When we say westside, we’re talking Northwest, Southwest and the suburbs beyond—that’s where you’ll find perfect salts and chocolates, Persian tea and Lebanese bites.

When Portland Community College’s faculty and academic professionals union went on strike in March, the college became a testing ground for what was arguably the most controversial bill to come out of the 2025 legislative session.

While the pandemic ripped some stellar businesses from Portland’s hands, it also somehow gave us a few good surprises, like Montelupo Market. 

“Forty-one years ago I volunteered to help put Portlandia together. I spent that summer and into fall shaping and brazing the seams. It was brutally hard work with the sun beating down, with multiple torches adding to it.”

We’ve rounded up everything from Portland-made knives to hand-thrown porcelain dishes, and we’ve included tips on how to take care of your goods from the experts.

The board first authorized the renaming process in March 2024, following advocacy from people at the school who said Jason Lee’s values were inconsistent with theirs.

“A representative who experiences accountability as abuse is not well suited to representing the people with real stakes in her decisions.”

In other news: MAC bombing inflames mental health care debate.

“Portlandia is an iconic statue that is nationally renowned. It currently rests in obscurity surrounded by a mundane building and trees. Why not place it next to the river?”

Informed voting is a lot of research to fit in between your job, dinner prep, and the kids’ soccer practice. We’re hoping this issue gives you a bit of a running start.