Abe Asher

Abe Asher

Abe Asher covers city news, politics, and soccer for the Portland Mercury. His reporting has appeared in The Nation, VICE News, Sahan Journal, and other outlets.

Recent Articles

Oregon Bill Expanding Police Use of Drones Without Warrants Alarms Civil Rights Advocates 

Despite concerns over privacy and civil rights violations, lawmakers are backing an effort to reduce legal hurdles for police surveillance via drones.

Staff at PeaceHealth Southwest Say Job Cuts Could Backfire

The health care provider is slashing 1% of its workforce. Impacted employees say it will only strain the hospital system and prolong patient stays.

What Will It Take to Thwart Trump’s Assault on Democracy?

As the US hurtles toward fascism, some urge Americans to resist en masse.

City Guide 2025 Apr 24 3:46 AM

Portland’s Best Tourist Destinations (for the Non-Tourist)

Discover hidden gardens, historic neighborhoods… and entertaining truck stops?

News Apr 16 12:20 PM

Tech Workers at Adidas Claim Late Payments, Other Challenges 

Contract workers at Adidas allege labor issues that reflect broader problems in the corporate IT world.

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News Mar 10 1:57 PM

Health Care Providers Continue Gender-Affirming Care As Legal Battle Plays Out

Despite an executive order, Oregon health care organizations haven't stopped care for youth patients, but some say a federal funding loss could devastate them.

Sports Feb 20 6:00 PM

The Long Road Back: A 2025 Portland Timbers Preview

After a humiliating end-of-season defeat, can the Timbers return to their winning ways?

News Feb 5 1:36 PM

Providence Relents After Ordering Nursing Instructors to Cross Picket Lines

An attorney intervened after Providence asked its nursing educators to work as replacement labor during a health care worker strike.

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News Jan 15 3:32 PM

Providence, Union Set to Re-Enter Negotiations Amid Historic Health Care Worker Strike

Roughly 4,000 Oregon health care workers are on strike. This time, the picket lines include physicians.

News Nov 29 1:50 PM

An East Portland School Grapples With Racism and Ineffective State Response

Athletes at David Douglas High report racial slurs hurled at them by opponents during games. Families and coaches say Oregon has no meaningful solutions for accountability.

Holiday Guide 2024 🎅 Nov 14 3:32 AM

A Major (League) Undertaking

The Portland Diamond Project wants to bring pro baseball to Portland—but will it get the love and money needed to survive?

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News Oct 21 7:36 PM

Tenants Take Cues From Labor Unions in Effort to Remedy Property Management Issues

Portland lacks a formal process for renters to form a tenant union, but residents at one apartment complex say they’ve found leverage by banding together.

Election Guide 2024 Oct 16 3:32 AM

Small Donors, Big Changes

With a Government Transition, More Candidates Tapped Into Public Campaign Funding Than Ever—Here’s How It Works.

News Oct 2 9:56 AM

Sign of the Times: Eponymous Portland Coffee House Turns to Fundraising to Stay Afloat

Jim & Patty’s has been a fixture in Portland for 21 years, but the owner says it may not survive the new cost of doing business.

News Sep 27 2:34 PM

Activists Express Skepticism After Revisions to Police Oversight Board

In 2020, Portland voters called for a bold, independent police accountability system devoid of law enforcement influence. Now, police will help pick the new board members.

Culture Sep 10 2:00 PM

A Look at Portland’s Arts Funding Upheavals, One Year In

Portland no longer runs its arts grants program exclusively through the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC); here's what's changed.

Fall Arts 2024 Sep 5 3:56 AM

A Look at Portland’s Arts Funding Upheavals, One Year In

Portland no longer runs its arts grants program exclusively through the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC); here's what's changed.

News Aug 21 5:34 PM

Lack of Oversight in Police Training Seminars Raises Alarms

Two law enforcement training conferences in Oregon will feature Dave Grossman, a self-proclaimed expert in “killology" who teaches preparation for combat.