News

All articles tagged "News"
Holiday Guide 2024 Today 3:32 AM

A Major (League) Undertaking

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

Holiday Guide 2024 Today 3:30 AM

STREET VIEW: Gravel in the Bike Lane

PBOT’s maintenance woes aren’t just a problem for people who travel by car.

News Yesterday 8:00 AM

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.

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News Tue 5:00 PM

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.

News Nov 8 4:14 PM

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.

News Nov 6 7:30 PM

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.

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News Nov 6 3:09 PM

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.

News Nov 5 7:00 PM

It's the Mercury's 2024 General Election Night Live Blog!

All the parties, all the results, and all the election night DRAMAZ!

News Nov 1 1:20 PM

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.

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News Oct 31 8:00 AM

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.

News Oct 30 1:00 PM

How Portland Became a Roller Derby Mecca

Rose City Rollers commemorates 20 years by hosting the sport’s global championships on their home turf.

News Oct 24 1:02 PM

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

News Oct 24 9:55 AM

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.

City Council Race 2024 Oct 23 4:32 PM

Meet Your Portland 2024 Mayoral Candidates

Here's who wants to be Portland's next mayor.

Opinion Oct 23 9:52 AM

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.

City Council Race 2024 Oct 22 2:15 PM

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.

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.

News Oct 21 10:55 AM

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.

News Oct 18 3:15 PM

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.

News Oct 18 1:40 PM

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.

News Oct 17 5:48 PM

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.

News Oct 15 8:57 AM

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.

News Oct 11 4:27 PM

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

News Oct 11 8:17 AM

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.

News Oct 10 1:03 PM

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.

City Council Race 2024 Oct 8 4:36 PM

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.

News Oct 3 4:16 PM

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.

News Oct 3 2:00 PM

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.

News Oct 2 3:31 PM

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

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 30 8:55 AM

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.

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.

News Sep 25 6:15 PM

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.

News Sep 24 4:45 PM

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.

News Sep 16 1:57 PM

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.

News Sep 12 2:25 PM

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.

City Council Race 2024 Sep 11 2:03 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 1

These candidates are running in the district encompassing East Portland.

News Sep 9 3:45 PM

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.

News Sep 9 7:17 AM

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.

News Sep 6 8:55 AM

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.

News Aug 29 2:30 PM

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.

News Aug 29 8:08 AM

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.

News Aug 28 1:52 PM

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.

News Aug 22 12:35 PM

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.

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.

News Aug 19 8:57 AM

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.

News Aug 12 4:40 PM

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.

News Aug 8 2:40 PM

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.

News Aug 7 3:15 PM

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.

News Aug 6 7:00 AM

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

News Aug 1 4:40 PM

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.

News Jul 30 1:55 PM

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.

News Jul 30 8:36 AM

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 Jul 26 2:00 PM

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.

News Jul 25 4:10 PM

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.

News Jul 24 11:03 AM

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.

News Jul 23 1:35 PM

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.

News Jul 19 4:05 PM

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.

News Jul 19 10:49 AM

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

City Council Race 2024 Jul 18 12:45 PM

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.

City Council Race 2024 Jul 17 2:46 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 2

These candidates are running in the district located in North and Northeast Portland.

News Jul 12 11:30 AM

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.

News Jul 11 3:00 PM

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.

News Jul 10 9:03 PM

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.

News Jul 10 7:48 AM

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.

News Jul 9 1:27 PM

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.

News Jul 4 8:03 AM

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.

News Jul 3 5:56 PM

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.

News Jun 28 2:41 PM

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.

News Jun 28 7:30 AM

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.

News Jun 26 12:43 PM

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.

News Jun 25 4:07 PM

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.

News Jun 24 7:40 PM

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.

News Jun 21 2:20 PM

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

News Jun 21 12:46 PM

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

News Jun 20 12:20 PM

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.

News Jun 19 6:09 PM

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.

News Jun 18 12:19 PM

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.

News Jun 18 11:15 AM

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.

News Jun 13 2:04 PM

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.

News Jun 11 4:45 PM

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

News Jun 7 5:03 PM

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.

News May 30 8:30 AM

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.

News May 24 12:48 PM

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.

News May 22 9:23 AM

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.

News May 22 7:11 AM

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.

News May 21 6:53 PM

It's the Mercury's 2024 Primary Election Night Live Blog!

All the parties, all the results, and all the election night DRAMAZ!

News May 18 12:45 PM

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.

News May 17 3:15 PM

As Maxine Dexter Touts Progressive Values, Conservative Donors are Flooding Her Campaign Coffers

With the election to determine who will take over Oregon's 3rd House District just days away, will Maxine Dexter's flood of opaque donations impact the race?

News May 17 12:54 PM

The Top Six Mercury Stories to Read Before Filling Out Your Ballot!

Election Day is this Tuesday, May 21—want to stop the conservative wave trying to hijack local and state races? We've got information you need to know.

News May 17 8:23 AM

What Multnomah County Voters Could Learn From Others Who Ousted Progressive DAs

Voters’ fears over crime and safety often fuel election outcomes. Evidence shows prosecutors have little impact on crime rates.

News May 16 3:40 PM

County Commissioner Candidate Saw More Than $40K Funneled to Her Husband by a Board She Oversees

Jessie Burke's vision and methods for Old Town’s rebirth have raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, her group has been accused of being hostile toward homeless service organizations.

News May 15 8:00 AM

Portland Transportation and Climate Groups Sue Over I-5 Expansion Plan

The five plaintiffs say the Oregon Department of Transportation's I-5 Rose Quarter project goes against city and regional climate plans. They also say it’s a bad way to spend $1.9 billion.

News May 10 1:35 PM

Portland Japanese Garden Employees Announce Union

After employees revealed glaring pay disparity and racially insensitive behavior, they hope union representation will alleviate workplace concerns.

News May 9 8:49 AM

Portland Approves New Public Camping Ordinance, After Facing Legal Pressure

The new rules no longer restrict camping hours, but still include fines and jail for non-compliance if a person refuses available shelter.

News May 8 11:15 AM

Industrial Northwest Redevelopment Plan Includes Streetcar Extension and Housing

The Montgomery Park Area draft plan envisions a new neighborhood in an underutilized part of the city.

News May 8 7:40 AM

Dark Money Casts a Shadow on Maxine Dexter’s Campaign

In one of Oregon’s most progressive congressional districts, anonymous super PAC money and tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza have taken the spotlight.

News May 2 6:42 PM

Police Arrest 30 During Portland State University Library Raid and Ongoing Protest

As cops swarm the urban campus to disband a days-long occupation, teachers denounce police response to campus protests across Oregon.

News Apr 30 9:35 AM

Pro-Palestine Protesters Occupy PSU Library; Police Say Arrests are Imminent

As colleges around Oregon and the US stage occupation-style demonstrations, a library takeover at Portland State University prompts calls for protesters to leave peacefully, amid threats of prosecution.

News Apr 29 12:30 PM

Portland Freight Train Derailment Spotlights Transportation and Environmental Risks

A Union Pacific freight train derailed on the east end of Portland's Steel Bridge Monday, halting traffic for several hours. Advocates say it could've been a lot worse.