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Taylor Griggs

Taylor Griggs is a news reporter for the Portland Mercury. She is interested in all of your ideas, comments and concerns, particularly those related to transportation, climate, labor, and Portland city government. Send Taylor an email at tgriggs@portlandmercury.com, and find her on Bluesky @taylorgriggs. 
Posted inNews

After Years of Stigma and Advocacy, a Willamette River Renaissance

A years-long push to increase access to the Willamette is paying off as more Portlanders turn to the river for recreation. Advocates say their work isn’t done yet.
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How should Portlanders stay cool during increasingly common summer heat waves? Some advocates say to look no further than the Willamette River, Portland’s natural backyard swimming pool and a resource more city residents should be taking advantage of. And while some Portlanders maintain a prejudice against the river that—literally and figuratively—divides the city, more and […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: More People Die From Extreme Heat, TriMet Gets E-Bus Grant, and Democrats in Disarray

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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! Good news: After searing temps the last couple of days, […]

Posted inNews

Six Months Ahead of Official Government Transition, Portland Launches a Test Run

Six new deputy administrators will take over bureau administration as Portland commissioners take a step back.
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In less than six months, Portland will officially implement its new system of government that voters approved in a 2022 charter reform measure. With so many changes on the horizon, government leaders are taking steps to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. This week, thanks to an executive order from Mayor Ted Wheeler, […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Lunch Recommendations, Presidential Election Mess, and Here Comes the Heat (UGH)

Avatar photo Taylor Griggs

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 the last day of somewhat normal weather for a […]

Posted inStreet View

STREET VIEW: Let Portland’s E-Bike Revolution Begin

A plan to use PCEF money for electric bike rebates could be a game-changer for the city—if leaders are willing to listen.
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Over the last few years, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of witnessing dozens of people having their first experience on an electric bike. Even though the e-bike has become a standard in my personal transportation repertoire, I always get a rush of excitement when I watch someone else experience the electric pedal boost for the […]

Posted inNews

What the Supreme Court’s Ruling Against Homelessness Means for Portland and Oregon

Portland must still abide by state law—policy which some experts say should be adopted by the entire nation.
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Attorneys and advocates for the unhoused say today’s long-awaited US Supreme Court ruling on an Oregon homelessness case sets a dangerous precedent. The high court ruled 6-3 that cities and other government jurisdictions may punish people for sleeping outside in public spaces, regardless of whether adequate shelter is available. Friday’s ruling gives cities and states […]

Posted inNews

Portland Will Rev Up Parking, Vehicle Registration Enforcement

Parking fees won’t sustain PBOT, but transportation leaders say increased enforcement will boost public safety and the financial health of the bureau.
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Parking enforcement in Portland has ranged from lax to nonexistent over the past few years thanks to pandemic restrictions and staff shortages, but the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) says the days of leniency are officially over.  With Portland City Council giving the bureau the green light to hire 22 new parking enforcement officers, the […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Affordable Housing Replaces Strip Club, Elderly Porcupine Celebrates Birthday, and a Big, Sad Mess in U.S. Congress

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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 cool down significantly today, with temperatures […]

Posted inBikes

Portland Pride Rides All Summer Long—Here Are Some 2024 Pedalpalooza Picks!

A few ways our city leads the way in welcoming riders of all genders and sexualities.
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[Find the Mercury‘s Queer Guide in print—available in more than 500 spots citywide!—eds.] Despite the campy spandex uniform worn by those truly dedicated to the sport, cycling still has a reputation for having a certain straight guy “bro” quality that can make it intimidating for non-men and queer folks to get involved. But in Portland, […]

Posted inNews

Activists Reignite the Battle for Oregon’s Old-Growth Timber

Using both the democratic process and a bit of civil disobedience, “forest protectors” rally to save ancient trees.
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It’s a big year for forest conservationists in Oregon, who are using a variety of tactics— deploying different levels of civil disobedience—to fight against continued old growth logging around the state.  Old growth forest advocates say the trees–which define the Pacific Northwest’s iconic landscape–are not only beautiful, they’re necessary for mitigating the worsening impacts of […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Oregon Nonprofits Benefit from MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropy, Providence Nurses Strike, and Heat Waves Cause Climate Dread

Avatar photo Taylor Griggs

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! Today’s Juneteenth, the day commemorating the official end of […]

Posted inNews

As Portland’s White Collar Employees Return to Offices, Janitors Push For Fair Wages, Benefits

Janitors with SEIU work at high-profile businesses like Nike and Intel, but their work is often unsung. Amid labor contract negotiations, they’re rallying for living wages and benefits.
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The roughly 1,300 Portland-area janitors unionized with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49 work at some of Portland’s most prominent businesses, including Nike, Adidas, and Intel. They also clean at Oregon Health Science University and at landmark buildings in downtown Portland, as well as the Lloyd District.  In other words: They do the dirty […]

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