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 set to be sunny this afternoon after a […]
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
Council Workers’ Union Complaint Alleges Loretta Smith Fired Staffer in Retaliation for Union Organizing
The newly-formed Council Alliance of Workers union is calling on city councilors to uphold their commitment to labor rights in their own workplaces.
A new union representing Portland City Council aides and operations staff filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) complaint against the city for alleged anti-union conduct from Councilor Loretta Smith’s office. The complaint, filed January 13, alleges Smith retaliated against and fired a former aide due to his role in organizing the Council staff union. The […]
Posted inNews
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.
This story has been updated with additional reporting. Updated: 8:30 pm January 9; Originally published: 3:56 pm January 8 The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified the man and woman shot Thursday by a US Border Patrol agent. According to DHS, Luis David Nino-Moncada was driving the vehicle that agents tried to conduct […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: TriMet To Make More Service Cuts, RFK Jr. Wants Kids To Get the Flu, and Remember What Happened Five Years Ago Today?
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! And a very happy new year to you all. […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Trump’s War on Renewable Energy, ICE Ruins a Toddler’s Life, and Oregon Ski Season is Back!
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! This is the final morning news roundup before the […]
Posted inNews
“We Want the Same Protections”: TriMet Safety Staff Announce Union Effort
They work to keep passengers safe, but say they are not afforded the rights of regular TriMet employees.
Alison Segler has worked as a TriMet Safety Response Team staffer for the better part of the last five years. She is passionate about her job, which allows her to connect with people riding Portland’s public transit system, and provide resources to those in need. “I would like to express that it is my honor […]
Posted inNews
Drive-Thru Debacle Threatens to Keep Historic Dairy Queen in a Deep Freeze
A franchisee has been duking it out with the city over his right to keep a drive-thru at an ice cream shop on SE Division.
Over the past few years, Portlanders have heard little about the plan to rebuild the old Dairy Queen on Southeast Division and 56th Ave. The Dairy Queen, which was demolished in 2019 after more than 50 years in business, was always supposed to be reborn in its spot across the street from Franklin High School. […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: PGE Wants to Screw Over Oregonians, Trump Signs BS Executive Order Calling Fentanyl a WMD, and I’m Mad at David Sedaris
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! The rain continues today, though the soaking weather may, […]
Posted inNews
“We’re Investing for the Long Term”: How the Future of Portland’s Historic Albina District is Coming Together
The 1803 Fund is dedicating $70 million to Albina redevelopment amid a broader period of investment in Portland’s historically Black district.
It’s been decades since a series of construction projects transformed Portland’s historic Albina district, dismantling the thriving enclave that was once the beating heart of the city’s Black community. Now, years of planning to revitalize the inner North and Northeast Portland district are coming to fruition, bringing hope for Albina’s rebirth—even as questions linger over […]
Posted inNews
Multnomah County Plans Major Surge in Free Preschool Enrollment Next School Year
The county says it’s on track to nearly double the amount of children currently enrolled in its Preschool for All program.
Multnomah County expects its universal preschool program to see a significant boost in enrollment, starting next fall. On Thursday morning, the county announced plans to offer more than 7,400 Preschool for All seats to early education providers for the 2026-27 school year. If providers take the county up on the offer, it will nearly double […]
Posted inCulture
Portland Artists Hold a Round Table on Generative AI “Machine Nightmares”
Tired of the machine takeover? So are local artists, like Roger Peet, Lydia Kiesling, John Niekrasz, and Celeste Noche.
Taylor Griggs
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: Atmospheric River Underway, Beaverton Students Walk Out To Protest ICE, and Trump Is Trying To Buy Love From the Farmers He’s Screwing Over
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! Hello and good morning, Portland. It’s rainy, as I’m sure you know. The weather is notable enough today to […]