It’s the Mercury 2026 Holiday Issue!
The ultimate guide to the Portland holiday season.
Committee Invites Portlanders to Address Mayor, Police Chief at Public Forum on Policing
Got questions about policing in Portland? Now you can ask them directly to Mayor Wilson and Chief Day.
POP QUIZ PDX: What’s Inside YOUR Toilet?
See how well YOU score in this week’s super fun and local trivia quiz!
Food News: Old Pal Announces Its Closure, a Hawaiian Pop-Up Takes Over Departure’s Patio, and a European-Style Inn and Tavern Comes to Troutdale
Plus, Sesame Collective is adding yet another restaurant, and St. Johns is getting a new cocktail bar.
MORE COLUMNS 
Second Run Portland • Do This, Do That Calendar
•
Horoscopes • The Black Byline • Spin Cycle
An Iliad Is the Best Way to Experience The Iliad
Third Rail Repertory brings an ancient epic war uncomfortably close to home.
Taxing Corporations With Huge CEO-Worker Pay Gaps is Good For Workers, and Businesses
Portland needs more revenue and workers need a raise. Raising the city’s surcharge on extreme pay gaps could accomplish both, while encouraging better business practices, too.
“Just the Beginning”: Portland Progressives Say Voters Affirmed Support for Their Vision
Three DSA members easily won reelection to City Council, and progressives fared well in county races. Advocates say it proved “people power” prevailed over PACs.
“We Wish We Could Be Better”: Portland Thorns End 2026 Season With Tough Quarterfinals Loss
The Washington Spirit pummeled the team in a 4-1 defeat.
Election Update: Julia Brim-Edwards Concedes in Multnomah County Chair Race as Portland City Councilors Celebrate Reelection
Big spending and campaign blitzes likely weren’t enough to effect a shakeup at City Hall, or sway voters on county leadership.
Sour Widows Conjure Magic on Their Sophomore Album, Sigil
The Bay Area duo is dialing up the dreaminess at the Aladdin Theater on November 11.
Mary in the Junkyard Brings British Folkloric-Indie to Portland
Exploring past lives and embracing fable-like playfulness, this UK-based band is bound for more adventure.
Where to Dine In and Get Takeout for Thanksgiving
Whether you want to leave all the work to the pros or simply outsource the bird, options abound.
Where to Pick Up Pies and Desserts for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026
Bring classic pecan or pumpkin pies to your feast, or go non-traditional with Basque cheesecake.
Food News: Cafe Rowan Introduces Dinner, Verdure Takes Over Evenings at Chubby Bunny, and Mossback Will Open on Gladstone With Pizza and Drinks
Plus, wine maven Dana Frank moves to L’Échelle and La Casa De Mama goes brick and mortar.
Diary of a Carry Shit Olympian
I raced cargo bikes on a road bike in a Portland 24-hour scavenger hunt race, and all I got was a tiny bottle of chain lube.
Council Candidate Eli Arnold Is a Cop. In 2021, He Used Force More than Any Other Officer.
Arnold ranked 14th out of 991 officers who reported force over a 10-year period, not including protests. Black and homeless Portlanders were disproportionately impacted.
Spain Compares Rising Fascism Before the Spanish Civil War to Now
Strong performances and important ideas sell Profile Theatre’s ambitious season opener.
Unhoused and Unheard: Shelter Residents Report Poor Management and Unfair Treatment
City Ombudsman releases survey results from Portlanders staying at local shelters.