YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Rideshare Drivers Protest, a Delicious Dinner Spot, and a Timbers Preview

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 Rideshare Drivers Call for Government Reform to Fix Unfair Working Conditions

“I don’t think anybody’s ever gotten Uber to do something for workers without a law that made them do it.” Citing low pay, deceitful tactics, and more, rideshare drivers in Portland protested last week. Advocates say it’s time the government steps in.

Taylor Griggs

• POP QUIZ PDX!

This week’s fun trivia includes all sorts of KILLERS—in sports, the animal kingdom, and even serial killers. (Um… we said SERIAL, not CEREAL! 🙄) See how well YOU score!

FELIXRENAUD / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

• Charter Reform: City Approves Lucrative Salary, Severance Packages for Temporary Managers

To jumpstart Portland’s new governing structure, the city plans to hire five temporary deputy city administrators. Despite cushy salaries and severance packages, commissioners aren’t sure they can recruit them. Others aren’t sure the city can afford it.

Courtney Vaughn

• L’Orange Culinary Delights Linger on the Mind

Portland winery restaurant L’Orange is French, it’s Pacific Northwest, it’s a little bit Mediterranean depending on the mood, and it’s probably food critic Andrea Damewood’s favorite new restaurant.

Suzette Smith

• THE TRASH REPORT

This week’s delicious gossip-y garbage includes: Trump’s poverty sneakers, a fancy cheese shortage, and Kristen Stewart’s jock strap (that’s making us sweat). 😅

 THEO WARGO / GETTY IMAGES

• Theater Review: Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Peter Pan Is Exciting for Kids and Enthralling for Adults

Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Peter Pan is one of those oft-promised, still-elusive productions that works for both children (thrilling fight scenes!) and adults (the subtext!).

YI YIN, COURTESY OF OBT

• Will the Timbers Show Up? A 2024 Season Preview

The Timbers kicked off their 2024 home opener this weekend. And after a disappointing 2023, what can fans expect this season? Our Abe Asher has the preview and predictions!

STEPH CHAMBERS / GETTY IMAGES

• Film Review: In The Taste of Things Simple Pleasures Shine

French countryside foodie movie “The Taste of Things” is an evocative feast for the senses.

CAROLE BETHUEL, AN IFC FILMS RELEASE

• HEAR IN PORTLAND

This week’s music column has two unmissable leap day shows, with Dreckig, Chibia, and Roman Norfleet and Be Present Art Group in the mix.

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

• Prolab Dance’s Latest Work Unfolded Physically, Virtually, and Upon the Ceiling of Kendall Planetarium

New work from local arts group ProLab Dance, “when we were Ocean” unfolded physically, virtually, and upon the ceiling of Kendall Planetarium. Critic Robert Ham was delighted by it.

PHOTO BY ROWDY WEBB

• SAVAGE LOVE

Maintenance sex: A necessary (and sometimes fun) chore or just another example of nonconsensual BS? Dan Savage weighs in with his opinion in this week’s column.

Joe Newton

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!