News

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News Today 12:00 PM

New Council Committee Grapples With Portland’s Slipping Climate Goals

Councilors hope the new Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committee can help the city reduce carbon emissions and advance environmental justice.

News Fri 3:40 PM

As Oregonians Take to the Streets to Protest Trump Policies, Oregon’s Attorney General is Turning to the Courts

Oregon has signed on to five multi-state lawsuits challenging recent presidential executive orders on birthright citizenship, DOGE, federal funding, and health care. 

News Fri 12:22 PM

New Housing Committee Takes on Portland's Affordability Crisis

City Councilor Angelita Morillo says she'll introduce a policy to ban anti-competitive rental price-fixing software.

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News Thu 12:32 PM

UPDATE: Multnomah County to Open Two Additional Warming Shelters; Extend Hours During Winter Storm

No one will be turned away, and free rides are being offered to shelters.

News Feb 7 12:00 PM

Proposed Legislation Threatens Oregon’s Plan to Reduce Diesel Truck Emissions

Some truck manufacturers say they can’t meet requirements under the state’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule and need more time. Climate advocates say the regulation is feasible and important. 

News Feb 7 10:10 AM

City Council Reluctantly Approves Mike Jordan’s Tenure as City Administrator Until 2026

Despite Council frustration and public outcry over recent Zenith decision, Jordan will continue to lead the city through a transitional year and turbulent budget cycle.

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News Feb 6 6:30 PM

Trump’s Federal Government is Blocking Gender Marker Changes

Here's what you can change right now, and what you can't.

Queer Feb 5 2:00 PM

Fucking Political: Lessons From the Early AIDS Activists Who Took Matters Into Their Own Hands

It’s possible one booklet by two AIDS patients and their doctor—and another written by drag queens—saved thousands of lives.

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 Feb 4 2:02 PM

New Seasons Employees Remain on Strike Over “Unjust” Firing of Longtime Employee

The grocery chain tentatively agreed not to fire staff without just cause. Then it terminated a 19-year employee who aided a blind colleague.

News Feb 3 8:45 PM

Facing Public and Council Opposition, Portland Grants Zenith Key Approval

City staff issued Zenith the land use credential shortly after two city councilors called for an investigation into the company. 

News Jan 31 11:44 AM

Michael Jordan Tapped to Stay on as City Administrator 

Portland City Council will vote on Mayor Wilson's appointment of Jordan to the city's top management role through end of 2025.

News Jan 30 5:55 PM

Strike Averted: City Reaches Tentative Deal with Largest Employee Union

AFSCME 189 expects to finalize a new contract with the city of Portland, but another labor union's strike plan is still on.

News Jan 30 4:55 PM

“A Dangerous Precedent”: PGE Faces Major Backlash for Forest Park Utility Proposal

The utility company’s Harborton Reliability Project would cut 400 trees in an effort to bolster Portland’s electrical grid. Opponents say it’s not worth the loss of priceless natural resources.

News Jan 30 2:09 PM

Priced Out of Affordable Housing: City Sides With Property Owner in Dispute Over Rents 

Tenants at Everett Station Lofts say they're being price gouged on rent-capped units. Historic documents show a strange financial arrangement with the city of Portland.

News Jan 28 9:11 AM

Mayor Wilson's Shelter Plans Are Both Ambitious and Ambiguous 

Staring down a ballooning homeless population and growing death toll, Portland mayor eyes 1,500 new shelter beds. Some councilors question the logistics and strategy.

News Jan 23 12:15 PM

Zenith Permit Decision Raises Questions, Conflicts About City Council Authority 

New city councilors realize they don’t have much power over the controversial company’s future—and they want to change that.

News Jan 22 11:45 AM

UPDATED: 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 Jan 16 7:45 PM

City Council Solidifies New Policy Committees

The eight committees will be the primary conduit for public engagement and policy proposals from councilors. 

News Jan 16 8:16 AM

Portland City Council Increases Its Staffing Budget by $4.6 Million

Citing poor policy moves and "defunding" from previous leaders, the new Council will pull from contingency funds to hire additional staff.

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 Jan 14 2:38 PM

Portland Mayor Orders Managerial Staff Back in Office Full Time

Starting in April, remote and hybrid work will end for city managers and supervisors. Mayor Keith Wilson says non-supervisory employees won't see any changes this year.

News Jan 13 4:40 PM

Federal Transportation Program Eyes Another Albina Reconnection Project at I-405 Ramps

The US Department of Transportation will give Portland $1 million to study alternatives for the “overbuilt” I-405 ramps in North Portland, which have contributed to neighborhood disconnection for more than 50 years. 

News Jan 10 8:32 AM

Multnomah County Confirms Location of New 24-Hour Sobering Center

A site on SE Grand Avenue will house up to 50 sobering beds as an alternative to jail or hospital ERs. 

News Jan 2 4:00 PM

Earl Blumenauer Reflects on Long Political Career and “Bike-Partisanship”

After 28 years in Congress, Blumenauer will return to Portland as a civilian with big plans for the city and state's future. 

News Dec 27 10:30 AM

2024 Wrapped: The Mercury's Most Popular News Stories 

The news stories you clicked on the most this year.

News Dec 23 1:20 PM

Awash With Cash, Portland Clean Energy Fund Marks New Strategy With Latest Investments

PCEF will allocate $300 million in grants for large-scale projects. A hefty portion of funds will go to the city’s own bureaus for infrastructure projects and decarbonization.

News Dec 20 5:45 PM

Two Hundred New Overnight Shelter Beds Will Open This Winter

Mayor-elect Keith Wilson promised to end unsheltered homelessness. He's already helped kick-start plans for hundreds of winter shelter beds before taking office.

News Dec 19 8:00 AM

With Zenith Energy’s Permits On The Line, Critics Urge Strong Government Oversight 

The controversial fuel storage and transport company faces state fines and additional regulatory requirements. City officials will decide what happens next.

News Dec 18 1:30 PM

PSU Lays Off 17 Academic Faculty Members As Union Talks of Potential Strike 

Portland State University's professors union says independent financial analysis shows stable cash reserves, raising questions about the necessity for layoffs.

News Dec 13 3:21 PM

Affordable Housing Advocates Warn Slashing Supportive Housing Tax Could Be Catastrophic

As the regional government considers a handful of changes to the Supportive Housing Services tax on high-income earners, social service providers are sounding the alarm.

News Dec 11 12:17 PM

Disillusioned, But Determined: Portland Activists Plot a Path Forward As Second Trump Term Looms 

Recent Portland protests paled in comparison to those of 2020. Are demonstrators giving up or writing a new game plan?

News Dec 11 8:00 AM

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.

News Dec 6 3:30 PM

Dan Ryan Announces District 3 Council Candidate as Key Staff Pick 

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.

News Dec 5 4:01 PM

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.

News Dec 3 2:40 PM

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.

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.

News Nov 27 3:30 PM

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.

News Nov 26 8:00 AM

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.

News Nov 21 11:37 AM

Former Portland Police Sergeant Arrested For Soliciting Prostitution

Police say 30 sex providers under the age of 25 were offered trafficking victim services.

News Nov 19 11:20 AM

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.

News Nov 15 4:20 PM

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.

News Nov 14 5:00 PM

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.

News Nov 13 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.

News Nov 12 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.

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.

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 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.