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

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.

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.

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.

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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

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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

News Oct 4 5:04 PM

Thorns, Timbers Fan Groups Sever Ties With Club Management Over "Devastating" Report

Supporters say front office officials including owner Merritt Paulson misled and lied to them.

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News Oct 3 1:45 PM

Portland Thorns Management Helped Enable and Perpetuate Abuse, According to Damning New Report

Owner Merritt Paulson and president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson have been called out for covering up former manager Paul Riley's actions, protecting him, and impeding the investigation.

Sports Sep 30 10:18 AM

Review: A New Documentary Shines Light on Abuse Within the Portland Thorns and Women's Soccer

Truth Be Told–The Fight For Women’s Professional Soccer focuses on former Thorns coach Paul Riley and other scandals that rocked the league.