If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution to the Mercury, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good Morning, Portland! It’s getting hot this weekend and into next week, with highs of 91 degrees on Sunday. Don’t forget to hydrate, water those […]
Jeremiah Hayden
Jeremiah Hayden reports on housing, homelessness, and other issues affecting Portlanders. He's lived in Oregon nearly all his life, and in Portland since 2001. jhayden@portlandmercury.com
Posted inNews
Parks and Recreation Interim Director Will Exit at End of June
The bureau has seen two director exits in a year as the city weathers high turnover among its leadership ranks.
Another bureau director is resigning from the city of Portland. Sonia Schmanski, the interim director of Portland Parks and Recreation, submitted her resignation Wednesday, effective at the end of June, according to an email to staff from Public Works Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal. Art Pearce, deputy director of planning at the Portland Bureau of […]
Posted inNews
This Budget Proposal Could Save Over 100 City Jobs. Here’s What To Know.
Councilors are tweaking Mayor Wilson’s budget, and one change could save union jobs with interest from big business taxes.
Within the city of Portland, a sole certified arborist trains neighbors to care for trees. A ride share employee brings in nearly $17 million each year. A specialized team helps the transportation bureau plan for sidewalk and road repairs. These are among more than 100 positions that could disappear on July 1. Three Portland city […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News! PPS Embraces AI Chaos, Portland Bans Foie Gras, Senate Funds ICE, and Space Station Astronauts’ Evacuation Scare
If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution to the Mercury, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good Morning, Portland! Grab your rain gear, it’s about to get wet for a while. Forecasts show rain today through next Wednesday. Let’s get to […]
Posted inNews
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.
Two Portland housing development projects that have become a “political football” in recent months crossed into the end zone after city councilors finally approved their funding. In a 10-2 vote Wednesday, June 3, Portland City Council allocated $2.5 million in city funds to two homeownership development projects: one at the corner of Northeast Williams and […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning News! Oregon’s Low Vax Rates, DOJ Sues Oregon Over License Plates, Pam Bondi Testifies on Epstein, US and Kenyan Judges Each Block Trump Efforts
If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution to the Mercury, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! It looks like we’re headed into a mix of rain followed by nice sunny weather this weekend. Let’s read today’s news. 📰 […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News! Centrist Dems Seem To Have Lost; Oregonians Cool With Taxes, Actually; Ebola; And Stephen Colbert Signs Off
If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution to the Mercury, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good Morning, Portland! It’s gorgeous out! Here’s hoping you have some time to enjoy the sun and see some friends this long weekend if you’re […]
Posted inNews
Reporting Live (Continued): City Council’s Contentious Budget Meeting
Shelter, parks, and city jobs are up for discussion.
Portland city councilors this week are meeting to discuss amendments to Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget. The city is working to address a $160 million budget gap, and the proposed amendments seek to hold onto union jobs and instead cut management jobs, and stop Wilson’s proposal to divert Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) dollars to […]
Posted inNews
Reporting Live: City Council’s Contentious Budget Meeting
Police oversight board, climate energy fund, and union jobs are on the chopping block
Portland city councilors this week are meeting to discuss amendments to Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget. The city is working to address a $160 million budget gap, and the proposed amendments seek to hold onto union jobs and instead cut management jobs, stop Wilson’s proposal to divert Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) dollars to other […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News! PCC President Out, Muji PDX Unionizes, Cuba Out of Oil, and Trump Looks Weak in China Visit
If you appreciate the Mercury‘s interesting and useful news & culture reporting, consider making a small monthly contribution to support our editorial team. Your donation is tax-deductible. You can also subscribe and have our papers delivered! Good Morning, Portland! You’re probably still recovering from the party of the year last night at Turn! Turn! Turn! for the Mercury‘s music […]
Posted inNews
PCC President Resigns, Ending Turbulent Stint
Board approves a separation agreement for PCC President Adrien Bennings, who leaves amid state ethics complaints and the school’s financial challenges.
Portland Community College (PCC) President Adrien Bennings is leaving the school, effective May 15. In a meeting Thursday, the school’s board of directors approved a motion giving PCC’s board chair, Tiffani Penson, the authority to execute a separation agreement. Katy Ho, PCC’s executive vice president, will step in as acting president. Bennings released a statement […]
Posted inMusic Issue 2026
Turn! Turn! Turn! Wants To Be a “Place for Weirdos”
The venue has new owners. Artistic freedom is welcome.
What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury‘s 2026 Music Issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds. On a recent weekend, the small music venue at the corner of North Williams […]