Lizzy Acker
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i'm a reporter writing about life & culture for @oregonian & i have an advice column called why tho?! send me your hot tips at lacker@oregonian.com! she/her
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Articles by Lizzy Acker
Portland Children’s Museum space has a new plan half a decade after closing Original
The Portland Children’s Museum in Washington Park was a COVID pandemic casualty that some parents still haven’t gotten over. The museum, which was the Children’s Museum for 20 years and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry before that, shuttered in 2021, citing “devastating attendance and revenue losses.” Since it closed, nothing in the Portland area has taken its place. Now, the Oregon Zoo will take ownership of the building, the zoo’s director announced Thursday.
Oregon Zoo's Tula-Tu showing 'encouraging signs' in virus fight
Portland's favorite baby elephant Tula-Tu is still fighting an infection of the same virus that killed her older sister Lily in 2018. "Tula remains in guarded condition, but she is showing encouraging signs," Dr. Carlos Sanchez, the zoo's director of animal health, said in a news release. "Her white-cell counts are nearly back to normal and her viral load is trending down.
‘Tough little elephant’ Tula-Tu shows positive signs after infection with virus that killed her sister in 2018
Portland’s favorite baby elephant Tula-Tu is still fighting an infection of the same virus that killed her older sister Lily in 2018. “Tula remains in guarded condition, but she is showing encouraging signs,” Dr. Carlos Sanchez, the zoo’s director of animal health, said in a news release. “Her white-cell counts are nearly back to normal and her viral load is trending down.
Magical holiday light displays in Portland and beyond you need to see this winter Original
On the deep nights of winter, nothing is cheerier and cozier than a holiday light display. Whether you are driving through a raceway or walking through a zoo, bright lights illuminating the dark ignite the joyful hope of the holiday season and remind everyone that the daylight hours are shorter now but that won’t be forever. Portland and the surrounding area are filled with light displays this season. Here are 13 to get you started.
Why Tho? My friend is about to start chemo. Can I send a gift? Original
Dear Lizzy, A friend of mine is starting chemo soon, and I want to send her something, but I’m not sure if acknowledging the fact that she’s starting chemo might actually make things worse? Should I send her something? If yes, what would be appropriate? Hoping to Help Dear Hoping to Help, I think it is definitely appropriate and actually a great idea to send something to a friend starting chemo.
Why Tho? I feel like other soccer moms are icing me out. But why? Original
Dear Lizzy, Recently, my soccer mom friend group fell apart, or at least fell away from me. The group chat has gone silent, and the other moms all seem to be talking to each other but not to me on the sidelines of the most recent soccer games. This would be one thing if we were in middle school, but we’re adult women in our 40s, all moms of kids on the same team. This has been going on for a month and I am feeling hurt and lonely and also confused about what happened.
After Lloyd Center closes, LoRell’s Chicken Shack lands in North Portland
All four tables at LoRell’s are full on a Tuesday around lunch, with groups of people employing stacks of napkins in a losing battle against hot honey and barbecue sauce. A woman dances to oldies as she walks in to pick up a takeout order. In the back, the fryer bubbles. This is the newest home of LoRell’s Chicken Shack, Darell Preston’s fried chicken spot that has gone on an odyssey from Southeast Portland, to Northeast to the Lloyd Center.
After the Lloyd Center, LoRell's opens on N. Russell Street — here's how to find it
All four tables at LoRell's are full on a Tuesday around lunch, with groups of people employing stacks of napkins in a losing battle against hot honey and barbecue sauce. A woman dances to oldies as she walks in to pick up a takeout order. In the back, the fryer bubbles. This is the newest home of LoRell's Chicken Shack, Darell Preston's fried chicken spot that has gone on an odyssey from Southeast Portland, to Northeast to the Lloyd Center.
Why Tho? Why was I left off the wedding list but invited to the baby shower Original
Dear Lizzy, I’m at the age where people around me are starting to get married and have kids. Twice, I have not been invited to a wedding but have, less than a year later, found an invitation to the same couple’s baby shower in my mailbox. I understand that weddings are more formal and more expensive, and they may be able to include additional friends at a more casual baby shower. My question is: is this tacky of them?
Review: ‘Wildwood’ makes Portland magic
Anyone who has lived in Portland knows there is something spooky and mystical about the city’s crows. While most Portlanders have never seen a murder of crows kidnap a baby boy from the top of a rickety old slide, on a fall night when the trees come alive with squawking and chirping, and the air fills with swirling black birds, it certainly feels possible.
