We consistently underestimate how much other people like us, and it may be hurting our social lives.

Men’s search for meaning is everyone’s problem.

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! We’re just under two weeks away from winter’s official onset. Need gift ideas, or tips on beating Seasonal Affective Disorder? How 'bout a bingo card to guide you through...

Technological progress and economic growth are preconditions for human happiness, not a guarantee.

The Court’s GOP majority wants grow Trump’s authority, but also give itself a veto power over the president.

AI is causing electricity prices to surge. No one is happy about it.

The ultimate college experience is social and Southern.

I see a lot of people who get passionate about change in our world to care about people but I don't see a lot of day to day action. Daily interactions are filled with people rushing, becoming easily frustrated and harshly judging others without consideration. Claiming to care about people while judging those who struggle, lack resources, or don’t meet socially approved standards is a contradiction. It’s easy to advocate for humanity in theory and...

You can now place bets on elections, wars, and deportations. Should you?

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.) • City Council Puts Financial Crackdown On Detention Facilities Portland City Council passed...

America’s foreign policy makes sense if you imagine a monarchy.

Admiral Rachel Levine was the first transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate to serve in the federal government. Her official portrait at HHS headquarters has been altered.

It’s been a tough year for climate work around the country, with the Trump administration slashing funding for programs intended to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the threats of the climate crisis. But Portland has a secret weapon for local environmental action: The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, also known as PCEF. To date, the fund has allocated $1.71 billion in grants for climate projects. This year, the fund is set to dole out...

If you appreciate the Mercury's interesting and useful news & culture reporting, consider making a small monthly contribution to support our editorial team. Your donation is tax-deductible. You can also subscribe and have our papers delivered! Good Morning, Portland: Today I'm joined by the inimitable Suzette Smith for a few short cameos because, well, sometimes great people do kindnesses for other people. And if those people go on to do kindnesses for other people, it...

The historic increase in global child deaths, explained in one chart.

There is no plausible argument that Trump’s attack on birthright citizenship is constitutional.

Bogotá’s radical experiment in caregiving is going global.

Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing local families in Salem, Keizer, Gervais and Woodburn. Too many people — from veterans to first-time homebuyers — are being priced out of the communities they love. That’s why I am supporting Virginia Stapleton for Oregon Senate. Virginia knows we can’t solve Oregon’s housing crisis without …

We always want to respect our donors, says Julia Dolan, Portland Art Museum (PAM)'s senior photography curator. But we're trying to orient directionally. Dolan was leading a tour group through the new Rothko Pavilion, walking us into the north wing, which happens to house the now more accessible rooms dedicated to photography. Like several of the museum's other areas, PAM's photo collections have been packed away for much of the four-year construction project to connect...