Dec 23, 2025 - News
Portland's 2025, wrapped
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
As 2025 nears its end, we wanted to reflect on the biggest stories of the year.
The big picture: Lawmakers tackled a billion-dollar transportation fix, Damian Lillard is a Blazer once again to everyone's delight, Portland's restaurant scene continues to smash it and our love of all things nude was on full display.
- We covered the power struggle in Portland's new form of government, how the Trump administration's crackdown on spending impacted Oregon and why downtown business owners are optimistic — oh, not to mention the National Guard situation and ensuing court battle.
- Plus: We had fun eating our way around the city, learning about one resident's backyard monarch sanctuary, detailing our art museum's new digs and fighting with our northern neighbor about who is actually the best in the Pacific Northwest.
State of play: We compiled a list of the stories that racked up the most views this year.
- Troops coming to Portland spawns "emergency" naked bike ride
- Oregon comes in 35th in a ranking we don't believe in
- Absurdity inflates at Portland's ICE protests
- Solo campers seek calm in wild places
- Next Adventure to close all stores (luckily that didn't happen!)
- Why Oregon gets more than it gives to Washington, D.C.
- Road trips to make you fall in love with Oregon again
- No-mow lawns: A photo tour of Portland's wild yards
What's next: In the coming weeks, we'll be mapping out our coverage for 2026, and we'd love to know what you want to see.
- What topics or issues would you like covered? More city politics and business? What about new restaurant openings, or arts and culture reviews?
- Send an email to [email protected] and let us know, and thanks as always for reading.