It’s the Mercury‘s 2026 Queer Issue!
And check out the triptych of queer issue covers from our sister publications!
POP QUIZ PDX: A Murder of Crows (and Other Things to Murder)
See how well YOU score on this week’s super fun and local trivia quiz!
Long-Running Gastropub EastBurn Has Closed
Open since 2008, the bar was home to weekly comedy nights, open mics, and trivia, as well as brunch and Bloody Marys.
The 2026 World Cup: Where to Watch, How it Works, and Ranking the Teams
(Almost) everything you could possibly want to know about the biggest sporting event of the summer.
The Portland Fire Wants to Annoy the Rest of the WNBA
Can Coach Sarama’s “Constraints-Led Approach” theory eventually lead the Fire to victory?
“Chaotic” Middle School Assembly Underscores PPS’ AI Problem
A recent assembly celebrating the district’s partnership with Colin Kaepernick’s AI startup left some parents and teachers disturbed.
A True Story of Actual 1800s Vermont Lesbians
Comics genius Tillie Walden traces an archived account of Charity, Sylvia, and hope.
Queer Winemakers Shake Up the Industry
Hip Chicks Do Wine, Ram Cellars, Statera Cellars/Lares, Zē Wines, and Landmass Wines are changing the game.
iLoveMakonnen Plays His First Portland Pride
The Portland-based rapper reflects on what makes Portland Pride special, and how Portland has fueled his creative work.
Portland City Council Adopts New Law Enforcement Mask Ban, ID Requirements
The city ordinance won’t give local police the authority to unmask ICE, but its supporters say it will help verify and prevent law enforcement impersonators.
Elections Complaint Alleges Canvassers are Intentionally Misleading Public About Police Funding Initiative
Workers gathering signatures for the effort to divert clean energy funds to Portland police are using talking points that don’t line up with the petition’s actual text.
Paradoxical Sound
Spencer Doran of Visible Cloaks on how abstract painting and video game audio design informed the electronic duo’s new album, Paradessence.
The Mercury Brings Home Six Journalism Awards
Society of Professional Journalists awards celebrate the good work journalists do every day.
After Months of “Political Football,” Council Funds Housing for Black Portlanders
The individual projects enjoy broad support, but conflicts over funding sources, process, and transparency could be a recurring issue.
Could Oregon Get Swept Up In Redistricting Wars?
As national Democrats scramble to make up for GOP’s gerrymandering gains, some have their sights set on Oregon.
Hawks Reimagined
The long-running bathhouse is broadening its scope to welcome all members of the queer community.