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Sports Bra eyes national expansion with community funding

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

News

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.

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.

Portland filmmaker spotlights First Thursday, skate culture

The characters encounter some strange people along the way, though.

Culture

Local filmmaker Thom Hilton&#x27;s latest 30-minute short is a love letter to two longtime Portland institutions — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/04/first-thursday-art-walk-outdoor-market-portland" data-vars-content-id="cb164b8b-6c38-42d0-a7a9-9831289a19c5" data-vars-headline="Portland filmmaker spotlights First Thursday, skate culture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/04/first-thursday-art-walk-outdoor-market-portland" target="_self">First Thursday</a> and the city&#x27;s skateboarding scene.The big picture: &quot;Waking Up From a Nap on a Long Day of Doing Nothing&quot; follows a painter and his friend as they skate around the city in an attempt to assuage his anxiety about his first gallery show.

Oregon gas tax defeat leaves road funding crisis unresolved

State leaders still need a long-term plan to fund roads and highways.

Oregon lawmakers are expected to take yet another stab at tackling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/20/oregon-voters-reject-gas-tax-vehicle-fees" data-vars-content-id="6334e8f0-d36d-40c9-ab49-14e408d0b7a2" data-vars-headline="Oregon gas tax defeat leaves road funding crisis unresolved" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/20/oregon-voters-reject-gas-tax-vehicle-fees" target="_self">transportation funding</a> next year after voters overwhelmingly rejected Measure 120.Why it matters: Most of the structural problems behind Oregon&#x27;s transportation funding shortfall remain unresolved.

Portland ranks among worst metros for new grads

That's according to a recent analysis from payroll processor ADP.

Education

The Portland metro is lagging when it comes to offering the best job opportunities for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college graduates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/24/chart-du-jour-college-educated-movers" data-vars-content-id="2540cf95-827d-4763-89d3-40e124fb2be0" data-vars-headline="Portland ranks among worst metros for new grads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/24/chart-du-jour-college-educated-movers" target="_self">college graduates</a>, according to a new study by payroll processor ADP.The big picture: While the region&#x27;s job market offers relatively strong wages, it has one of the slowest hiring rates and the cost of living is high, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the study showed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adpresearch.com/research/2026-youve-graduated-now-what" data-vars-content-id="2540cf95-827d-4763-89d3-40e124fb2be0" data-vars-headline="Portland ranks among worst metros for new grads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adpresearch.com/research/2026-youve-graduated-now-what" target="_blank">the study showed</a>.

Portland schools face $56M budget shortfall

District leaders warn of job cuts as budget gap grows.

Portland Public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/education" data-vars-content-id="9a671abb-9246-41a5-b382-9e8647b680e4" data-vars-headline="Portland schools face $56M budget shortfall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/education" target="_self">Schools</a> faces a $56 million budget deficit, larger than previously estimated.Why it matters: The district is roughly $56 million in the hole, up from $50 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated in January" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VCUus02rJN_pavvGHQw6apIdDsLDmntv/view" data-vars-content-id="9a671abb-9246-41a5-b382-9e8647b680e4" data-vars-headline="Portland schools face $56M budget shortfall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VCUus02rJN_pavvGHQw6apIdDsLDmntv/view" target="_blank">estimated in January</a>, and may have to cut hundreds of jobs to balance its budget.

PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted

Negotiations continue this week as students, staff and the school look ahead to a resolution.

Many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Community College" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/portland-community-college-enrollment-rebounds-2023" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/portland-community-college-enrollment-rebounds-2023" target="_self">Portland Community College</a> classes remain remote as Oregon&#x27;s first-ever community college strike continues into its second week with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no deal in sight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/16/portland-community-college-strike-continues-unions-mediation/" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/16/portland-community-college-strike-continues-unions-mediation/" target="_blank">no deal in sight</a> between the school and its unions.The big picture: Roughly 30,000 PCC students face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing disruption" data-vars-click-url="https://katu.com/news/local/portland-community-college-pcc-students-limbo-first-ever-community-college-strike-oregon-enters-second-week-teachers-union-bargaining-education" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://katu.com/news/local/portland-community-college-pcc-students-limbo-first-ever-community-college-strike-oregon-enters-second-week-teachers-union-bargaining-education" target="_blank">ongoing disruption</a> with no clear return to normal classes. The outcome of the strike, which began last Wednesday, could also set a precedent for how Oregon colleges handle pay, equity and union negotiations with staff and faculty in the future.

