"[4] Its long-running rivalry with Willamette Week began before its first issue was even printed when Willamette Week publisher Richard Meeker asked a Portland law firm to pay $10 to register the Mercury name with Oregon's Corporation Division, thus preventing it from being used for 120 days.

[6][7] Former managing editor Phil Busse's controversial tenure included charges of plagiarism, a favorable review for a restaurant that hadn't yet opened, a bid for mayor, and a cover featuring him wearing women's underwear, dollops of whipped cream, and a hard hat.

[8] Shrill, a television series based on Seattle-based writer Lindy West’s memoir and essay collection of the same name, was inspired by The Stranger and Portland Mercury and starred actress Aidy Bryant.

[10][11] Portland Mercury's print edition was published weekly until fall 2018[12] when it changed to bi-weekly beginning with the issue released on September 13, 2018.

[16][17] A special newsstand edition, titled 'Say Nice Things About Portland: A Manifesto,' was released in May 2023.