Vibe Check

Portland’s Seasonally Affected, Politically Depressed Mood

Photographer Jordan Gale attempts to capture the city’s wilted spirit as inauguration looms and seasonal depression lingers.

01/17/2025 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Jordan Gale

In Defense of Skinny Skis

Cross-Country Skiing Is More Joyful Than You Think

It’s serene, affordable, and as strenuous or leisurely as you want it to be—and a balm during dark Northwest winters.

11/19/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Parenthood

Portland’s New Parenting Groups Are Doing Something Radical

They're focusing on the mom.

10/31/2024 By Miranda Rake Illustrations by Johanna Goodman

Urban Energy

Has Portland Lost Its Vibe?

An essayist chronicles the city’s shifting ambience over 15 years from his perch in Northeast Portland, and how to get our groove back.

12/04/2023 By William Deresiewicz Illustrations by Kelsey Dake

Essay

After Dobbs, a Mother Imagines What Would Have Happened without a Choice

‘Speaking more openly about abortion and later abortion, including with our children, is probably the most important thing we can do to ensure Oregon continues to protect this basic human right.’

11/08/2022 By Hanna Neuschwander Illustrations by Marina Muun

Performance

How I Learned to Hula-Hoop from Cirque du Soleil Artists

In Portland for their production of Alegría, the world's greatest contortionists face their toughest challenge yet.

06/29/2022 By Conner Reed

Pop Culture Deep Dive

Electra Heart 10 Years Later

Revisiting one of Tumblr-pop's most indefatigable outputs on its tin anniversary.

04/29/2022 By Conner Reed

Pop Culture Deep Dive

The 2022 Oscars Were the Last Gasp from a Dying Civilization

Listicles, rage, weakly gestural activism—will horseman number four please stand up?

03/28/2022 By Conner Reed

Valentine's Day

Build-a-Bear’s Adult V-Day Collection, Ranked by How Much I Want to Date Each Character

Pawlette just has a vibe.

02/10/2022 By Conner Reed

Pop Culture Deep Dive

2021 Was the Year of Millennial Ambivalence

Lorde’s Solar Power and Sally Rooney's Beautiful World, Where Are You are polarizing explorations of a major 2021 theme: processing devastation by turning away from absolutes.

12/31/2021 By Conner Reed