The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good afternoon, Portland! Let’s dive right in. In local news: • A […]
Isabella Garcia
Isabella Garcia is the former News Editor for the Portland Mercury. She covered City Hall, transportation, the environment, breaking news, and more.
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Oregon Eyes New Phase of Pandemic, Portland Plans Another Protest Payout, and More Anti-LGBTQ Legislation in Florida
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! I guess we’re moving into Spring because its going […]
Posted inCops
Portlanders Speak Out Against Gunshot Technology Pilot Program During Town Hall
It’s unclear how vocal opposition to the planned program will be weighed by city leaders.
Dozens of Portlanders spoke in opposition Wednesday to the city’s proposed plan to use gunshot detection technology to curb rising rates of gun violence in Portland. Despite an overwhelming negative reaction to the plan during a town hall event, a representative from Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office could not answer whether the city would use the […]
Posted inCops
Federal Judge Questions Portland Police Union’s Demands Over Body Cameras
Union officals believe police should be able to review bodycam footage before filing use-of-force reports.
Questions about the Portland police’s upcoming body camera program were front and center during a hearing before a federal judge Tuesday, as the city and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) continue to struggle over a policy agreement. The use of body cameras is a condition of the longstanding settlement agreement between the US Department of […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Loving Portland’s Art Scene, White House Bans TikTok from Government Devices, and Hot People Wear Masks
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! Starting off with some good news: The Mercury’s Highball […]
Posted inNews
UPDATE: Seven Warming Shelters Open in Portland as Temperatures Plunge Below Freezing
Officials stress the need for volunteers as winter storm persists.
Update, February 25, 2:28 pm: Seven emergency shelters in the Portland area will reopen Saturday at 8 pm through at least Sunday morning. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson extended the regional state of emergency declaration though Monday as forecasts indicate another round of snowfall Saturday evening. About 849 Portlanders stayed at the emergency shelters […]
Posted inNews
Portland City Council Stops Transparency Advocate Proposal from Going to Voters In May
Instead, they proposed (and passed) their own surprise resolution.
Portland City Council sidelined a proposal Wednesday that would’ve empowered Portland voters to determine if the city should create a new transparency watchdog. Citing concerns with rushed public engagement on the proposal, council tabled it and approved a last-minute resolution directing the City Auditor to review transparency practices in the city. “The Transparency Advocate would […]
Posted inCity Hall
Will City Council Allow Portlanders to Vote on New Transparency Watchdog?
If approved Wednesday, the proposal would go before Portland voters in May.
Portland City Council will decide Wednesday whether or not Portlanders should vote on the creation of a new city watchdog position responsible for ensuring the city is following public records laws, like posting meeting agendas and notes, and following best practices for government transparency. The proposal for a Transparency Advocate is supported by the city […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: A Frigid Week in Portland, Buttigieg Talks Train Safety, and Seattle Could Outlaw Caste Discrimination
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! If you’re looking for a new place to drink […]
Posted inCops
Portland Police and City in a Stalemate Over Body Camera Policy
Should the Portland police be allowed to review body camera footage before giving statements? The police union says yes.
After over 18 months of negotiation, the City of Portland and police union are unable to agree on whether officers should be able to review footage from body cameras before writing an incident report. After declaring an impasse earlier this week, the city and the Portland Police Association (PPA), the union representing rank-and-file officers, will […]
Posted inGood Afternoon, News!
Good Afternoon, News: Regional Tax Penalties Waived, Portland Police Body Camera Policy Hits Impasse, and Let’s Talk About Sex
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good afternoon, Portland! Happy Valentines Day to all you cuties out there. […]
Posted inNews
Three Emergency Shelters Open in Portland Area Ahead of Expected Snow
Forecasts predict anywhere from one to three inches of snow accumulation Monday evening into Tuesday.
Three emergency shelters will open in the Portland area Monday as the region braces for freezing temperatures and possible snowfall. The shelters will open 8 pm Monday and close at 7 am Tuesday, February 14, when rising temperatures are expected to melt any potential snow accumulation. While temperatures aren’t expected to drop below 32 degrees, […]