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Disillusioned, But Determined: Portland Activists Plot a Path Forward As Second Trump Term LoomsÂ
Recent Portland protests paled in comparison to those of 2020. Are demonstrators giving up or writing a new game plan?
Recent Portland protests paled in comparison to those of 2020. Are demonstrators giving up or writing a new game plan?
With $850 Million Secured, ODOT Plans to Break Ground on Rose Quarter Project
A recent funding allocation gives ODOT enough to start the long-awaited I-5 expansion—but the agency doesn’t have enough to finish the rest of the project.
A recent funding allocation gives ODOT enough to start the long-awaited I-5 expansion—but the agency doesn’t have enough to finish the rest of the project.
Dan Ryan Announces District 3 Council Candidate as Key Staff PickÂ
A veteran City Hall executive who recently ran for a Council seat will lead Ryan's office. Mayor-elect Keith Wilson has also picked a top staffer.
A veteran City Hall executive who recently ran for a Council seat will lead Ryan's office. Mayor-elect Keith Wilson has also picked a top staffer.
Can Portland's New Independent Monitor Help Prevent Police Misconduct?
With nearly $3.3 million paid out to injured protesters, a follow-up assessment highlights Portland Police Bureau’s progress and shortcomings on new policies, crowd control tactics.
With nearly $3.3 million paid out to injured protesters, a follow-up assessment highlights Portland Police Bureau’s progress and shortcomings on new policies, crowd control tactics.
UPDATED: Street Roots Staff Announce Intent to Unionize
Workers at Street Roots plan to join Communications Workers of America, adding to the growing ranks of local news outlets with union representation.
Workers at Street Roots plan to join Communications Workers of America, adding to the growing ranks of local news outlets with union representation.
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.
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.
Oregon DEQ Wants New Requirements for Ross Island Sand & Gravel’s Willamette River Cleanup
The proposed new rules come after a lawsuit alleging the DEQ failed to hold the former gravel company accountable for Willamette River water quality.
The proposed new rules come after a lawsuit alleging the DEQ failed to hold the former gravel company accountable for Willamette River water quality.
Unionized New Seasons Workers to Strike on Wednesday Before Thanksgiving
The New Seasons Labor Union has been in contract negotiations with the company for almost two years. Workers want customers to boycott the company until an agreement is reached.
The New Seasons Labor Union has been in contract negotiations with the company for almost two years. Workers want customers to boycott the company until an agreement is reached.
Former Portland Police Sergeant Arrested For Soliciting Prostitution
Police say 30 sex providers under the age of 25 were offered trafficking victim services.
Multnomah County Chair Defends Herself Against Former Employee's Lawsuit
A former employee alleges retaliation for blowing the whistle on potential records law violations among staff in Jessica Vega Pederson's office.
As Public Comment Deadline Looms, Critics Elevate Case Against Current I-5 Bridge Replacement Plan
There’s a rare opportunity to comment on controversial environmental impacts of the plan to replace and expand I-5 from Portland to Vancouver.
Advocates “Cautiously Optimistic” About DEQ Decision to Delay Zenith Air Quality Permit
The Oregon DEQ is pausing issuing Zenith Energy a new air quality permit. Agency staff credit environmental advocates for drawing attention to their concerns.
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?
STREET VIEW: Gravel in the Bike Lane
PBOT’s maintenance woes aren’t just a problem for people who travel by car.
As Traffic Crash Fatalities Rise, Portland Auditor’s Office Recommends Changes to Vision Zero Program
PBOT leaders say they’ve already addressed many of the auditor’s recommendations. They also say the scale of Portland’s traffic violence crisis is too big for just one bureau to address.
City Council Urged to Postpone Vote on Controversial Downtown Service District Contract
Citing ethical issues and potential conflicts of interest, advocates want the city to halt a no-bid contract renewal that would funnel millions to the Portland Metro Chamber.
Friday Election Results: Bynum Flips US House Seat Blue; Close Race in Portland City Council District 4
Portland will have the most racially diverse City Council the city has ever seen, with a progressive majority.
Keith Wilson is Portland’s Next Mayor
Portland’s City Council races are still being tallied, but preliminary results have held firm since Tuesday night.
UPDATE: City Commissioners Abandon Plans to Terminate Joint Homeless Response Agreement With Multnomah County
A Portland City Council discussion that could've ended a collaborative agreement, without a backup plan in place, has been scrapped a day after the election. The move would've cost the city more than $40M.
It's the Mercury's 2024 General Election Night Live Blog!
All the parties, all the results, and all the election night DRAMAZ!
