Facing a $32 Million Shortfall, PBOT Leaders Issue Grim Forecast for Portland’s Transportation Future

Without an immediate lifeline, Portland’s transportation bureau is staring down hundreds of job losses, defrayed maintenance, and an end to its graffiti and derelict RV removal program.

New Research Finds No Link Between Measure 110 and Overdose Deaths

Research emerges amid heightened public scrutiny and new efforts to recriminalize hard drugs in Oregon

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: There's a New Chief In Town, Students on Strike, and Portland's Worst Billionaires!

Portland Police Union Settles False Information Lawsuit Brought By Former Commissioner Hardesty

The lawsuit stemmed from a 2021 leak about Hardesty by police. A settlement was reached after a judge ruled the union president's actions were not protected speech.

Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell Will Step Down, as Mayor Announces Interim Chief

Lovell, who was appointed chief in 2020, said he never intended to serve as chief through retirement. He will move into a community engagement role at Portland Police Bureau.

New Oregon Law Requires Transparency From OHSU About Its Primate Research Center

After years of mishaps and notable animal deaths, new legislation aims to give the public more insight into a federally-funded testing site.

Portland Youths Call for Local, State Climate Action at Annual Climate Strike

Hundreds of Portlanders gathered Friday, Sept. 15 to demand Gov. Tina Kotek declare a climate emergency and take action against Zenith Energy.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Mayor Wheeler Has Had Enough, TriMet's Drug Freakout, and It's a Yacht Party, Y'all!

Catch up on all the great Mercury stories you missed this week!

With Politics in Rearview, Mayor Wheeler Announces ‘Doubling Down’ on Homeless, Economic Policies

Portland mayor says he's committed to ending homeless camping, boosting economy, and hiring interim city manager before leaving office.

Organizing Portland: Local Labor Organizers See Surge in Union Solidarity, Diversity

Independent union membership is growing at Portland retail stores, restaurants, and even strip clubs. Longstanding unions are also receiving community support.

Portland Mayor Wheeler Says He Won't Seek Another Term

Addressing questions about a reelection bid, Wheeler says city's current challenges will require all of his focus over the next 15 months.

TriMet Joins Portland's War on Drugs

After a study found negligible amounts of meth and fentanyl residue on transit, TriMet calls for a "crackdown." Experts recommend a more nuanced approach.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: City Council Screws Up Again, Proof Portland Isn't Dying, and Ninja Supplies Desperately Needed!

The First Portland Area Detox Center Funded By Measure 110 Will Open Soon

It’s the first drug withdrawal center in the Portland metro region to focus on fentanyl addiction, and proof that Measure 110 efforts are paying off

Portland City Councilors Will Lobby For Change in State Law to Pave Way For Criminalization of Drugs

City leaders blame a loophole in state law for the scourge of fentanyl and meth addiction on Portland's streets. Experts caution a repeat of the failed War on Drugs.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: The City Council Candidate Tsunami Approaches, Protecting Portland Trees, and Workers Push Back!

Missing the Forest and the Trees: How City Politics Are Getting in the Way of Portland’s Tree Canopy

Experts say trees play a key role in combating the effects of climate change, but Portland’s convoluted system has led to confusion and neglect.