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Oregon voters reject transportation tax package

Lawmakers must now find another way to fund road repairs and transportation projects.

News

Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a hike in gas taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="a59b6d62-c76e-4d00-a31b-96dc09d6a827" data-vars-headline="Oregon voters reject transportation tax package" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" target="_self">a hike in gas taxes</a> and other vehicle fees to fund transportation in Tuesday&#x27;s primary election, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: The vote was the culmination of a long-running fight over how to fund road maintenance and transportation projects, but leaves many unanswered questions about where the state goes from here.

Where races stand in Oregon's May primary election

State Rep. Christine Drazan picked up the Republican nominee for governor.

State Sen. Christine Drazan is Oregon&#x27;s Republican nominee for governor, capturing 43 % of the vote in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="a4323354-ff09-42b2-8096-47bf4c66757c" data-vars-headline="Where races stand in Oregon&#x27;s May primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" target="_self">Tuesday&#x27;s primary election</a>, according to the Associated Press.The big picture: Drazan beat out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a crowded field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/24/oregon-republican-primary-governor-kotek-criticism" data-vars-content-id="a4323354-ff09-42b2-8096-47bf4c66757c" data-vars-headline="Where races stand in Oregon&#x27;s May primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/24/oregon-republican-primary-governor-kotek-criticism" target="_self">a crowded field</a> of candidates — including ex-Blazer Chris Dudley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County commissioner Danielle Bethell — to set up a rematch with Gov. Tina Kotek in November.

The AI backlash is growing in Oregon and beyond

From local data center fights to fears about jobs and energy use, resistance to AI is mounting.

If <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/20/reader-reactions-generative-ai-opinions" data-vars-content-id="f917b535-609e-425a-92c9-d357b7e13c27" data-vars-headline="The AI backlash is growing in Oregon and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/20/reader-reactions-generative-ai-opinions" target="_self">AI</a> were a candidate for political office, it would be losing in a landslide.Why it matters: The AI hype cycle would have you believe the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology" data-vars-content-id="f917b535-609e-425a-92c9-d357b7e13c27" data-vars-headline="The AI backlash is growing in Oregon and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology" target="_self">technology</a> is inevitable. But AI backlash is growing, as people worry it will steal their jobs, jack up electricity rates and further enrich the wealthy, all while hurting the environment.

Sports Bra eyes national expansion with community funding

Fans can buy equity as the Portland bar plans rapid expansion.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sports Bra" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/05/22/best-day-ever-the-sports-bras-jenny-nguyen" data-vars-content-id="f4047c2b-c710-4eba-bcc7-f16757fffaff" data-vars-headline="Sports Bra eyes national expansion with community funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/05/22/best-day-ever-the-sports-bras-jenny-nguyen" target="_self">Sports Bra</a>, the Portland watering hole that put women&#x27;s sports bars on the map, is eyeing a rapid expansion powered by community funding.The big picture: Founder Jenny Nguyen is betting big that surging interest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/02/womens-sports-ranking-thorns-fire" data-vars-content-id="f4047c2b-c710-4eba-bcc7-f16757fffaff" data-vars-headline="Sports Bra eyes national expansion with community funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/02/womens-sports-ranking-thorns-fire" target="_self">women&#x27;s sports</a> can fuel the nationwide growth of such bars.

Portland Pastry 10K is all about fostering connection

Things to Do

One Portlander is turning eating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pastries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/26/women-pastry-chefs-bakers-awards-recognition" data-vars-content-id="c4d26983-b477-4df8-a690-6980c1cc5e5b" data-vars-headline="Portland Pastry 10K is all about fostering connection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/26/women-pastry-chefs-bakers-awards-recognition" target="_self">pastries</a> into a collective endurance sport.The big picture: The sold-out Portland Pastry 10K Walk will send 100 people on a 6.8-mile route through Northeast next month, with stops for coffee, croissants, tiramisu and even lasagna along the way.

Inside the Bagdad Theater's Portland legacy

The Hawthorne landmark has survived nearly a century of change.

Culture

Over the last century, the Bagdad Theater has survived the end of vaudeville, the multiplex boom and the rise of streaming to remain one of Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most enduring local cinemas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/12/10/independent-movie-theaters-regal-closing" data-vars-content-id="a56b9dc1-2200-4bdb-83e3-dc2153544e28" data-vars-headline="Inside the Bagdad Theater&#x27;s Portland legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/12/10/independent-movie-theaters-regal-closing" target="_self">most enduring local cinemas</a>.Why it matters: Now, the Hawthorne landmark is celebrating another milestone: 35 years since McMenamins bought and restored it in 1991.

Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so

"Fetching" lets dogs, not apps, make the matches.

