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 Police Sergeant Placed on Leave After Drunk Driving Arrest
A Portland police sergeant is on administrative leave after he was arrested in Minnesota for drunk driving. Sgt. Patrick Mawdsley, 49, is the subject of an internal investigation by PPB. This isn't his first brush with the law over off-duty conduct.
How much do YOU know about Portland? 🤔 Let's find out in "Part Deux" of our super fun "Know that Portland" trivia game! 🧠
• Man Who Tried to Drive Into Crowd of Protesters Faces No Charges
On May 2, a white Toyota Camry accelerated toward protesters at Portland State University, macing them as they tried to stop his car. He told police he wanted to thwart the Pro-Palestine protest. He was later put on a mental health hold, but never charged.
• A Moment of Appreciation for Comedy in the Park
Comedy in the Park—the weekly summertime outdoor comedy show in Laurelhurst Park— has become so ingrained with what thousands of Portlanders do every Friday, we sometimes forget it's new, and still growing!
• Thousands of Fred Meyer Employees Go On Strike Through Labor Day Weekend
Thousands of Portland area Fred Meyer employees are on strike over what they say are unfair labor practices. The union representing the grocery chain's workers is suing the company, claiming Fred Meyer has ignored hundreds of grievances.
In this week's gossip-y garbage can: Kamala fever, RIP J.Lo & Ben, and JD Vance is trying to prove he's not weird—and failing spectacularly.
• The Week in Portland Food News
This week we scope out an upcoming cocktail bar, where to order custom dance performances alongside your meal, and the latest in frozen custard flavors. Plus Afuri, wine offerings at Parallel, and more!
• Don't Miss Betty Wetter’s "The Errors Tour"— a Night of Drag Hilarity!
Portland, don't miss the HILARIOUS Betty Wetter (one of Seattle's most popular drag artists) for her one-night-only performance of the Taylor Swift-inspired "The Errors Tour"—coming at you Saturday, Sept 7! Get those tix before it sells out!
Amy Sedaris will stop by Portland, Zack Fox (from Abbott Elementary) is popping into town for a DJ set, and a new downtown music venue is scheduled to open in the long-vacant Greek Cusina space. 👀 All this and more in this week's TICKET ALERT!
Dan picks five letters from his mailbag at random... and they are doozies!
• Destination Restaurants to Check Out in Oregon
If you're anything like us, you fantasize about an escape from the city. We've got your back with a list of culinary destinations worthy of a journey on their own, from cheap and cheerful spots like Bowpicker Fish & Chips to high-end restaurants like Hayward and MÄS.
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!
