What To Do

In a Gloomy Pandemic Season, the Portland Winter Light Festival Returns Just in Time

The annual event is more dispersed, masked, and distanced, but still aglow.

02/01/2021 By Julia Silverman

Health

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s … Sort-of-Good News about Coronavirus in Oregon?

We can’t believe it either, frankly.

01/22/2021 By Julia Silverman

Education

The Bar to Reopening Schools in Portland Just Got a Little Bit Lower

New state guidelines pave the way for elementary school kids in the Portland area to return to the classroom.

01/19/2021 By Julia Silverman

Politics

Hear Ye, Hear Ye: The Oregon Legislature Is Now in Session

Here’s what to watch for in Salem over the next six months.

01/11/2021 By Julia Silverman

Organizing

Feeling Overwhelmed? Take Some Time to Organize, and Reap the Sweet Serotonin Boost

You can’t single-handedly heal the world of its many ills. But you can create order at home and clear your own head in the process.

12/30/2020 By Julia Silverman

Small Business

For Some Portland Businesses, the Pandemic Was the Chance They Needed to Get in the Game

Available commercial space and a market for little luxuries at home were silver linings of 2020.

12/29/2020 By Julia Silverman

Government

What Will 2021 Have in Store for the Portland City Council?

Watch for police reform, affordable housing and the future of downtown to take center stage.

12/22/2020 By Julia Silverman

Education

In Virtual School, More Oregon Kids Are Getting "Incompletes" On Their Report Cards

Attendance and grading data show gaps widening for BIPOC students

12/14/2020 By Julia Silverman

Travel & Outdoors

Your Next Favorite Winter Activity Awaits

You’ve skied. You’ve skated. May we entice you with something new?

12/14/2020 By Margaret Seiler, Julia Silverman, and Riley Blake

Feature

Middle-Grade Graphic Novels Are Storming the Best-Seller Lists

Portland creators are getting in on the boom.

12/13/2020 By Julia Silverman

Travel & Outdoors

Multimountain Passes Let You Sample Regional Ski Areas for One (Still Not That Low) Fee

We look at some of the multiresort options.

12/04/2020 By Julia Silverman

Light a Fire

At Portland Audubon, There’s Wildlife Rescue, Nature Education, and Environmental Advocacy for All

At our “Caring for the Planet” award winner, it’s always baby bird season.

12/02/2020 By Julia Silverman

Local Business

These Portlanders Have Closed Their Own Shops. But That Isn't All They're Missing.

We asked Toffee Club’s Niki Diamond to tell us about a dearly departed outlet she’s mourning, and then kept the shout-outs going.

12/02/2020 By Julia Silverman

Elections

Same-Day Voter Registration, Extra Ballot Drop Boxes, and More Could Be Headed Our Way

Gov. Kate Brown's 2021-2023 budget includes a handful of proposals to further expand voter access statewide.

12/01/2020 By Julia Silverman

Field Notes

Need a Snowy Change of Scene? Head Up to Bennett Pass

A high-elevation sno-park offers an early-season escape from the city.

11/28/2020 By Julia Silverman

Education

What Are Oregon School Districts Doing to Make Classrooms Safer for Teachers and Kids?

And will it be enough to help schools open before June?

11/25/2020 By Julia Silverman

Home Projects

Should You DIY a Galvanized Steel Hot Tub in Your Backyard?

It might depend on your—and your partner’s—patience levels.

11/24/2020 By Julia Silverman

Design

These 6 Northwest Schools Are Inspiring Post-Pandemic Design

From high-tech ventilation systems to “flex spaces” for students to work while social distancing to sweeping outdoor classrooms, here are a few spookily pres...

11/20/2020 By Julia Silverman

Coronavirus

Comparing Lockdown Levels in the West Coast States

Is a freeze by any other name just as strict? Let's find out!

11/18/2020 By Julia Silverman

Education

As Oregon Locks Down Again, Has the Chance to Open Schools Slipped Away?

Parents have been lobbying, but some fear a return to in-person school is still months away.

11/13/2020 By Julia Silverman