Will a Fresh Batch of City Leaders Transform Portland’s Climate Leadership?
Polling data suggests voters see opportunities to strengthen local environmental policies and change course on issues like oil by rail.
Lawsuits Allege Deceit and Greenwashing by Oregon’s Largest Gas Utility
NW Natural talks up its climate strategy, but new legal challenges say the company has spent years lying about the environmental impact of natural gas.
How Portland Became a Roller Derby Mecca
Rose City Rollers commemorates 20 years by hosting the sport’s global championships on their home turf.
Rubio Campaign Didn’t Violate Election Rules, Auditor’s Office Says
Two complaints involving Carmen Rubio yielded no findings of wrongdoing, but the investigations highlight a rivalry between Rubio’s supporters and those backing Rene Gonzalez
Commissioning Change
Why did Portland decide to adopt its unique commission form of government more than 100 years ago? You can blame a hurricane and lots of corruption.
Meet Your Portland 2024 Mayoral Candidates
Here's who wants to be Portland's next mayor.
Editorial: What’s at Stake in the Mayor’s Race
Portlanders worked hard for a better form of government. Without the right leader, we’ll be stuck in a rut of dysfunction.
Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 4
These candidates are running in the district composed of Portland's west side and some Southeast neighborhoods.
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.
Auditor's Office: Gonzalez Violated Campaign Finance Rules and Tried to Obstruct Investigation
A re-determination by the Portland Auditor's Office finds city commissioner used taxpayer funds to benefit his campaign. Investigators say Gonzalez and his staffers lied about key documents and tried to interfere with the investigation.
Portland State University Faculty Layoffs Spark Outrage
After faculty received notice of layoffs, PSU's professor union protested at the university president’s office. Faculty allege administrative bloat and bad budgeting are fueling budget cuts.
ODOT Denied $750 Million Federal Grant for Rose Quarter Expansion
Advocates hope the financial quandary will prompt ODOT to rethink the scale of the I-5 project through central Portland.
In a Stealth Move, Portland City Council Signals Intent to Sever Homelessness Agreement With Multnomah County
Without buy-in from Commissioner Carmen Rubio or Mayor Ted Wheeler, three city leaders asked for an ordinance to cancel a recently renewed intergovernmental agreement.
Sisters of the Road Will Resume Property Search After Prior Purchase Falls Through
The organization’s executive director is departing as the nonprofit scraps plans to reopen its cafe in the former House of Louie building.
Rent Assistance Vouchers Are Helping Dig People Out of Homelessness
Service providers say Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance is among the most successful tools to combat homelessness. The only problem? A 5,560-person waiting list
Body Camera Footage Shows Officers Firing 30 Rounds Into Suspect's Car
Portland Police Bureau IDs officers who shot, injured a 24-year-old robbery suspect during a shootout in Woodlawn. One of the officers is no stranger to using force.
New Marie Equi Day Center Offers Unhoused LGBTQ+ Portlanders Respite, Resources, and Hope
With new digs and the help of Supportive Housing Services funding, a local nonprofit is helping queer and trans residents find safety, and a path off the streets.
Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 3
These candidates are running in the district that encompasses most of Southeast Portland east of the river to I-205.
Portland Elections Division Issues Warning Letter to Gonzalez Campaign Over Political Sign
A large sign supporting Rene Gonzalez for mayor left out a fine print financial disclosure. A separate investigation into his use of taxpayer funds was recently reopened.
Labor Complaint Against City Council Candidate Alleges Racist Treatment at City’s Community Safety Division
Lisa Freeman is the subject of a BOLI civil rights investigation, but other former city employees say the office has a problem with structural racism much larger than just one staff member.
Portland Auditor's Office Will Take Another Look At Gonzalez's Potential Campaign Finance Violation
Citing new information, auditors will revisit their prior determination of insufficient evidence of illegal activity related to Wikipedia edits
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.
Controversial Dark Money Group, People For Portland, Dissolves Amid State Elections Investigation
The political organization known for its aggressive billboards says its election law violation had 'nothing to do' with decision. Another investigation is still active.
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.
Judge: Portland’s New Police Accountability Board Must Be Operational In a Year
While the new community-led police oversight system is finally on track, some commissioners are furious at a federal judge's decision to postpone board selection until a new council is in place.
Two Years After Adopting Emergency Climate Action Plan, Portland is Behind on Goals
The city cites progress despite plan’s shortcomings. Skeptics say it needs clearer objectives.
