Multnomah County leaders heard hours of public testimony Monday about their proposed ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products, including menthol. Public comments were split between retailers concerned that a ban on flavored tobacco would potentially shutter their shops, and health officials and community members urging the passage of the ban to combat the rising […]
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 Senate Rescinds Security Protocol for Boquist, Firmageddon, and Killer Robots
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! There is a 10 percent chance that we may […]
Posted inTransportation
Rose Quarter I-5 Expansion Won’t Impact Environment, State Assessment Finds
Critics of the project argue the state is underestimating the impact of the project.
Adding additional lanes to Interstate 5 in the Rose Quarter will have no significant impact on the environment, according to a new environmental assessment from the federal and state transportation departments. Critics of the project believe that the agencies’ calculation fails to account for an increase in vehicle demand that will accompany lane expansion and […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: The Role of Fire in Fire Safety, an Exit Interview with Top Homeless Service Director, and Biden Pardons Turkeys
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! Morning, Portland! We might actually see some rain today and a high […]
Posted inEnvironment
Dozens of Community Groups Call on Portland to Rescind Zenith Permit
Twenty community and environmental groups are calling on Portland leaders to rescind the land use permit granted to oil transporter Zenith Energy in October, due to the city neglecting to collect public feedback on the decision. The city contends that public engagement was not necessary when evaluating Zenith’s permit application. “For years, thousands of community […]
Posted inCops
UPDATE: Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy Shoots Person in Lloyd District
Update, November 17: The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office has cleared the deputy responsible for the October 5 shooting in Portland’s Lloyd neighborhood of any criminal charges. Sheriff’s Deputy Rory McPherson was conducting a “routine patrol” of the Lloyd District the afternoon of October 5, during which he stopped a man named Tristan Borges he […]
Posted inNews
Multnomah County Board Seeks to Rename Sauvie Island Bridge
Multnomah County commissioners voted Thursday to advance a plan to rename the Sauvie Island Bridge to more accurately reflect the indigenous population that first inhabited the area. Multnomah County owns the bridge connecting NW St. Helens Rd. to the island, while the island itself is owned by the state of Oregon. “As white settlers forcibly […]
Posted inTransportation
Bike Advocacy Group to Sue Portland Over Lacking Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Bicycle advocacy group BikeLoud PDX announced plans to sue the city of Portland this week, accusing the city of failing to uphold a 1971 state law that requires pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in street construction projects. Members of the advocacy group hope the lawsuit holds the city accountable to its bicycle and climate goals. “BikeLoud […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Oregon Treasurer to Limit Fossil Fuel Investments, Lab-Grown Chicken Gets FDA Approval, and $220,000 Birkenstocks
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! It’s going to continue to be blustery this week, […]
Posted inEnvironment
Climate Advocates Eye Opportunity to Restrict Fossil Fuels in Portland Charter
Eager to see progress on Portland’s climate goals, environmental advocates are urging Portland’s Charter Review Commission to propose a charter amendment that would oppose the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure in the city. Advocates believe the ongoing charter review process is an opportunity to strengthen Portland’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and advance its […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: A Questionable Timeline for Measure 114, Respiratory Viruses Straining State Hospitals, and Dancing Rats
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! Let’s jump right in. In local news: • It’s […]
Posted inCity Hall
But Wait, There’s More: The Next Phase of Portland Charter Amendments
The Charter Review Commission wants your feedback on another round of potenial amendments.
Just over a week after Portlanders voted to significantly alter the city’s form of government through amendments to the city charter, residents will have another opportunity to shape Portland’s founding document. On Thursday, the volunteer commission appointed to review the charter will hold its first public hearing on additional proposed amendments to the charter, which […]