Salt & Straw drops a new Tacolate flavor
Chocolate haters, your day has come. The strawberry pretzel cheesecake Tacolate, a new flavor of taco ice cream treat from Salt & Straw, will be available starting Friday at scoop shops across the country. The new Tacolate is salty and sweet and comes with a side of cream cheese frosting to dip or drizzle. It’s the same shape as its cinnamon ancho big sister, but flavor-wise, this is a totally different taco.
Salt & Straw's Tacolate gets a new flavor — no chocolate required
Lizzy Acker Fri, October 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Chocolate haters, your day has come. The strawberry pretzel cheesecake Tacolate, a new flavor of taco ice cream treat from Salt & Straw, will be available starting Friday at scoop shops across the country. The new Tacolate is salty and sweet and comes with a side of cream cheese frosting to dip or drizzle.
Oregon Zoo prepares to say goodbye to a beloved elephant
The Oregon Zoo is about to be down one Asian elephant, and Portland’s favorite toddler, elephant calf Tula-Tu, is going to have to say goodbye to her big brother. Samudra, the first calf born to Rose-Tu and the first third-generation zoo elephant born in the United States, will soon be heading out on his own. Samudra, also sometimes called “Sam,” was born at 3:56 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008, at the Oregon Zoo to mother Rose-Tu and father Tusko.
Star of ‘Wicked’ and ‘Jurassic Park’ brings celebrity moment to Portland barbershop
Everybody knows Jeff Goldblum is the Wizard of Oz (“Wicked”) and Dr. Ian Malcolm (“Jurassic Park”), but what you might not know is that Goldblum is also a musician. Goldblum, as himself, is playing tonight with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (say that three times fast). Yesterday, Goldblum did what any good performer would do the day before a show: he found a barber and got his hair cut. That barbershop was Best Coast Barber & Co on Southwest Harvey Milk Street.
Daylight saving time ends soon — here’s what you need to know
Daylight saving time is about to end. Are you ready? Fall is here and that means the return to standard time is on the horizon. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, the day after Halloween. That is good news for anyone who plans to stay up late, because it means one additional hour of sleep on Sunday morning. As of now, the biannual time change is still on, though some hope that daylight saving time will become permanent.
Fall time change is almost here — are you ready?
Daylight saving time is about to end. Are you ready? Fall is here and that means the return to standard time is on the horizon. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, the day after Halloween. • Fall has arrived, does that mean daylight saving time is over? • Daylight saving time ends over Halloween weekend this year. What does that mean for your celebrations? That is good news for anyone who plans to stay up late, because it means one additional hour of sleep on Sunday morning.
Portland State opens new $90M art building Original
Portland State University art students have a new place where they can learn and create on campus. The $90 million, 106,000-square-foot, mass-timber Jordan Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design building is now open on Southwest Broadway, the university announced Tuesday. The four-story building, designed by LEVER Architecture, fills an entire city block and brings multiple disciplines into one building for the first time.
Portland’s Flock food hall adds Asian-inspired ice cream shop
There’s a chill in the air. Is it time for ice cream? A new ice cream spot called Jade Cow Creamery is serving up “Asian-inspired” flavors underneath the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Portland. Jade Cow Creamery opened in July inside the Flock food hall, and according to the website, the ice cream, in flavors like ube cookies and cream and coconut pandan, are churned in small batches daily.
From ube cookies and cream to jasmine butterfly pea tea, new Portland shop serves up Asian-inspired ice cream
Lizzy Acker, Veronica Nocera, Allison Barr Wed, October 14, 2026 at 3:46 PM EDT 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google There's a chill in the air. Is it time for ice cream? A new ice cream spot called Jade Cow Creamery is serving up "Asian-inspired" flavors underneath the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Portland.
Oregon Zoo prepares to say goodbye to a beloved elephant
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Why Tho? Should kids open gifts at birthday parties?
Dear readers, When I originally ran this column in 2024, it was highly controversial. Recently, I made a TikTok with this same question, and, once again, it was controversial. It’s birthday season in my family, which means I am on a little vacation this week and we’ve recently opened a lot of presents, so I thought, “Hey, let’s give the people what they want. Something to make them angry.” Feel free to email me your thoughts and opinions, as a little treat to me.
Why Tho? Should kids open gifts at birthday parties?
