Justin Townes Earle’s Portland Years
The late singer-songwriter’s time in town was pivotal and painful.
The Mercury 2026 Music Issue: “All Genres, All Generations, All Genders”
Now is always the time to lock in with the music around you.
The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for May 11-17
This week: Florence + The Machine, jam-making, and the Mercury’s Music Issue launch party!
MORE COLUMNS 
Second Run Portland • Do This, Do That
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Horoscopes • The Black Byline • The Trash Report
The Price of the Ticket Is Cost-Conscious
Oregon Contemporary’s 2026 artists’ biennial considers the personal and financial toll of what it costs to be an American.
The Music issue 🎸
Council Budget Talks Highlight Tension Over Proposed PCEF Moda Center Investment
Mayor Keith Wilson has suggested Portland’s Clean Energy Fund can spare $75 million for Moda Center upgrades, but the details are murky.
Food News: Longtime Güero Cook Detained by ICE
Plus, a new Thai-inspired cocktail bar with Trinidadian bites opens, and Alpenrausch will close.
Good Girl Is the Central Eastside’s New “Slutty Goth Dive Bar”
Good Girl takes over the spot formerly occupied by Home, A Bar.
Category Is: Attending Your First Ball
Ten tips from the Rebound on what to do, how to dress, and where to find the next ball!
A Blue Heron Under the Influence
Sophy Romvari’s heart-wrenching debut docudrama is autofiction for the screen.
Portland Fire Blaze Their Own Trail
The Fire may have fallen short in their first game, but their blaze is only beginning to burn.
They Thought They Were Leaving Prison Early. Then They Weren’t.
In 2025, Oregon reduced hundreds of sentences. Then they added time back. The chaos caused confusion and false hope.
New Federal Logging Plan Could Decimate Oregon’s Old Growth Forests
Under Trump, the Bureau of Land Management wants to restore timber harvests to pre-1990 levels. Federal agencies say it could reduce wildfire risk and boost the economy. Environmental groups warn it could make conditions worse.
Youth Crisis Line is Not at Risk of Closing, Despite Proposed Cuts
Lines for Life and congressional allies are pressing Multnomah County for continued funding.
Jibz Cameron Becomes Dynasty Handbag
The artist’s new memoir traces the evolution of her performance alter ego.
The Top Five Places in Portland To Avoid Tourists
Panic! Tourist season is here. Where can a Portlander find some peace?
Turn! Turn! Turn! Wants To Be a “Place for Weirdos”
The venue has new owners. Artistic freedom is welcome.