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.)
• From Face Chewing to Chronic Code Violations: How Does TriMet Determine the Length of Rider Bans?
How does TriMet determine the length of rider bans? According to the agency, criminal charges, the outcome of a rider’s actions, and evidence of the offense all play a role in the severity of the penalty.
• City of Portland Worker Strike Ends with Contract Compromise
Over 600 City of Portland maintenance and operations workers ended their strike after reaching a tentative contract agreement with the city, securing higher cost of living increases.
This week: boring balloons, Portland sucks (allegedly), and... why does that cat look like Matt Damon? 😼
• Valentine's Day Is Almost Here! 😬 Submit Your FREE Mercury Reader Valentine Quick!
Yikes almighty! Valentine's day is only a couple days away! 😬 Show the one you love some love by sending them a FREE Mercury Reader Valentine! 😍
"Song & dance man" John Early is bringing his vaudeville-style comedy show to Portland, and we've got the interview.
• Portland Central Library to Open "Technology Pop-Up" for Longer Closure in March
Portland’s Central Library will close this weekend for the second time in less than a year as Multnomah County begins the second phase of the library’s two-part “refresh.”
In this week's music news column: Portland-based producer Sxlxmxn just released a new beat tape, and there's some serious star power headed our way.
• Oregon Health Officials Optimistic about the Decline of COVID, Flu, and RSV
Oregon health officials are optimistic that a recent decrease in respiratory cases and hospitalizations will continue throughout the spring—possibly leading the state to remove its masking requirement in healthcare settings.
• Audrey Hepburn Before the Death of the Rom-Com
Romantic comedy, done well, examines one of the most delicate strains of human experience: laughing with someone until you start to set aside guards and pretenses. Check out our run-down of classic rom-coms screening this month at Cinema 21.
In this week's column: She's into BDSM, while her hubby is definitely... not. Can this relationship be saved?
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!