Dear readers, When I originally ran this column in 2024, it was highly controversial. Recently, I made a TikTok with this same question, and, once again, it was controversial. It’s birthday season in my family, which means I am on a little vacation this week and we’ve recently opened a lot of presents, so I thought, “Hey, let’s give the people what they want. Something to make them angry.” Feel free to email me your thoughts and opinions, as a little treat to me.
Why Tho? Should kids open gifts at birthday parties?
Dear readers, When I originally ran this column in 2024, it was highly controversial. Recently, I made a TikTok with this same question, and, once again, it was controversial. It’s birthday season in my family, which means I am on a little vacation this week and we’ve recently opened a lot of presents, so I thought, “Hey, let’s give the people what they want. Something to make them angry.” Feel free to email me your thoughts and opinions, as a little treat to me.
Oregon Zoo's Samudra is growing up and moving out, just like any teenager would
Follow Oregon Zoo's Samudra is growing up and moving out, just like any teenager would Tue, October 13, 2026 at 4:43 PM EDT The Oregon Zoo is about to be down one Asian elephant, and Portland's favorite toddler, elephant calf Tula-Tu, is going to have to say goodbye to her big brother. Samudra, the first calf born to Rose-Tu and the first third-generation zoo elephant born in the United States, will soon be heading out on his own. Samudra, also sometimes called "Sam," was born at 3:56 p.m. Aug.
Oregon Zoo prepares to say goodbye to a beloved elephant
The Oregon Zoo is about to be down one Asian elephant, and Portland’s favorite toddler, elephant calf Tula-Tu, is going to have to say goodbye to her big brother. Samudra, the first calf born to Rose-Tu and the first third-generation zoo elephant born in the United States, will soon be heading out on his own. Samudra, also sometimes called “Sam,” was born at 3:56 p.m. Aug. 23, 2008, at the Oregon Zoo to mother Rose-Tu and father Tusko.
Harry Bosch is getting older but he isn’t slowing down...much
Michael Connelly isn’t Detective Hieronymus Bosch. They may both be men who live in Los Angeles and have one daughter and an interest in the justice system. But they aren’t the same. For one thing, Connelly is about five years younger than the detective he’s been writing for nearly 40 years, a fact that is becoming more and more apparent as Bosch gets older. In Connelly’s newest book, “The Hollow,” which comes out Oct.
Voodoo Doughnut unveils new donut tied to Portland's ‘Wildwood' film
The “Wildwood” tie-ins are upon us. The animated film set in Portland about a girl rescuing her brother from crows may not be out yet, but you can get the new “Wildwood” donut from Voodoo Doughnut. Technically called the “Wildwood Wild Berry” donut, this classic Voodoo concoction is “bursting with bright wild berry cream filling, dipped in cinnamon Voonilla frosting, and hand-decorated with Wildwood's signature ‘W' and ivy,” according to a press release about the movie/donut collab.
Voodoo Doughnut unveils new donut tied to Portland’s ‘Wildwood’ film
The “Wildwood” tie-ins are upon us. The animated film set in Portland about a girl rescuing her brother from crows may not be out yet, but you can get the new “Wildwood” donut from Voodoo Doughnut. Technically called the “Wildwood Wild Berry” donut, this classic Voodoo concoction is “bursting with bright wild berry cream filling, dipped in cinnamon Voonilla frosting, and hand-decorated with Wildwood’s signature ‘W’ and ivy,” according to a press release about the movie/donut collab.
This famous robot is finally back home in Oregon Original
Oregon’s favorite movie town has a new resident...and he’s alive! OK, not really. A version of Johnny 5, the robot from “Short Circuit” is now in Astoria, and has even gotten to visit Stephanie’s house from the movie. That house, known as the Short Circuit House, is owned by Richard Bates and operated as an Airbnb for film fanatics passing through Astoria. “I fell in love with the house when I was 6 years old,” Bates said.
Why Tho? Book club members take turns hosting, until 1 doesn’t and they all end up with a bill Original
Dear Lizzy, I have a burning book club etiquette question I’m hoping you can help with. I am part of a five-person book club and we rotate whose house it is at each month. It’s been discussed and established that the host provides dinner and beverages for the evening, including a couple of bottles of wine. Last month, the monthly host didn’t feel like hosting and asked if we would all be OK going out to dinner instead.
Liquor license filed as Doug Fir Lounge eyes early 2027 reopening
One of Portland’s favorite indie music venues has a tentative resurrection date. The Doug Fir Lounge, which closed on East Burnside Street in 2023, is reopening in the former home of Le Bistro Montage in February of next year or “maybe sooner,” said Mike Quinn, co-founder of Monqui Presents, the promoter behind the Doug Fir.