Ever wondered if your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/30/portland-dog-poop-etiquette-trash-cans-poll" data-vars-content-id="b6e25709-0228-44df-b403-1a35277d1c34" data-vars-headline="Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/30/portland-dog-poop-etiquette-trash-cans-poll" target="_self">dog</a> could help you <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="score a date" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/29/polyamorous-ethical-non-monogamy-communities" data-vars-content-id="b6e25709-0228-44df-b403-1a35277d1c34" data-vars-headline="Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/29/polyamorous-ethical-non-monogamy-communities" target="_self">score a date</a>? Well, a new Portland dating show is betting your mutt is a better matchmaker than the dating apps.The big picture: Local comedian Andie Main is launching a DIY dating series called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fetching" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXUoiZpCVWd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-vars-content-id="b6e25709-0228-44df-b403-1a35277d1c34" data-vars-headline="Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXUoiZpCVWd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">Fetching</a>&quot; next month, where dogs — not algorithms — will be making the matches.

How Futel is bringing free public phones back to Portland

Futel turns old payphones into free public phones and interactive art.

<figure><img alt="Several pigeons burst into flight on a city sidewalk outside a storefront, wings spread midair near a red bicycle, trash bags, and a wall-mounted Futel phone, casting sharp shadows in bright daylight." height="450" id="c3803f36-9cdb-4f79-b356-a357c4a3cd12" src="https://images.axios.com/1tM-o_xcByA91cm63jfFWI605ts=/2026/02/09/1770677470623.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Futel phone in front of Street Roots in Old Town is one of the project&#x27;s most used. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>Most people will pass these weathered Portland phone booths without a second thought. But for those who stop, it&#x27;s the difference between being cut off and connected.Why it matters: Payphones are basically extinct, but a volunteer-led project called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Futel" data-vars-click-url="https://futel.net/" data-vars-content-id="c0a7e352-f46e-4b42-910f-6c464c047163" data-vars-headline="How Futel is bringing free public phones back to Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://futel.net/" target="_blank">Futel</a> is putting them back to work, turning obsolete technology into public infrastructure, as well as a place to engage with interactive art.

The behind-the-scenes story of Interurban's "free wall"

Interurban's "free wall" is open to street artists to display their work.

Business

<figure><img alt="A moving image shows two people walking down the street looking to their right to see a building with colorful street art on the side brick wall." height="450" id="90d4efcf-82d2-4ebd-ba1b-8a15b93b8e52" src="https://images.axios.com/DFbVA9S4xwzQvFt9ZTk9Ej5PmIw=/2025/11/18/1763503576227.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A wall that&#x27;s open to anyone. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>Interurban&#x27;s &quot;free wall&quot; — where wheat-paste posters, stickers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="graffiti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/21/portland-graffiti-crackdown-arrests-cleanup" data-vars-content-id="fdc8d914-1f4d-4eb3-a4e9-bf59de8bc632" data-vars-headline="The behind-the-scenes story of Interurban&#x27;s &quot;free wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/21/portland-graffiti-crackdown-arrests-cleanup" target="_self">graffiti</a> create a large-scale, living installation — has become one of Portland&#x27;s most recognizable landmarks.The big picture: What began as an act of vandalism sparked a years-long collaboration between the neighborhood cocktail bar and some of the city&#x27;s prolific street artists.

7 chilling horror films shot in Oregon

The state isn't just known for "The Shining."

Dark, rain-soaked forests, foggy coastlines and creepy rural backroads have made Oregon a magnet for Hollywood horror filmmakers.Zoom in: While &quot;The Shining&quot; is perhaps the state&#x27;s most well-known horror classic (the exteriors were shot at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood), Oregon&#x27;s film history stretches beyond big-budget thrillers to indie slashers and more.

The "it" girl behind Portland's "it" bag

Ilóna Gerasimov started Kozha Numbers as a shoe brand initially.

Ilóna Gerasimov grew up watching &quot;Sex and the City&quot; and &quot;Legally Blonde,&quot; but when it comes to inspiration for her own handbag brand, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kozha Numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://kozhanumbers.com/?ls=en" data-vars-content-id="48c8d0fa-0541-4ae3-bd32-ef605f3c4708" data-vars-headline="The &quot;it&quot; girl behind Portland&#x27;s &quot;it&quot; bag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kozhanumbers.com/?ls=en" target="_blank">Kozha Numbers</a>, she focuses on stylish functionality.The big picture: In the 10 years since launching Kozha Numbers, Gerasimov has created a symbol, not of status — her bags have a much more attainable price point compared to Carrie Bradshaw&#x27;s favored Fendi — but of Portland cool.

Japan's vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show

Paintings, neon and carved woodworks channel Japanese summer scenes.

