As mentioned in earlier posts, the Portland Mercuryโalong with so many other small local businessesโhas been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the state government has been forced to declare bans on gatherings of over 250 people, our stream of revenue has virtually disappeared overnightโlargely because our primary advertising base caters directly to the […]
Coronavirus
An Open Letter to the Woman Who Was Buying a Bottle of Watermelon Moscato and Nothing Else at Winco Last Night
MichellePatrickPhotographyLLC / Getty images Dear Woman Who Was In Front of Me in Line at Winco Last Night and Was Only Buying a Single Bottle of Watermelon Moscato: I have some questions. Did you go to Winco with this particular item in mind? Why Winco, a store that is so big and so busy, when […]
Commissioner Eudaly Joins Portland Unions in Calling for Eviction Freeze
Commissioner Chloe Eudaly addresses tenant advocates at a 2017 press conference. DIRK VANDERHART The coronavirus’ spread has already forced thousands of Portlanders to stay home from work, shutter their businesses, lay off employees, and lose their jobs entirely. In hopes of slowing the damage COVID-19’s economic impacts will have on low-income Portlanders, City Commissioner Chloe […]
Gov. Brown: School Closures Won’t Slow Spread of COVID-19
GEO PIATT / GETTY IMAGES Governor Kate Brown delivered a message of uncertainly about Oregon’s public schools Friday afternoon. A day after directing all Oregon public school districts to close until March 31, Brown said that according to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, school closures are not expected […]
Good Morning, News: COVID-19 Shuts Public Schools, March “Sadness,” and Thank You for Supporting the Mercury!
Stay up to date on Portland news and politics. Looking for fun? Here are the best Things to Do in Portland today. Gov. Kate Brown shuts down Oregon public schools for two weeks. GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! We’re moving on, keeping strong. Don’t you let them steer you wrong, it’s a groove thang. LET’S GO TO […]
Q&A: Tri-County Health Officer Dr. Vines on the Future of COVID-19 in Oregon
Dr. Jennifer Vines speaking at a Thursday morning press conference. Motoya Nakamura / Multnomah County Dr. Jennifer Vines doesn’t have a crystal ball. But what the health officer for the Portland metro region does have is a critical understanding of viral diseases. Vines is responsible for leading communicable disease prevention across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington […]
Multnomah County Courthouse Postpones Trial Dates Due to COVID-19
Multnomah County Justice Center DOUG BROWN The Multnomah County court system is joining the growing number of local institutions that are changing protocol because of COVID-19. In a press release sent Thursday afternoon, the Multnomah County Circuit Court announced that it is taking steps to limit the number of people at the courthouse, and protect […]
How Portland’s Movie Theaters Are Responding to the Coronavirus
A Quiet Place Part II JONNY COURNOYER NOTE: This story will be updated as we continue to hear back from Portland-area theaters. If you’re unsure if a specific screening or event has been canceled, contact the theater. On Wednesday March 11, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Kate Brown announced what […]
UPDATE: Governor Brown Bans Large Public Gatherings for One Month
Governor Kate Brown Update, Thursday 10:20 am: Brown held a press conference Thursday morning with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local elected officials to give more details about the state’s strategy to address COVID-19. Brown called the coronavirus an “unprecedentic global health crisis,” and said the new large gathering ban is part of the state’s […]
Portland Declares State of Emergency Over COVID-19
Alex Zielinski Mayor Ted Wheeler has declared a state of emergency in Portland in response to the spreading COVID-19 virus. “It gives the city additional authority to properly address the threat of infection and harm,” Wheeler said at a morning press conference, where Governor Kate Brown announced new restrictions to statewide gatherings. This declaration, which […]
Good Morning, News: Brown Bans Large Gatherings, Trump Bans Flights From Europe, And a Little Local Justice
Stay up to date on Portland news and politics. Looking for fun? Here are the best Things to Do in Portland today. Trump delivered his coronavirus address from the Oval Office last night. Mark Wilson / Getty images Good morning, Portland! Large gatherings may be banned in Oregon, but we can still gather here in […]
Four New Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Oregon
Dean Sidelinger, the public health officer with Oregon Health Authority. Motoya Nakamura / Multnomah county Public health officials announced four new presumptive cases of the coronavirus in Central Oregon on Wednesday, bringing the stateโs total case count to 19. The new cases are in Polk, Marion, Umatilla, and Deschutes counties. They come one day after […]
