "Figure 8" and DIY collective Elephant 6.
• TICKET ALERT
Take your mind off of the freezing weather by plotting some summer plans! The Avett Brothers, Ween, Bush, and the Dead South have dropped dates for outdoor concerts across Oregon. Here's where to get all the hot tickets before they sell out!
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!
