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City Council Elects Jamie Dunphy as New President
Olivia Clark voted council vice president, capping off days of heated deliberation and stalemate votes
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
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Update: City Councilor Apologizes After Lashing Out at Press After Mercury Story About Offensive Group Chat
Councilor Dan Ryan initially said he lacked appropriate context for a statement. Here are the receipts.
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“Racist, Dehumanizing”: Chat Images Show Portland Power Players Disparaging Councilors of Color
Messages obtained by the Mercury contain a slew of offensive tropes sent during a council president election.
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After Border Patrol Agent Shoots Two People In Portland, Oregon AG Vows to Investigate
Update: Homeland Security identifies man and woman shot and injured during an encounter with immigration agents in East Portland. Oregon officials are imploring DHS to leave the state.
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Update: Still No Council President After Full Day of Deliberation and Votes
Public awaits zephyr of white smoke from council chambers announcing who holds the gavel in 2026
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Mayor to Force Some Homeless Portlanders from Alternative Shelters in February
Wilson says people living in city-run alternative shelters need incentives to move from shelter to housing. The city and county are already overwhelmed.
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372 Multnomah County Residents Died While Homeless in 2024
Multnomah County’s Domicile Unknown report shows 18% decline in homeless deaths from 2023 to 2024. Overdose, transportation, assault are main contributors.
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City Council Staff Form New Labor Union
Citing a desire for clear job descriptions, a cap on weekly hours worked, and greater stability for the city, Council office employees form new Council Alliance of Workers.
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City Council May Investigate Administration Over Hidden Bureau Funds
Councilor Mitch Green files resolution calling for oversight hearings after city leaders learned of $21 million in unspent Housing Bureau revenue