U.S. Marshals helping in the arrest of a man wanted in a Vancouver shooting said they shot him several times this afternoon after he fired on them while trying to escape. The man was shot by two deputy marshals about 12:15 p.m., said Eric Wahlstrom, a spokesman for the Marshals. Wahlstrom isn’t releasing the man’s […]
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 inPolitics
Budget Pain Isn’t as Painful This Time Around
Only $377 million more? That’s cool. It’s strange to call this good news, but some people are: The latest state revenue projections by the Office of Economic Analysis were “only” $377 million off earlier forecasts. That will trigger a new round of program cuts. But because of Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s previous tryst with the machete, […]
Posted inNews
Good Morning, News!
Not sure if this is news, but apparently the CIA plays dirty. The agency is paying a top aide to Afghan president (and fashion plate) Hamid Karzai, the same aide at the center of a corruption shitstorm in the incredibly troubled country. Actually, we know CIA meddling isn’t news. They thought it was bread poisoning […]
Posted inNews
HALL MONITOR
A Two-Front War?
The gun lobby is ready to fight Mayor Sam Adams’ new gun-control laws. But if Adams isn’t careful, the left might start firing too.
Posted inNews
When the Sidewalk Ends
Developer’s Demise Points to Hard Road for Affordable Housing Dreams
Portland leaders are dreaming up an affordable housing revolution. But what good are big plans if no one’s around to build them?
Posted inTransportation
TriMet ‘Fesses Up, Plans to Reopen Bus Line
It’s always nice when a government agency has the heart to apologize—and make fixes—after needlessly stepping into shit. TriMet this afternoon announced it will resume service to Forest Park on the #15 bus line starting Monday, August. 30. The Willamette Heights neighbors who relied on the line beefed after TriMet unilaterally shortened it effective Aug. […]
Posted inCity Hall
Council to Consider Police Panel Picks
Illustration by Wilder Schmaltz If you’re not into police oversight, don’t expect a lot of hubbub—or even the usual little bit—at tomorrow’s City Council meeting. Mayor Sam Adams and Commissioner Nick Fish will be out, and that means an already-skimpy agenda will look even leaner. But if you are into police oversight, you’re in luck. […]
Posted inTransportation
There’s No Escaping the Sellwood Bridge Surcharge
Matt Davis Like many of us, the Sellwood Bridge has gone soft in the middle. If you thought you could register your car before Sept. 1—in hopes of dodging Multnomah County’s upcoming $38 Sellwood Bridge surcharge—the Oregonian‘s Janie Har has some bad news: You can’t. As in Oregon drivers aren’t allowed to re-register their cars […]
Posted inCrime
Sam Adams on Gun Laws: ‘Modest Tweaks’
Seattle Times Mayor Sam Adams’ spoke with me this afternoon about his new plans to combat gun violence in the city, released last week after a surge in gang violence throughout North and Northeast Portland left police practically begging for witnesses. There are five proposals—and Adams is giving the public two weeks to comment on […]
Posted inNews
Good Morning, News!
That was quick. Less than a day after seeking the arrest of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on rape charges, Swedish authorities withdrew the warrant. Was there an apology? No. But you might remember this story. Assange and his backers are blaming their “enemies.” On Saturday, local time, Iran finally began fueling its first nuclear power […]
Posted inNews
Mayor Called Out at Gang Task Force Meeting
After a rash of shootings across North and Northeast Portland this week, police are stepping up patrols this weekend while residents in some of the violence-stricken areas are on edge. Since Aug. 1, police have been called out to more than a dozen shootings, and tension over that surge spilled out this morning at a […]
Posted inNews
Good Morning, News!
Because it’s breakfast-time, check your Frigidaire. Like, RIGHT EFFING NOW. Millions of salmonella-tainted eggs have been unleashed on an unsuspecting American populace. But you’re probably OK if you shop at Fred Meyer. Help wanted. No, seriously, somebody please. Claims for unemployment benefits climb to their highest point in nine months. Me: Hi, Economy! Economy: Sputter, […]