No merger for Portland’s Fred Meyers and Safeways?

Cannabis Tax Revenues Decline

Cannabis sales were down again last year, and state economists have lowered their cannabis-revenue projections by $7 million for this biennium. That’s bad news for state coffers, where the expected $311 million in revenues will largely be used to fund drug treatment. It’s good news for Portlander shoppers, though: The price has been less than $4 for a gram for nearly a year as harvests continue to outpace demand. [Oregonian]

Federal Regulators Sue to Block Albertsons/Kroger Merger

Trying to prevent higher grocery bills, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit on Monday to block the $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons. Fred Meyer and Safeway stores would be part of that merger, so Oregon, along with seven other states, joined the suit. [Associated Press via KOIN]

Portland’s Best Restaurant

It’s been four very long pandemic years since the Oregonian last published a definitive ranking of the city’s best restaurants. But now the list is back, and critic Michael Russell has given official top honors to Nodoguro. Yes, the Oregonian has published rankings of new restaurants recently. But this top-40 list gives some of the city’s most expensive restaurants top billing. Among the exceptions are No. 10 (Ha VL), No. 15 (Apizza Scholls), and No. 16: (Ki’ikibáa). [Oregonian]

Outlawing Drug Possession (Again)

For this news round-up, City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni discuss the ins-and-outs of the Legislature’s plan to make drug possession a crime again. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

For this week’s segment on the best and worst parts of Portland, I picked a favorite view: The rivers we get to see from various angles as we cross bridges, or occasionally as we travel along the banks. Check it out:

What Oregon’s Stricter Drug Penalties Might Look Like

For the mid-week round-up, City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni discuss the Legislature’s plan to make drug possession a crime again. Plus, there’s reader responses to the Bottle Bill and fentanyl as well as to coverage of local politicians.