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Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: PGE Wants to Screw Over Oregonians, Trump Signs BS Executive Order Calling Fentanyl a WMD, and I’m Mad at David Sedaris

The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! The rain continues today, though the soaking weather may, […]

Posted inTheater & Performance

Portland Opera’s New Theater Opens With an Animated Show

Everest tells a harrowing true story of three mountaineers who climbed Earth’s highest mountain.

“This building gets us closer to the people,” says Portland Opera artistic director Alfrelynn Roberts. She’s showing off the organization’s new location, occupying three floors in downtown Portland’s World Trade Center complex. After the 2024 sale of its longtime southeast home base, Portland Opera announced a strategic decision to move across the river in early […]

Posted inDo This, Do That

The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for December 15-21

Did somebody say “gay folk art”?

You’re already busy this week, but you just got busier: Earl Sweatshirt, Yves Tumor, and a few key members of the Twin Peaks cast are in town. And not that there’s anything wrong with Portland holiday standards (trudging down Peacock Lane, looking for a bar with a fireplace), but we’ve got some solid suggestions for […]

Posted inThe Trash Report

THE TRASH REPORT: The Year In Trash!

Let’s dig through the trash can of 2025 for the year’s hottest gossip.

Hello, Trash Pandas! It’s me, Elinor Jones, with a special end-of-the-year Trash Report. This year certainly was something, wasn’t it? To put it in perspective, when the year began, Joe Biden was still the president (remember him?!), and Blake Lively was just entering into litigation with former costar Justin Baldoni stemming from alleged sexual harassment […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Legacy Workers Slam Hospital’s Alleged Coddling of ICE, Blazers Comeback Win Over Warriors, and Trump’s Horrible Response to Rob Reiner’s Murder

If you’re reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercury’s news reporting, arts and culture coverage, event calendar, and the bevy of events we host throughout the year. The work we do helps our city shine, but we can’t do it without your support. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and […]

Posted inNewsblast!

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: A Cop Under Arrest, Nurses Cry Foul Against ICE and Management, and Let’s… Get… KRAMPY!

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 […]

Posted inEverOut

The Best Bang for Your Buck Events in Portland This Weekend: Dec 12–14, 2025

ScanFair, Tuba Christmas Concert, and More Cheap & Easy Events Under $20

Take advantage of this fairly dry weekend by heading out to holiday happenings from the 34th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert to Portland’s Public Menorah and from ScanFair to the Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art and Craft Market. Plus, take a look at our top picks guide for more ideas. FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC 11th Annual Great Figgy Pudding […]

Posted inPhoto Essay

PHOTO ESSAY: Riding in a Winter Wonderland

Every year Portland International Raceway lights up with holiday cheer—for cars and bikes alike.

In 1993, the Portland International Raceway—the city’s premier racing venue—installed a bunch of Christmas light displays around its track and invited people to drive through, luxuriating in the glow of holiday joy. It’s possible I was in attendance that very same year: my father, a street racer in his youth, was certainly aware of PIR […]

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