Portland Mercado is moving closer to welcoming vendors and visitors back after reconstruction efforts continued at the community marketplace that was heavily damaged by a fire. The nonprofit-operated cultural and business hub in Southeast Portland is targeting a September reopening date, marking a major milestone in recovery efforts that
By: Vicent Morris A surprising number of contemporary romances are built around people falling in love while barely speaking honestly to each other. Twinkle of Doubt goes in the opposite direction. Patricia Leavy is much more interested in what happens after two people already know each other deeply and
A long-running tavern established in 1946 continues to operate in Washington County as the Helvetia Tavern remains open to diners. The tavern, located in the rural Helvetia community near Hillsboro, maintains regular service and continues to receive customers throughout the week. Its operations are centered on dine-in service, with
By Mark Wilson In Seth Panitch’s novel Antique, objects are never just objects. A necklace is not merely jewelry. A family heirloom is not simply an item passed down through generations. Every antique in the novel carries emotional weight, buried history, and the possibility of revelation. That idea gives
Glenn Ross packed his camera gear and relocated to Portland for two months. The trip was not a vacation. He came to document local musicians, study venues, and learn how Portland’s sound differs from what he captures across Colorado. Ross has spent years covering the Rocky Mountain scene as
A plant-based burger brand from Portland has been included in a national Food & Wine selection highlighting some of the best burgers available in the United States, drawing attention to its meat-free approach within a traditionally meat-centered category. The inclusion places the Portland brand among a curated group of
PORTLAND, OR (April 22, 2026). At a time when healthcare systems nationwide face workforce shortages, financial strain, and evolving regulatory pressures, the documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup: Trust & Betrayal – Healthcare in America will screen in Portland on May 31, at 1 p.m. (doors 12:30 p.m.) at the
By: Cat Maya Jim Boland’s juvenile-grade novel The Black Egg Children is a journey into courage, imagination, and self-discovery, one that powerfully highlights the importance of empowering young people, especially young women, to recognize their worth and potential. At its heart is Rachel, a young girl who learns to
In an era where the line between history and headline feels increasingly blurred, Jack Cashman has carved out a literary voice that refuses to look away. His work exists at the intersection of storytelling and civic reflection, where personal narrative meets national reckoning. Over the course of his career,
The Oregon Zoo announced on April 2, 2026, the passing of Zawadi Mungu, a cherished African lion who had led the zoo’s pride for more than a decade. At the age of 18, Zawadi was among the oldest male lions in North America, a symbol of resilience and longevity
The Oregon Ghost Conference, an annual paranormal event held in Seaside, Oregon, is set to return from March 27–29, 2026. The conference has become a staple in the region’s cultural and tourism calendar, attracting ghost enthusiasts, investigators, and curious travelers from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The event
Portland’s cherry blossoms, a hallmark of the city’s spring season, have made an early appearance this year, transforming public parks and the waterfront into vibrant displays of color. This unseasonal bloom, observed weeks ahead of the typical April peak, underscores the effects of warmer winters and shifting environmental patterns
Oregon will introduce new parking fees at 22 state parks and trailheads starting March 30, 2026. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) confirmed the changes, citing a need to address rising maintenance costs as outdoor recreation continues to increase in popularity. The fees will apply to both daily
Economic strain is shaping Portland’s bar and bistro landscape in 2026, with a series of recent closures across multiple neighborhoods reflecting ongoing financial pressures on independent operators. The trend spans longtime neighborhood establishments and newer concepts, signaling a broad set of challenges for Portland’s hospitality sector. Portland Sees Continued
Portland’s reputation as one of the country’s leading cities for vegan food continues to grow in 2026. The city’s commitment to plant‑based dining is reflected in its ever‑expanding range of vegan options, particularly within bakeries and food carts. These establishments serve as the epicenter of Portland’s culinary innovation, showcasing
Black Portland’s community has a history rooted in migration, resilience, and cultural expression. The community’s early foundations date back more than a century, when the promise of labor opportunities during wartime attracted Black migrants to the city. However, the growth of Black Portland was also influenced by restrictive housing
Portland, Oregon, is known for its vibrant arts scene, attracting filmmakers and musicians alike. However, the city’s unique weather patterns can have a significant impact on film and music production. This article explores how Portland weather affects film and music production, offering insights and tips for artists working in
The James Beard Foundation has released its 2026 semifinalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards, showcasing Oregon’s culinary talent. This year, ten chefs, restaurants, and beverage professionals from across the state earned recognition, solidifying Oregon’s place as a key player in the national food scene. Portland leads the charge
Portland’s outdoor scene is more than just a weekend escape, it’s a way of life. In 2025, the city’s trails, parks, and bike paths are seeing record use as residents lean into nature for fitness, mental health, and community connection. Whether it’s sunrise hikes in Forest Park or gravel
Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon residents will face higher fees for park access as the state increases its park pass prices. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has announced these changes to help address a significant budget shortfall, primarily caused by a reduction in state lottery funding. This
Alvord Desert in Oregon offers a striking landscape that draws visitors looking for a unique and peaceful escape. This remote desert is located in southeastern Oregon, offering a vast, open playa that stands in stark contrast to the state’s lush, rainy coastlines. Its dry lakebed stretches across a remarkable
Portland, OR — A 59-acre parcel of land along the Willamette River, once home to the McCormick & Baxter creosote wood-treating facility, is at the center of a bold redevelopment proposal that could transform the site into Portland’s largest botanical gardens. The land, long designated a Superfund property due
Local art is receiving renewed attention across Portland as city agencies, nonprofits, and grassroots organizers expand support for creative talent. From murals and dance performances to multidisciplinary festivals and artist residencies, Portland is investing in cultural infrastructure that reflects the region’s values: accessibility, equity, and community expression. This support
Hillsboro, Oregon, is marking its 150th anniversary with the introduction of a new city flag, chosen through a public vote and officially adopted by the City Council in January 2026. The unveiling of this flag is not only part of the sesquicentennial celebrations but also a symbol of unity
