Why I (Still) Love Portland

A former Portlander returns to survey the city’s damage—and rebirth. by Ian Karmel I sat in my car outside of the Mercury offices. It was the beginning of March and I was afraid to open my door. It was raining—the kind of rain that’s hard to be romantic about even when you’re perpetually homesick. The…

(Portland Chefs) Say Nice Things About… Portland Chefs

Portland’s premier restaurant and cart owners hype up the local food and chefs they love! by Andrea Damewood Community over competition is a phrase you hear a lot if you spend time in the Portland restaurant scene.  For the most part, it seems to be true. Like any industry, there is some hot goss and…

Hear in Portland: St. Johns Rapper Mat Randol’s The World Keeps Spinning

Plus, soul singer-songwriter Julia Logue at Jack London Revue, and we hear Kyle Smyle Again. by Jenni Moore It’s starting to feel a lot like spring, and we’re basking in all the projects blossoming in our music scene. We recently had the pleasure of celebrating Jonny Cool’s contribution to Ella Mai’s single “DMFU,” which reached…

The Beast Is a Sci-Fi Time-Traveling Romance Alive With the Anxiety of 2024

Like Gabrielle waiting for the metaphorical “beast” to swallow her whole, with a Bertrand Bonello joint you’re always prepared for something to happen, for the whole film to veer into terrain both surreal and unsettling. Like Léa Seydoux waiting for the metaphorical “beast” to swallow her whole, with a Bertrand Bonello joint you’re always prepared…

Don’t Miss the Hilarious TWO EVILS Comedy Game Show—Coming April 24!

Guest starring super special guest comedian ZAK TOSCANI! by Wm. Steven Humphrey Are you looking for a hilarious, live comedy show where YOU can walk away with a fabulous PRIZE (or two)? Well, you’re in luck, because Mercury Geniuses of Comedy, Arlo Weierhauser and Kate Murphy, are your hosts for the most diabolical, hilarious, and…

Theater Review: Don’t Google Nassim

We don’t recommend knowing much about Nassim; if you haven’t read the other reviews—don’t. by Suzette Smith It’s not possible to perform Nassim the same way twice, but it’s all too easy to spoil the show for those who haven’t seen it. We’re reminded of a challenge Artists Repertory Theatre laid down when they staged…

SAVAGE LOVE: Best Interests

Will his new polyamorous lifestyle endanger his current child custody agreement? Depends on where he lives! by Dan Savage I’m a woman in a new polyamorous relationship with a man who has a five-year-old daughter. He and his ex-partner split up a year ago and until two weeks ago, his ex wasn’t allowing him to…

Good Morning, News: Buffalo Wild Wings Controversy, Wrestlemania Highlights, and Why Uncommitted Votes Might Be a Flop in Oregon

by Courtney Vaughn GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! It’s gonna be another day of mostly April showers today, with some afternoon sunshine coming out for a visit. It might be spring’s okay-est weather, with a high of 62 degrees and a low of 39. Let’s dive into the headlines! In LOCAL NEWS: A wave of Democrats and…

The Top 29 Events in Portland This Week: Apr 8-14, 2024

Sampha, Beetlejuice, and More Top Picks by EverOut Staff We may be in the full-blown chaos of Mercury retrograde, but don’t let that stop you from getting out and about this week. We’ve cherry-picked the best things for you to do, from Alice Phoebe Lou to The Second Annual International Booklover’s Burlesque Festival and from Sampha…

The Nature of Sheep

by Anonymous Sheep dash into the butcher’s barn when he tells them there is a hungry wolf lurking in the field. Republicans flock to the polls to cast their votes for the people who would deprive them of Social Security and Medicare, fairly compensated employment opportunity, a quality education for their children, affordable housing, clean…

Sleater-Kinney Gives Hometown Portland the Eras Treatment

Nothing says “We love our fans,” like a five-song encore. by Melissa Locker New York welcomes its heroes home with a ticker tape parade; Portland does it with a Friday night slot at Crystal Ballroom in front of a jubilant crowd. “We are very happy to be home in Portland,” Sleater-Kinney singer and guitarist Carrie…

Oscar Grouch

by Anonymous Congratulations local casting professionals! The 2025 Academy Awards will include an Oscar for casting! Be honest. You think you might win one, huh? You deserve it…exactly as much as the guy who fixed up Shakespeare’s parents deserves an award for Hamlet. Here’s hoping you’ll also get credit for all the actors you keep…

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Save Portland Street Response, Asylum Seekers in Trouble, and Is PNW Secession a Possibility?

by Wm. Steven Humphrey 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…

Good Morning, News: 2022 Housing Bureau Bilker Found, Portland Vegan Restaurant Blossoming Lotus Closes, and Environmental Advocates Love a Commission

by Suzette Smith 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 solar eclipse occurring on Monday, April 8 is…

Flashdance: The Musical

by Anonymous Why hasn’t anyone in this town produced a Flashdance: The Musical yet? What are you waiting for??? Continue Reading at PortlandMercury.com here Top Featured Tags: – Oregon News Press Release Distribution Service

Remorse

by Anonymous Remorse is a pernicious fusion of regret and guilt. Once it takes hold, there is no escape. Soldiers frequently suffer remorse. Too often they are compelled to do things that haunt them for what remains of their lives. Consider the following. A young man enters military service, goes through basic and advanced infantry…

Mayor Wheeler Revises Homeless Plan In Attempt to Avoid Legal Challenges

This time, he may have the support of a commissioner who previously cast the lone “no” vote. by Courtney Vaughn A city ordinance that would’ve severely restricted and criminally penalized unhoused people for resting in public is getting an overhaul.  The previous version essentially prohibited people from resting in public from 8 am to 8…

STREET VIEW: Public Transit Safety Concerns Deserve a Thoughtful Response

We can’t just sweep violence under the rug. But a punitive approach to public safety isn’t the way, either. by Taylor Griggs Last Friday evening, Michael Brady boarded an eastbound MAX train downtown. Tragically, he wouldn’t make it off the train alive. After being stabbed on the train near the 82nd Avenue station, Brady succumbed…

Mercury Music Picks: Blonde Redhead, Drew McDowell, Xavi, Kath Bloom

Sleater-Kinney’s Crystal Ballroom show is strangely affordable right now on the resale sites. by Suzette Smith Something strange we noticed this afternoon: There’s an abundance of affordable Sleater-Kinney tickets on the resale market right now. And that’s sort of normal when resellers might buy up a large amount of stock so they can turn a…

The Best Bang for Your Buck Events in Portland This Weekend: Apr 5-7 2024

Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus, Trillium Festival, and More Cheap & Easy Events Under $15 by EverOut Staff We’re back with another batch of cheap and cheerful events for your weekend, from Trillium Festival to Tag! Queer Shorts Festival 2024 and from Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus to The Biggest Clothing Swap in the Northwest. For more ideas,…

Hostile Witness

by Anonymous You did it, door-to-door doomsday cult proselytizers! You finally converted Grandma. It took you decades, but you had plenty of time to play the long game, huh, neighbors? You were right outside our door all along. Our family’s every calamity, tragedy, and moment of need was an opportunity, so you came knocking. You…

City of Portland to Form a Designated Climate Commission

The Sustainability and Climate Commission will be the missing half of the now-dissolved Planning and Sustainability Commission. Advocates hope it will be an influential voice for strong climate policy. by Taylor Griggs When the city of Portland dissolved the former Planning and Sustainability Commission more than a year ago, leaders promised to create two separate…

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