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.)
• Muslim Woman Forced to Remove Hijab in Multnomah County Jail
A Muslim woman arrested during a protest for Palestine last month was instructed by deputies at the jail to remove her hijab-a head covering with deep religious and cultural significance that is worn to ensure modesty in front of men.
In this special 4th of July edition, our quiz teases your frontal lobes with hilarious trivia questions about all things "American": local amusement parks, lying politicians, and dipshits who love fireworks! See how well YOU score, brainy pants!
• Six Months Ahead of Official Government Transition, Portland Launches a Test Run
Portland has used a commission form of government for more than 100 years, until now. Six new deputy administrators are now managing city bureaus, as Portland commissioners take a step back. It's all part of a 2022 city government reform measure.
Portland is planning to launch an electric bike incentive program next summer, allowing thousands of people to buy e-bikes over the next five years. But can the city's infrastructure keep up?
Let's go, Trash Pandas! It's time for alllll the hottest, trashiest gossip. This week: Not one, not two, but THREE times the "YIKES."
• Meet Your Portland 2024 Mayoral Candidates
In November, Portlanders will elect a whole new city council and mayor. Among those vying to be the next mayor: an unhoused man with a rich past, a stripper and fierce arts advocate, Chloe Eudaly's former chief of staff, and a local business owner.
• Where To Get a Great Sandwich AND AN EQUALLY GOOD Chocolate Chip Cookie
Are you—like critic Andrea Damewood—in search of an exquisite pairing of a sandwich and a good chocolate chip cookie? Here's a list of Portland spots that offer both!
• Keeping the Faith: Dairon Asprilla Leaves Portland as a Legend
"Dairon Asprilla became not just another Timbers player, but one of the Timbers players—a stalwart who bridged eras and gave just about everything he had for a club and a city so far from where he grew up." Abe Asher reports on a departing Timbers legend.
We hear Destiny's Child in Majik9's catchy new anthem. Plus, Lambo Lawson headlines the Thesis, and Childish Gambino says he's retiring his stage name—right after all these releases and tour dates.
• Queer Bars in Portland, a History
Silverado was once Flossie's; Lowensdale Park was once a place to cruise—as we approach Portland Pride, take a brief dive into a history of the city's queer spaces.
• This Week In Portland Food News
The Sudra reopens as the colorful cocktail destination Bar Asha, the old-school sandwich spot Snappy's opens a second location, and Cascade Brewing Barrel House says goodbye.
She refuses to indulge in his feeder/gainer kink—can he just turn his feelings off? Dan Savage issues a ruling in this week's kinky edition of SAVAGE LOVE!
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!