Carly Rae Jepsen is coming to Portland, and tickets go on sale next week Original
If you love to dance to Carly Rae Jepsen, we’ve got good news and bad news. First, the good news. The Canadian pop star, who’s been making sunshiny dance hits since 2011’s “Call Me Maybe” is bringing her “Day and Night” tour to Portland next year. The tour, in support of her latest album, “Day and Night,” that came out in September begins in Edmonton in April. After three Canadian dates, Jepsen’s first United States stop will be in Portland on Monday, April 19, 2027. Now, the bad news.
Where to find a pumpkin patch in the Portland area Original
The time officially has come to bedeck your home in pumpkins. Across the Portland area, pumpkin patches are opening their gates, dusting off the skeleton decorations, gassing up the tractor-ride tractor and clearing out their corn mazes. The choice of where to pick out the perfect pumpkin can be confounding. But here is a list of 16 options to get you started on your Halloween-y adventures. At Bauman Farms you’ll find mazes, obstacle courses, rides, animals and, of course, pumpkins.
Is this new romantic comedy the most Portland movie ever?
Benjamin Satterley 7 hours ago Tragic Details Emerge From the Sudden Death of All Elite Wrestling Star Pac at 40: What We Know Us magazine - By Daniel Trainor • 7h Details have emerged about the sudden death of All Elite Wrestling star Benjamin Satterley (a.k.a. Pac), whose body was discovered on Sunday, … Culture 7 hours ago The 10 Best Far Side Comics About Cats movieweb.com - By Adam Symchuk • 7h There is no denying that when it came to The Far Side, Gary Larson was all about our canine...
Is this new romantic comedy the most Portland movie ever? Original
Another movie coming out this fall is vying for title of “Most Portland Movie of All Time” and this one doesn’t feature a single magical being. Instead of being an animated feature about a young girl’s adventure in Forest Park, “In Spite of Ourselves” is a romantic comedy about two adults baking cinnamon rolls, walking through Portland parks and neighborhoods, doing comedy and, of course, falling in love in Portland.
Why Tho? I thought she was my friend, but our roommate situation tanked our relationship Original
Dear Lizzy, I’ve lived with a good friend for two years. For the last several months, we’ve had some disagreements about roommate things, like when to wash the dishes and if the cheese I bought for my dinner is up for grabs. She decided she wants to break the lease and move out, and she told me this over text. I am hurt and trying to figure out if I can even still be friends with this person I have known since college. What should I do?
Keep your eyes peeled, Portland — 2 major stars could be filming in your neighborhood Original
Keep your eyes peeled, Portland. Michelle Rodriguez and Jean Smart could be in town. The Portland Events and Film Office confirmed Monday that “Egg Baby,” a rom-com about a teen couple who must co-parent an egg for health class, is filming in the city. “For safety of cast and crew we don’t give out location specifics, casting announcements, or any other pertinent information during production,” Elyse Taylor Liburd, a spokesperson for the office, said. But, Deadline does.
Fall has arrived, does that mean daylight saving time is over? Original
The morning air is a little crisp, the leaves are a little crunchy and the pumpkins are everywhere. Fall is here. So, are we back to standard time yet? Sadly, for all the standard time heads out there, no. We still live in the time shifted reality of daylight saving time. And the end is only barely in sight. This year, daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. That means, after your night of Halloween revelry, you will get one additional hour to sleep off the Snickers bars.
Portland-area cake artist returns to ‘Halloween Wars’ with her winning team
If Liz Marek looks familiar to you, that’s probably because you’ve seen her bake on TV. Marek, who lives in Beaverton, is a cake wizard who has been featured on shows like “Super Mega Cakes,” “Foodtastic” and “Is It Cake?” which she won. Now, she’s returning to her roots: The Food Network show “Halloween Wars,” which she first appeared on in 2017. “It was so difficult,” Marek said of her first time on the show. “I was like, ‘I will never, ever do ”Halloween Wars’ again.’" Never say never.
13 surprisingly fun and spooky things to do in the Portland area this Halloween season
That chill in the air can mean only one thing: The time has come for little Spidermen and tiny K-Pop Demon Hunters to descend on local neighborhoods with the best Halloween candy. Halloween season may be the most fun of all seasons in Portland. The weather is always a coin flip between glorious fall day and nightmare deluge and the kids have been in school long enough to appreciate a little whimsy on the weekends.