Auditors Determine Insufficient Evidence that Rene Gonzalez Violated Campaign Finance Laws
Despite "exceedingly close call" Portland Auditor's Office says commissioner and mayoral candidate's use of taxpayer money to alter his Wikipedia page isn't a definitive violation. Secretary of State will investigate other potential violations.
After a Major Overhaul, Has Portland's Clean Energy Fund Found its Footing?
PCEF will invest nearly $92 million in climate projects around the city. Leaders say nonprofit grantees were thoroughly vetted and the projects align with the city's climate goals.
Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 1
These candidates are running in the district encompassing East Portland.
Suspicious Deaths at Oregon Prison Signal Alarming Rise in Inmate Drug Use
The Oregon Department of Corrections estimates half of all adult inmates struggle with addiction. Officials aren't sure how to stop the flow of drugs, or fatal overdoses in state prisons.
Police ID Officer Who Shot a Man in the Portsmouth Neighborhood
Nicholas Morales remains on leave after shooting and injuring Robert Seeger near a North Portland apartment complex on Aug. 24. Video footage of the incident was released Sept. 9.
After Years of Grant Discordance, Portland Adopts Centralized Policy for Doling Out Funds
Dan Ryan says the city’s process for funding nonprofits is “messy and decentralized.” He hopes a new unified policy will help straighten things out.
Portland Police Sergeant Placed on Leave After Drunk Driving Arrest
Sgt. Patrick Mawdsley was arrested for impaired driving in Minnesota in July while off duty. In 2015, he grabbed a woman by the throat during an altercation at a wedding.
Man Who Tried to Drive Into Crowd of Protesters Faces No Charges
Over 30 pro-Palestine protesters have been arrested in Portland since May, but a counter-protester who drove into a pedestrian area and deployed mace was never charged.
Thousands of Fred Meyer Employees Go On Strike Through Labor Day Weekend
The Unfair Labor Practice strike, planned to continue until Sept. 3, comes amid FTC hearings over a merger between Albertsons and Fred Meyer's parent company, Kroger.
De-Paving Paradise
After years of pop-up block parties and meetings with the city, a nonprofit will de-pave and revegetate a dangerous intersection on SE Sandy Boulevard.
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.
Portland Elections Office Investigating Rene Gonzalez For Using Taxpayer Funds on Wikipedia Edits
Records show Auditor's Office received three complaints over a $6,400 expenditure by the city commissioner's office to alter his Wikipedia page in the thick of campaign season.
Attorneys Claim Plasma Donation Centers Illegally Discriminate Against Gay and Bisexual Men
Grifols USA, which operates two centers in Portland, faces a class-action lawsuit after an Oregon man was denied donation.
TriMet Board Members Say They Do Ride Public Transit (But It’s Unclear How Often)
Updated records from TriMet paint a fuzzy picture about board members’ transit use, but still suggest infrequent ridership.
KOIN TV Workers Allege Outrageous Union-Busting Tactics from Management
Even after a recent federal court order mandated KOIN owners to bargain with the union, they’ve refused to come to the table.
Advocates say Portland is Overdue for a Tenant Bill of Rights
After the defeat of an eviction defense measure in 2023, organizers aren’t done pushing for renters’ protections
Majority of TriMet Board Members Don't Ride Public Transit
Four out of seven board members never tapped their TriMet ID cards last year, records show. One critic says it makes the members unfit to serve.
City Commissioner Receives Frosty Reception at County Democrats Event
Rene Gonzalez’s campaign for Portland mayor highlights rifts among local Democrats. Some say the party’s politics have diversified.
Editor’s Note: The Mercury Has a New Owner—and (Phew!) They’re Cool!
New Owners, Noisy Creek, Has Exciting Plans for a Bigger, Better Mercury
STREET VIEW: Is the Central Eastside Good Now?
Okay, the area has always had its charms. But thanks to new bike infrastructure and a vision for the future, it's getting a lot better.
At a Critical Point for the I-5 Rose Quarter Plan, ODOT Critics Urge Feds Against Funding the Freeway Expansion
ODOT is up for a major federal grant to expand and cap I-5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter. In letters to USDOT, environmental and transportation advocates lay out their opposition.
How Rene Gonzalez Found Common Ground With a Right Wing Provocateur
Over the span of 24 hours, the Portland commissioner and mayoral candidate managed to anger his most conservative supporters, while inflaming progressives over a recent nod to Andy Ngo.
Oregon Nabs $200 Million EPA Grant to Help Meet State Climate Goals
The federal grant money will allow the state to expand electric car and truck incentive programs, encourage eco-friendly construction, and more.
Portland’s Summers Are Getting Dangerously Hot. More Trees Could Save Lives.
