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New plant hardiness map shows only subtle shifts in Oregon

Warming winters impact which plants thrive.

News

Policies guiding Portland police's use of body cameras

The city is one of the last of its size to implement the devices across its police agency.

Portland holiday lights guide

Don't miss the sing-a-long at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Things to Do

Who picks up Portland's trash?

You might have to first pick up the phone.

Portland's global business footprint

How $240 million of state investments may help.

Portland ranked 25th among the best U.S. cities for foreign companies to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="do business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/16/manufacturing-supercycle" data-vars-content-id="e0e2f259-c56f-4025-8a48-df318b5514d5" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s global business footprint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/16/manufacturing-supercycle" target="_self">do business</a> per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://ig.ft.com/us-cities-index/" data-vars-content-id="e0e2f259-c56f-4025-8a48-df318b5514d5" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s global business footprint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ig.ft.com/us-cities-index/" target="_blank">new analysis</a> by the business news outlets the Financial Times and Nikkei.Why it matters: Foreign investment — whether buying a local company or setting up something new — can create jobs and increase trade, putting money into the local economy and expanding the local tax base.

A map of the US with darker and lighter red dots marking cities ranked by their attractiveness to foreign investment.

New businesses in Portland area on upward trend

New business openings are a good measure of economic sentiment.

The number of businesses newly listed on Yelp across the Portland metro area continues a jagged climb out of the pandemic-driven shutdowns, with 437 openings in July, according to the company.Why it matters: New business openings are a good measure of economic sentiment — people generally don&#x27;t risk embarking on a new venture if they foresee economic peril ahead.

A line graph showing a jagged but steady overall rise since 2020.

Providence beats Intel as Portland area's biggest employer

Health care employment is expected to rise significantly in the next decade.

A new ranking of Portland-area companies based on the number of people they employ put Providence Health &amp; Services at the top for the first time, surpassing Intel.Why it matters: While employment numbers at any company can rise or fall depending on many factors, identifying big employers also helps paint a picture of trends and needs in the region.

Illustration of a red cross multiplying into many red crosses. 

Composting rules roll out for majority of Portland businesses

The new requirement is an effort to cut down on excessive food waste .

Business

Food businesses across Portland will soon be required to compost their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food waste" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/04/america-food-waste-problem-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="85c1882e-4206-4bad-ab1a-e29941f6176f" data-vars-headline="Composting rules roll out for majority of Portland businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/04/america-food-waste-problem-climate-change" target="_self">food waste</a>, if they&#x27;re not already, or risk fines.Why it matters: The new requirement, enacted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/business-garbage-policies/food-scraps-requirement#:~:text=Enforcement%20is%20phased%20based%20on,60%2Dgallon%20compost%20roll%20carts." data-vars-content-id="85c1882e-4206-4bad-ab1a-e29941f6176f" data-vars-headline="Composting rules roll out for majority of Portland businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/business-garbage-policies/food-scraps-requirement#:~:text=Enforcement%20is%20phased%20based%20on,60%2Dgallon%20compost%20roll%20carts." target="_blank">this year</a> by nearly two dozen local governments in the region, is an effort to cut food waste and turn it into nutrient-rich fertilizer for farms, city parks, community gardens and soil amendment projects.

An image of a green trash can with the words "Food Only" printed on it.

Powell's Books workers to strike on Labor Day

It'll be the first strike for Powell's in two decades.

Unionized workers at Powell&#x27;s Books will hold a one-day &quot;unfair labor practice&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/04/powells-books-portland-workers-authorize-strike" data-vars-content-id="ca47808d-af6e-4da5-8a5e-e93263245f60" data-vars-headline="Powell&#x27;s Books workers to strike on Labor Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/04/powells-books-portland-workers-authorize-strike" target="_self">strike</a> on Labor Day after months of ongoing contract negotiations with management.Why it matters: Monday&#x27;s strike will be the first in two decades for the independent bookseller. Union members hope the move will put pressure on the company ahead of its bargaining session the following day.

Illustration of a book with the pages made of money. 

Widmer and 10 Barrel can regain "craft" status

A global cannabis company is buying Widmer and 10 Barrel Brewing.

Anheuser-Busch&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sale" data-vars-click-url="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/anheuser-busch-bud-sells-8-152300521.html" data-vars-content-id="f89af6e7-98c2-4a9d-bc69-9269995e4c47" data-vars-headline="Widmer and 10 Barrel can regain &quot;craft&quot; status" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/anheuser-busch-bud-sells-8-152300521.html" target="_blank">sale</a> of Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Widmer Brothers Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.widmerbrothers.com/" data-vars-content-id="f89af6e7-98c2-4a9d-bc69-9269995e4c47" data-vars-headline="Widmer and 10 Barrel can regain &quot;craft&quot; status" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.widmerbrothers.com/" target="_blank">Widmer Brothers Brewing</a> and Bend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10 Barrel Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://10barrel.com/" data-vars-content-id="f89af6e7-98c2-4a9d-bc69-9269995e4c47" data-vars-headline="Widmer and 10 Barrel can regain &quot;craft&quot; status" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://10barrel.com/" target="_blank">10 Barrel Brewing</a> means the popular brands can once again be dubbed &quot;craft brewers.&quot;Why it matters: Craft beer is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a protected seal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/independent-craft-brewer-seal/" data-vars-content-id="f89af6e7-98c2-4a9d-bc69-9269995e4c47" data-vars-headline="Widmer and 10 Barrel can regain &quot;craft&quot; status" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/independent-craft-brewer-seal/" target="_blank">a protected seal</a> within the industry, used to boost marketing and tap into consumers who prioritize drinking independent local beer.

