Abe Asher

Abe Asher

Abe Asher covers city news, politics, and soccer for the Portland Mercury. His reporting has appeared in The Nation, VICE News, Sahan Journal, and other outlets.

Recent Articles

Timbers 2023 Season Preview: What You Can Expect On the Field… and Off

The Timbers kickoff their thirteenth season Monday night.

Oregon’s Possible Removal of COVID Precautions Prompts Mixed Reactions

Despite the continued spread of COVID, health officials say rolling back pandemic safety measures is necessary to preserve public trust in emergency situations.

Candidate School Eyes Progressive Takeover of Portland City Council

Former mayoral candidate Sarah Iannarone wants progressives to seize new council seats in 2025.

Homeless Feb 16 8:00 AM

At Least 193 Homeless People Died in Multnomah County in 2021

It’s the highest number of houseless deaths ever recorded in a single year in Multnomah County since data collection began in 2011.

News Feb 13 11:00 AM

Oregon Lawmakers Aim to Expand Voting Rights to Incarcerated Oregonians—For The Third Time

State legislators believe their chances of success are better than ever.

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Coronavirus Feb 9 1:11 PM

Oregon Health Officials Optimistic about the Decline of COVID, Flu, and RSV

Despite the decline in respiratory illnesses, hospitals remain at or near capacity.

News Feb 1 1:00 PM

Tobacco Retailers Sue Multnomah County Over Ban on Flavored Products

While the future of Multnomah County’s ban is unclear, the lawsuit could be moot if the Oregon legislature passes a statewide flavored tobacco ban.

labor Jan 31 10:10 AM

City of Portland Office Workers Move to Form an Independent Union

“When push comes to shove at budget time, we always take the hit first,” union organizers say.

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News Jan 30 1:00 PM

Despite New Leadership, Portland Officials Decline to Reconsider Zenith Energy Deal

Climate activists will now turn their attention to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

News Jan 24 4:12 PM

Portland Thorns Fire Trainer, Assistant Coach Following Yet Another Investigation

Investigators recommended the staff members be placed on leave, but the team opted to fire them.

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News Jan 9 1:45 PM

Portland Thorns Announce New Head Coach Amid Leadership Upheaval

Former assistant coach Mike Norris felt like a "no-brainer" choice after the team's tumultuous season.

News Dec 1 11:34 AM

Merritt Paulson Will Sell Portland Thorns, Keep Timbers

The decision follows a year of mounting pressure to sell after abuse allegations.

labor Nov 18 2:31 PM

Afuri Restaurant Employees Announce Independent Union Drive

Staff at Afuri described working conditions that have been particularly chaotic over the last several months as the company expands in the Portland area.

News Oct 25 8:08 AM

Oregon is Poised to Pass the Strongest Gun Law in the US With Measure 114

Not all progressive supporters of gun control are sold on the proposal

News Oct 11 10:26 AM

Merritt Paulson Resigns as CEO of Portland Thorns, Timbers

Yet Paulson has no plans to sell the teams

Thorns Oct 5 11:34 AM

Thorns, Timbers Management Fires President of Soccer Gavin Wilkinson and President of Business Mike Golub

Owner Merritt Paulson fired his top two executives after a report uncovered their role in enabling abuse against players