Amid a push for "shade equity," the city commits to planting more trees in Portland's least-leafy neighborhoods.
Portland Emergency Dispatch System Impacted by Global IT Outage
City says 911 is taking calls manually, as other businesses and a local hospital report disruptions from the massive software outage
Here's Who's Running for Portland City Council in 2024
As the city gears up for a new government structure and a 12-person council, candidates are in the thick of campaign season for a pivotal November election.
Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 2
These candidates are running in the district located in North and Northeast Portland.
Another Suspected Heat-Related Death Pushes Oregon's Tally into Double Digits
During a wave of excessive temperatures, medical examiners across the state are investigating at least 16 deaths that may have been caused by the heat.
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.
Commissioner Rene Gonzalez Wants City to Rein in Public Comments Criticizing Police During Council Meetings
The city commissioner and candidate for mayor insists the city should no longer "platform abolitionists" by allowing comments about police brutality during council votes on legal matters.
How a Super PAC Upended Portland’s 3rd Congressional District Race
Polling shows candidate Susheela Jayapal had an impressive lead in spring, before AIPAC spent big money to help Maxine Dexter defeat her.
UPDATED: Cooling Centers Reopen Tuesday Amid Deadly Heat Wave
Three sites will operate until 10 pm Tuesday, offering a place for people and pets to cool down. Water and snacks will be provided.
Muslim Woman Forced to Remove Hijab in Multnomah County Jail
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office failed to follow religious protocol. The missteps may have been illegal.
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.
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.
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.
Candidate for Mayor Carmen Rubio Snaps Up Endorsement From Gov. Tina Kotek
Rubio is among a crowded field of mayoral candidates, including two other current city commissioners.
Home Forward and City of Portland Unveil 206 New Affordable Apartments in Southeast Portland
The Hazel Ying Lee apartment complex sits at the site of a former strip club on Powell Boulevard. It's the largest new construction project funded by the Portland Housing Bond.
Hundreds of Women Rally on Burnside Bridge For Reproductive Rights
The June 24 demonstration was part of a national women's strike planned around the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling against abortion rights.
Providence Nurses Say They've Been Barred From Work By Management Following Strike
Meanwhile, the Oregon Health Authority is overwhelmed by staffing complaints from health care workers across the state
Update: Providence Nurses Locked Out After Three-Day Strike
Nurses say Providence broke state law, prevented them from returning to work Friday after a strike
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.
Women Across Portland and the US Encouraged to Strike on June 24
On the anniversary of a landmark Supreme Court decision, activists will line the Burnside Bridge to protest diminished reproductive rights and gender inequality.
How a Billionaire Philanthropist is Transforming Oregon Nonprofits
Windfall donations come as MacKenzie Scott gives away $640 million in 2024 via her charitable organization, Yield Giving.
Oregon's Legislative Landscape Supports LGBTQ+ Rights, But Is That Enough?
As the American legal landscape for LGBTQ+ residents 
grows hostile, Oregon works to enshrine rights for all.
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.
How a Food Bank Illuminated Cultural, Political Divides Over Gaza
The situation in Gaza has sent shockwaves through politics, universities, K-12 schools, and recently the Oregon Food Bank
He Isn't the DA Yet, but Nathan Vasquez Already Secured More County Money for Drug Prosecutions
Local groups cry foul after Vasquez scores backroom deal for drug prosecution funding.
City Will Spend an Estimated $1.1 Million on Munitions, Shields, and Training For Police
Stockpiling weapons and the return of Portland's crowd control team is reigniting dialog about how police respond to protests.
Proposed Ballot Measure to Repeal Police Oversight Board Can Now Start Gathering Signatures, Judge Says
Judge greenlights police union initiative to scrap and replace Portland’s independent oversight board—which was approved by voters—after striking down a previous PPA measure.
Democrats Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum Pull Off Wins in Key Oregon Congressional Races
Both candidates will face Republican challengers in the November election. Dexter is expected to win the 3rd District this fall, while Bynum is hoping to flip the 5th District in the general election.
Update: DA Mike Schmidt Concedes in Primary Election Marked by Big Spending, Progressive Upsets
County commissioners race: Shannon Singleton, Vadim Mozyrsky, and Meghan Moyer advance to November runoff. Jessie Burke and Sam Adams nearly tied for second place in District 2.
It's the Mercury's 2024 Primary Election Night Live Blog!
All the parties, all the results, and all the election night DRAMAZ!
May Primary Will Test Portlanders’ Tolerance For Outside Spending On Local Elections
Portland voters have tried to get big money out of local politics for years, but it has poured into Congressional races this spring.
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