The ultimate guide to Portland-area Halloween events in 2026, from haunted mazes to a pumpkin regatta
That chill in the air can mean only one thing: The time has come for little Spidermen and tiny K-Pop Demon Hunters to descend on local neighborhoods with the best Halloween candy. Halloween season may be the most fun of all seasons in Portland. The weather is always a coin flip between glorious fall day and nightmare deluge and the kids have been in school long enough to appreciate a little whimsy on the weekends.
Portland will demolish cherished indoor pool Original
Portland will tear down later this year a neighborhood pool where generations of children learned to swim. Columbia Pool, built in 1930, was closed during the COVID pandemic and then was shut down permanently in 2022 “after an independent structural engineering inspection identified severe life and safety hazards and significant deterioration,” Portland Parks and Recreation said in a news release Tuesday. Now, the building, which served North Portland for nearly 100 years, is set for demolition.
Why Tho? Fitness instructors weigh in on the etiquette of leaving class early Original
Dear readers, A couple of weeks ago, I answered a question about the etiquette of leaving a workout class early. I maintained that no one should feel imprisoned in a workout class and that you can leave at any time if you want, with the caveat that it’s polite to follow posted studio rules and also let the teacher know you have to bounce. Now, I have to be honest. This advice comes directly from how I live my life. I go to workout classes. Sometimes, I have to leave early.
Pedro Pascal spotted at Astoria coffee shop
Did you hear the one about Mister Fantastic walking into an Oregon coffee shop? It might make a good setup for a joke, but the situation really happened Sunday afternoon in Astoria; only Mister Fantastic was dressed as his alter ego, world-famous, beloved actor Pedro Pascal.
Eugene artist honors Dolly Parton with a Simpsons-style mural downtown Original
The day after Dolly Parton died in late August, Eugene muralist Bayne Gardner woke up early, found a wall and got to work. “I decided to paint a little tribute,” Gardner said. “I was reminded of the song that she wrote about Eugene.” Gardner makes all kinds of art on the walls of buildings in the area. But he might be best known around town for painting characters from “The Simpsons” in Springfield, the home of the fictional Simpson family and Eugene’s next-door neighbor.
Portland filmmaker’s doc on deaf American Gladiator debuts Tuesday
A Portland filmmaker’s documentary about a deaf Oregon American Gladiator premieres on HBO Max and at the Portland Art Museum this week. “Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie,” from Irene Taylor, explores the story of Shelley Beattie, a bodybuilder and a gladiator on the popular television competition show “American Gladiators” in the 1990s. Beattie, who was also a professional sailor and an artist, grew up in Oregon and died in 2008.
Portland officials to proclaim ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in honor of late country singer Original
The city of Portland plans to name Sept. 25 “Dolly Parton Day” in honor of the music icon who died in August. Why that day? As the city wrote in a press release: “September 25 is 9/25, making it the perfect day for Portland to honor the woman who gave the world ‘9 to 5.’” Parton was known for her music, of course, but also for her activism. And, as with probably most of the 50 states, Parton is beloved in Oregon.
One of Portland’s favorite comedians, Nariko Ott, dies at 46 Original
Nariko Ott, one of Portland’s most popular stand-up comedians, died last week at 46. “He was possibly the most sought-out booking in the whole city as far as local comedians go,” friend and fellow comedian Kate Murphy said. A celebration of Ott’s life is planned for Monday, Sept. 28 at Helium Comedy Club in Southeast Portland at 1 p.m. All are welcome. On Friday, when news of Ott’s death began to circulate, comedians and comedy clubs began to post tributes on social media.
The final ‘Wildwood’ trailer is here — and tickets are on sale now Original
The final trailer for “Wildwood” dropped Wednesday, and in it you can see how Laika Studios has turned Portland into a land of magic and mystery. So far, the studio behind the stop-motion-animated movie has dropped teasers and an official trailer, and even created crow artwork all over the city.
Why Tho? My religious mother hates it when my kids say ‘Oh my god’ Original
Dear Lizzy, I have to admit it: I let my kids use “god” as an expletive. They say, “Oh my god!” and I think it’s cute and funny (they are in elementary school). My mom, however, hates it. She is religious and finds it offensive and off-putting. But I don’t believe in god or God, am not religious, and frankly don’t care that it offends her. Maybe I kind of like it. Still, she’s giving me a really hard time about the kids saying “god.” Should I make them stop or just tell her to let it go? It’s 2026.
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