The interior of a bar with a sign reading 10 barrel brewing above it.

Oregon opens applications for new paid family leave program

The new program is open for applications, and benefits begin in September.

Oregon&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paid family leave" data-vars-click-url="https://paidleave.oregon.gov/" data-vars-content-id="1e197ef0-ae2d-47c7-8d14-f0b89fd10d87" data-vars-headline="Oregon opens applications for new paid family leave program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://paidleave.oregon.gov/" target="_blank">paid family leave</a> program opened for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="applications" data-vars-click-url="https://frances.oregon.gov/_/" data-vars-content-id="1e197ef0-ae2d-47c7-8d14-f0b89fd10d87" data-vars-headline="Oregon opens applications for new paid family leave program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://frances.oregon.gov/_/" target="_blank">applications</a> Monday, following four years of preparation — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disrupted by COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mercer.com/insights/law-and-policy/oregons-paid-family-and-medical-leave-contributions-begin-in-2022/" data-vars-content-id="1e197ef0-ae2d-47c7-8d14-f0b89fd10d87" data-vars-headline="Oregon opens applications for new paid family leave program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mercer.com/insights/law-and-policy/oregons-paid-family-and-medical-leave-contributions-begin-in-2022/" target="_blank">disrupted by COVID</a> — after the Legislature authorized it in 2019 with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bipartisan support" data-vars-click-url="https://gov.oregonlive.com/bill/2019/HB2005/" data-vars-content-id="1e197ef0-ae2d-47c7-8d14-f0b89fd10d87" data-vars-headline="Oregon opens applications for new paid family leave program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gov.oregonlive.com/bill/2019/HB2005/" target="_blank">bipartisan support</a>.Why it matters: Lack of paid family leave often forces workers to choose between paying the bills and caring for a loved one.

Illustration of a stroller with money inside of it.

Downtown Portland still struggling to bounce back

Foot traffic is down, and dozens of businesses have left or plan to leave.

Foot traffic in downtown Portland is still lagging compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite ambitious development projects and various attempts by city officials to bring people back.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownrecovery.com/downtown_definitions.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fd2af940-53da-443a-99b3-af75192981d8" data-vars-headline="Downtown Portland still struggling to bounce back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownrecovery.com/downtown_definitions.pdf" target="_blank">Downtown</a> foot traffic from March to May this year was just 36.9% of foot traffic during the same period in 2019. That&#x27;s according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anonymized cellphone activity" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownrecovery.com/methodology" data-vars-content-id="fd2af940-53da-443a-99b3-af75192981d8" data-vars-headline="Downtown Portland still struggling to bounce back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownrecovery.com/methodology" target="_blank">anonymized cellphone activity</a> analyzed by the School of Cities at the University of Toronto.

Oregon manufacturing poised to keep growing

The diverse sector includes electronics, food and wood products.

Oregon&#x27;s manufacturing sector grew 5.75% since early 2021, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bureau of Labor Statistics data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/laus.pdf" data-vars-content-id="80b7b4b4-d5f7-485c-871a-b3ced0c341d1" data-vars-headline="Oregon manufacturing poised to keep growing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/laus.pdf" target="_blank">Bureau of Labor Statistics data</a>, and is expected to continue to grow through the end of this decade.Why it matters: Manufacturing covers a diverse array of businesses in Oregon — from craft food and drink to precision machinery — and needs employees with a range of skills.

How Oregon wineries are adapting to wildfires

Oregon is the country's third-largest wine producer.

As wildfires become more destructive in Oregon, winemakers are adjusting how they harvest and process smoke-tainted grapes.Why it matters: The impacts of climate change, including prolonged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfire seasons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/11/oregon-wildfire-season-rising-temperatures-portland" data-vars-content-id="a7a4a88e-29f0-4c66-85c7-5e6f63aa21c7" data-vars-headline="How Oregon wineries are adapting to wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/11/oregon-wildfire-season-rising-temperatures-portland" target="_self">wildfire seasons</a> and heat waves, can have a rapid and devastating effect on vignerons, vintners and the larger wine industry.

Illustration of a wine glass with red smoke inside of it. 

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Politics & Policy

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can't operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north

The U.S. is extremely concerned that an Israeli operation in southern Gaza would lead to significantly more civilian casualties.

World

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden</a> told Israeli Prime Minister <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benjamin Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" target="_self">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> last Sunday that he is concerned about a possible Israeli military operation in southern Gaza after the current pause in fighting ends, two U.S. officials told Axios.Driving the news: The Biden administration is extremely worried that an Israeli operation in the southern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaza Strip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" target="_self">Gaza Strip</a> — where 2 million Palestinians are concentrated — would lead to significantly more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="civilian casualties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" target="_self">civilian casualties</a> and deepen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="humanitarian crisis in the enclave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" target="_self">humanitarian crisis in the enclave</a>, the officials said.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 18. Photo: Handout/GPO/Anadolu via Getty Images

Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt

"I hope this relief gives you a little more breathing room," the Tuesday email said.

More than 800,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loan borrowers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" target="_self">student loan borrowers</a> are set to receive a message from President Biden Tuesday afternoon.Why it matters: The email, shared in advance with Axios, is a direct appeal from the president to beneficiaries of his administration&#x27;s debt forgiveness push, as his approval rating among Democrats hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record low" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" target="_self">record low</a> last month, jeopardizing his 2024 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" target="_self">re-election</a> bid.

Biden speaks at a lectern with American flags behind him.

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