Portland Mercury

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 stories shipped directly to your email's in-box... and then... YOUR HEAD.) • Despite Being Safe From Deep Budget Cuts, Fire Bureau Puts Mental

by Anonymous The Decemberists have sung: Come the war Come the avarice Come the war Come hell Come the attrition Come the reek of bones Come the attrition Come hell (“This is why we fight”) They just released new music as more Gazan hospital space is invaded to “save” hostages. This Portland group is one part of what is right in this city—their thoughtful lyrics, musicianship, and Colin’s compelling voice.  Their anti-war lyrics (with

Zwickelmania, Threads of Remembrance, and More Cheap & Easy Events Under $15 by EverOut Staff There's no reason to stay parked on the couch all weekend when cheap and easy events from Zwickelmania to the 8th Annual Lunar New Year Dragon Dance and Celebration and from Threads of Remembrance: 45 Years of Activism, Community, and Reparations to the 25th Anniversary Reading for the Attic Institute of Arts and

The world’s largest genetic bank charges a small fortune to uncover stolen histories — but should they? by Donovan Scribes (fka Donovan Smith) “I think it’s fucked up to live in America, where they stole you from your homeland then sell your ancestry back to you. Like yeah, you know for $100 I’ll show you where we stole you from!” -  DL Hughley, Contrarian (2018). “We’re going to do a family crest

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: Won't you join me in screaming at the sky? It's Friday—but it's gonna be one of THOSE Fridays. Let's hit the cream cheese. IN

Plus, Dave Matthews Band and More Event Updates for February 15 by EverOut Staff “Lords of Portland” Portugal. The Man are bringing their Knik Country tour to Edgefield this summer. Santana will make things smooth as hell on his Oneness tour with the Counting Crows. Plus, legendary jammers Dave Matthews Band will stop in Bend this coming August. Read on for details on those and other newly announced events, plus

After an alarming report last year revealed a major drop in cycling, Portland’s bike advocates want to change the narrative. by Taylor Griggs The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) released the city’s 2023 bicycle count data this week, revealing an uptick in bike ridership compared to the year prior. But among local bike advocates, the verdict is still out about how to interpret the new numbers. The

Highlighting veteran jazz muscle, musicians from Portland’s own excellent jazz scene, and a couple younger artists who are taking jazz into a promising future, here are the Mercury's picks for the 2024 Portland Jazz Festival. by Mark Lore Once again, Portland Jazz Festival lights up our city's venues with an incredible a mix of bonafide legends and emerging artists, all known for expanding the boundaries of