What’s the best way to measure the might of Portland’s police reform movement? Results.
Denis C. Theriault
Denis C. Theriault is the Portland Mercury's News Editor. He writes stories about City Hall and the Portland Police Bureau, focusing on issues like homelessness, police oversight, insider politics, and civil liberties. Before arriving in Portland, Denis wrote and edited for the San Jose Mercury News, covering the California Legislature and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as the city of San Jose—a real-live million-person town.
Posted inNews
Taking Your Supper to Bed
The Food Industry—Even McMenamins!—Is Fattening Up the GOP
Guess who’s fattening campaign coffers for Chris Dudley and other GOP candidates?
Posted inCrime
Mayor Holds Closed-Door Meeting on Gang Violence
Mayor Sam Adams convened a meeting this afternoon in City Hall with prominent members of Portland’s African-American community to talk about the city’s struggles with gang violence—an issue that flared anew in the headlines this weekend after a fatal shooting downtown. But as for what was actually discussed at the meeting? I gleaned some answers, […]
Posted inCrime
Another Gang Shooting; Adams’ Gun Laws Still Being Vetted
Benjamin Brink—The Oregonian Part of the memorial for Andre Payton, 19. Authorities this afternoon have released the name of a man who was shot dead in Old Town early Sunday in what police are calling a gang-related shooting. Andre Payton, 19, was found with a gunshot wound in his chest just after 2 AM, according […]
Posted inNews
Good Morning, News!
Gubernatorial John Kitzhaber and Chris Dudley shared the stage at a candidates forum in Eugene yesterday, taking time to trash one another’s plans for the state. Kitzhaber, the Democratic nominee, complained Dudley’s tax cut plans would starve the state’s coffers and that lowering the minimum wage would pinch taxpayers. Dudley complained later that Kitzhaber’s “math […]
Posted inNews
At the Rally for Police Justice and Accountability
Denis C. Theriault Marching down Broadway. The sky was hot over Pioneer Courthouse Square this morning. And it couldn’t have been more perfect. More than 100 Portlanders clutching placards and banners and righteous indignation had gathered in the city’s so-called “living room” for an event called the Rally for Police Justice and Accountability. And throughout […]
Posted inNews
So Now All Police Contract Talks Will Be Public
The Portland Police Association announced on its website today that all future contract negotiations with the city will be opened to the public—a move that was long sought by community members troubled by a compromise that originally called for half the meetings to be held behind closed doors. In August 2010, the negotiating teams representing […]
Posted inNews
Video: Man Ousted From Candidates Debate
The banter behind the lecterns wasn’t the only source of drama at last night’s candidate debate at a church in North Portland. A man attempting to film the proceedings in defiance of the event’s host, the Emmanuel Temple Church, was thrown out rather forcefully during former Gov. John Kitzhaber’s apearance—a disturbance that didn’t disrupt the […]
Posted inElection 2010
At Last Night’s North Portland Candidates Debate
They went last, after almost hour and a half of political speechifying. First, John Kitzhaber regurgitated his stump talking points, then the two candidates for Metro president made their respective pitches, and finally Ted Wheeler spoke about the treasurer’s race. Karol Collymore But when Karol Collymore and Loretta Smith strode behind the twin lecterns on […]
Posted inNews
Good Morning, News!
Just in time for the midterm elections? Some of the most no-duh pieces in this year’s landmark, but hard-fought, health care overhaul take effect today. Children with pre-existing conditions must now be covered, there are no more lifetime caps on how much an insurance company must pay for your treatment, and tests like mammograms and […]
Posted inNews
Hall Monitor
Yes, the Booze Ban Is “Absurd”
“How absurd!” Portland’s booze ban won’t make downtown any more acceptable for rich old ladies.
Posted inNews
Time to Take the Wheel
Sam Adams’ Job as Police Commissioner Has Finally Begun
Sam Adams finally faces his crucible as police commissioner.