The textures, color palette and culture of Japan have inspired artists for centuries. A recent trip to the country is the thesis of painter Josh Stover&#x27;s new solo and curated group show, now on display at Nucleus Portland.The big picture: Stover&#x27;s signature still lifes — like an outdoor flea market in a Tokyo park, a vintage cassette player playing Miki Matsubara, and an egg salad sando split open on a plate — are recreations of photographs he took in Japan this past winter. <ul><li>They&#x27;re shown alongside more than a dozen other local and Japanese artists. </li><li>For instance, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jackie Brown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/jackfacekillah/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="ba5cf185-7159-4f68-9eb0-495e12ac34be" data-vars-headline="Japan&#x27;s vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/jackfacekillah/?hl=en" target="_blank">Jackie Brown</a>&#x27;s miniature blue ceramic kei truck carries &quot;shikaku suika&quot; (or square watermelons), while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Erika Strohecker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/erika.strohecker/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="ba5cf185-7159-4f68-9eb0-495e12ac34be" data-vars-headline="Japan&#x27;s vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/erika.strohecker/?hl=en" target="_blank">Erika Strohecker</a>&#x27;s intricate wooden and paper Japanese lantern hangs nearby.</li></ul>&quot;Japanese Summer 2&quot; also features works from Portland neon artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Perry Pfister," data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/the_tiny_spoon/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="ba5cf185-7159-4f68-9eb0-495e12ac34be" data-vars-headline="Japan&#x27;s vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_tiny_spoon/?hl=en" target="_blank">Perry Pfister,</a> painter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ippei Matsui" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/_pei_sun_/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="ba5cf185-7159-4f68-9eb0-495e12ac34be" data-vars-headline="Japan&#x27;s vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/_pei_sun_/?hl=en" target="_blank">Ippei Matsui</a>, illustrator <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raf Spielman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/raf_spielman/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="ba5cf185-7159-4f68-9eb0-495e12ac34be" data-vars-headline="Japan&#x27;s vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/raf_spielman/?hl=en" target="_blank">Raf Spielman</a>, wood carver <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jordan Metcalf" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/jordan_metcalf/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="ba5cf185-7159-4f68-9eb0-495e12ac34be" data-vars-headline="Japan&#x27;s vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/jordan_metcalf/?hl=en" target="_blank">Jordan Metcalf</a> and more.What he&#x27;s saying: Stover said he wanted the show to reflect the density and vibrancy of Japan. &quot;There&#x27;s just so much eye candy,&quot; he told Axios. &quot;It&#x27;s very busy; there&#x27;s a lot you can see in just one scene.&quot;<ul><li>He distilled that motion into colorful, retro pop vignettes where viewers can study what they&#x27;re drawn to, too.</li></ul>If you go: &quot;Japanese Summer 2&quot; is on display at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nucleus Portland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nucleusportland.com/" data-vars-content-id="ba5cf185-7159-4f68-9eb0-495e12ac34be" data-vars-headline="Japan&#x27;s vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nucleusportland.com/" target="_blank">Nucleus Portland</a> (2916 NE Alberta St., Suite B) through the end of the month.

Portland's neon sign past is fighting for a future

Artists and preservationists warn the craft's future is at risk.

<figure><img alt="Colorful neon signage at dusk for &quot;The Alibi&quot; with lit flames, advertising lottery, lunch, dinner, and karaoke, against a blue sky and surrounded by trees." height="450" id="ca9b4c2d-998d-4df3-92ef-5ca404545857" src="https://images.axios.com/_R1lO4Po3M068aJKHiKAQVEiq5o=/2025/08/06/1754456171113.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Large scale, exterior neon signs like this have become a thing of the past in Portland. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>The Montgomery Park sign sits atop its namesake nine-story westside building — 30-foot-tall letters glow bright red and can be seen from across the Willamette thanks to one thing: neon.Why it matters: Neon signs are more than just business markers, they&#x27;re cultural landmarks. But local artists and preservationists warn development, regulation and cheap LED knockoffs could threaten the craft&#x27;s future.

Vinyl DJing finds its groove in Portland's analog-loving scene

It's a shift away from digital over-saturation.

<figure><img alt="Two people vibe in a dimly lit DJ booth; one mixes tracks on turntables while the other dances with a drink, enjoying the music. Flickering lights and a cozy ambiance set a laid-back party mood." height="450" id="8faae996-7008-4b99-9814-d7ddd7e4480c" src="https://images.axios.com/wl8tn2nOuQi8JcXVmaaCACjVMUQ=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/04/03/1743713674790.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>DJs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="saundieee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/saundieee/" data-vars-content-id="0c347cec-dade-43e8-9621-2aabbbe7f577" data-vars-headline="Vinyl DJing finds its groove in Portland&#x27;s analog-loving scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/saundieee/" target="_blank">saundieee</a> and Bryson Wallace spin tracks to craft the vibe at Company wine bar. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>On a recent Friday evening, tucked behind the counter of Company wine bar sat two turntables, a mixer and a DJ shuffling through a crate and then carefully placing the needle on a record&#x27;s groove.<ul><li>The crowd, in a dimly lit, packed room, responded to the symphonic soul sounds by softly bopping their heads and continuing their conversations as rain fell outside.</li></ul>

Culture

Ethereal Reflections stages intimate Portland art exhibit

Portland Pastry 10K is all about fostering connection

Inside the Bagdad Theater's Portland legacy

Quote du jour: Yuknavitch on Stewart

Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so