GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It's the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being "the last to know," then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to your email's in-box... and then... YOUR HEAD.)
⢠Man Suspected of Starting Fire Near City Councilorâs Home Arrested
According to police, the man was trying to use an electrical outlet in a shed near Avalosâ house to plug in a heater. The outlet didn't work, so he reportedly lit a small fire, which spread. Court records indicate the suspect is likely unhoused and battling behavioral health issues.
â˘Â The Black Byline: A 10-Year-Old (Forgotten) Emergency
Ten years ago, a Renters' State of Emergency was declared. Today, Oregon has the highest eviction levels in its history. So what happened? Donovan Scribes explains where we've been and where we must go in his latest excellent column.
â˘Â âNot a Rubber Stampâ: Portland City Council Questions Settlement in Bike Bill LawsuitÂ
In a move lawyers called âhighly unusual,â Portland City Council apparently declined the terms of a legal settlement over the cityâs adherence to the Oregon Bike Bill. Now, a $6 million settlement agreementâintended to fund bike infrastructure projects around the cityâis in jeopardy.
⢠Portlanders Say "Yes" to Parks Levy
Portland voters said "yes" to a new parks levy measure this week, which would set up a new, increased property tax to support the city's parks system. Here's why it matters.
â˘Â Slated to Open in 2027, Monqui and AEG's New Venue Has Broken Ground at Lloyd Center
Portland is about to get a new mid-size venue! Local bookers Monqui Presents have teamed with international bookers AEG for a new music venue in the footprint of Lloyd Center, and the ground has been broken.
⢠Train Dreams Go on When I Close My Eyes
Adapted from a novella by Denis Johnson, Train Dreams is very plainly one of the most beautiful films of 2025. You've got two weeks to see it in a theater, preferably in the Pacific Northwest, before it ends up on Netflix.
⢠Councilor Dan Ryan Breaks From Colleagues, Says âNoâ to Parks Levy
Dan Ryan voted with his colleagues in July to refer the Portland parks levy measure to voters. But the councilor, who once oversaw the cityâs parks bureau, now says he canât support the tax increase to support local parks services. Critics say Ryanâs denunciation is shortsighted and puzzling.
â˘Â Hear In Portland
The fortnightly column comes at you this week with Karma Rivera's debut album, a new track from Rachel Wong, and the new hip-hop showcase for local talent at Mississippi Studios.
⢠Multnomah County Pauses New Housing Vouchers After Losing State Funding
Multnomah County last week paused rapid rehousing program vouchers for nearly 700 homeless residents, including those that move people directly from shelter into housing. As Mayor Wilson expands Portland's overnight shelter capacity, critics say shelters could bottleneck without housing supports.
â˘Â Let My Country Awake Puts the Pacific Northwest at the Center of an Anti-Colonial Struggle
A new nonfiction history, Let My Country Awake, explores the complexity of Indian resistance against the British Empire during World War I.
⢠SAVAGE LOVE
Your sexiest questions answered lickity-split: It's another fun and jam-packed edition of "Quickies"!
WOW, THAT IS A LOT OF GOOD READIN'. I hope you didn't have any other plans this weekend! Dig in, and remember: Producing all this hard work costs moolahâso please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!