PSU considers cuts to 19 programs

Enrollment has fallen 23% since 2019 as leaders warn layoffs may be likely.

Portland State University is considering reducing or eliminating 19 academic programs as it works to close a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$35 million budget deficit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/10/17/portland-state-university-layoffs-budget-enrollment" data-vars-content-id="59984728-21b5-46e4-8ee7-d1846d15f259" data-vars-headline="PSU considers cuts to 19 programs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/10/17/portland-state-university-layoffs-budget-enrollment" target="_self">$35 million budget deficit</a>.Why it matters: Oregon&#x27;s third-largest university by enrollment is looking to close its deficit by the end of the 2026-27 school year.

Portland's share of college graduates rises

A rising share of population with higher education can give a region an economic boost.

The share of Portlanders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="25 and older with a bachelor&#x27;s degree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/24/chart-du-jour-college-educated-movers" data-vars-content-id="ddd4d29b-a6b6-427f-9a62-e22ac1cd72ff" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s share of college graduates rises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/24/chart-du-jour-college-educated-movers" target="_self">25 and older with a bachelor&#x27;s degree</a> or higher rose from about 40% to 43% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new census data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" data-vars-content-id="ddd4d29b-a6b6-427f-9a62-e22ac1cd72ff" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s share of college graduates rises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" target="_blank">new census data</a>.Why it matters: A rising share of college-educated adults can help reshape a metro area&#x27;s economic trajectory, workforce and competitiveness — a much-needed boost the Portland area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could use right now" data-vars-click-url="https://portlandmetrochamber.com/resources/latest-report-shows-portland-economy-in-crisis-leaders-call-for-decisive-action/" data-vars-content-id="ddd4d29b-a6b6-427f-9a62-e22ac1cd72ff" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s share of college graduates rises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://portlandmetrochamber.com/resources/latest-report-shows-portland-economy-in-crisis-leaders-call-for-decisive-action/" target="_blank">could use right now</a>.

Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning

The move ends a 15-year policy that allowed parents to choose where to send their kids.

Portland Public Schools board members approved a resolution this week to overhaul <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high school attendance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/26/high-school-enrollment-surge-portland" data-vars-content-id="fd15613c-97f7-42e4-9969-ccc898fac63a" data-vars-headline="Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/26/high-school-enrollment-surge-portland" target="_self">high school attendance</a> boundaries in North and Northeast Portland, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a major shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wweek.com/news/schools/2026/01/13/school-board-approves-plan-to-fill-jefferson-high-school/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="fd15613c-97f7-42e4-9969-ccc898fac63a" data-vars-headline="Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wweek.com/news/schools/2026/01/13/school-board-approves-plan-to-fill-jefferson-high-school/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">a major shift</a> set to begin in fall 2027. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policy" data-vars-click-url="https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/915?meeting=724654" data-vars-content-id="fd15613c-97f7-42e4-9969-ccc898fac63a" data-vars-headline="Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/915?meeting=724654" target="_blank">policy</a> effectively ends a 15-year &quot;dual assignment&quot; option that let many families decide whether to send their kids to Jefferson, Grant, Roosevelt or McDaniel high schools based on address.

International student enrollment dips in Oregon

International enrollment fell as visa issues and tuition hikes created new hurdles.

American universities enrolled fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/03/international-students-contribute-nearly-270-million-to-oregon-economy" data-vars-content-id="70feca41-3604-4e27-8bc0-6b3ef3ccb7a0" data-vars-headline="International student enrollment dips in Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/03/international-students-contribute-nearly-270-million-to-oregon-economy" target="_self">international students</a> this fall, the first full academic year to begin under President Trump&#x27;s second term.Why it matters: The Trump administration upended the spring semester for international students nationwide, raising questions about international student enrollment this autumn.

Why college is still worth it, monetarily

Fewer Americans say college is essential — but grads still outearn others by far.

The share of Americans who say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="296469f3-d7a3-427d-845f-e842f71d9f17" data-vars-headline="Why college is still worth it, monetarily" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" target="_self">college</a> is &quot;very important&quot; plummeted over the past decade, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Gallup" data-vars-click-url="https://news.gallup.com/poll/695003/perceived-importance-college-hits-new-low.aspx" data-vars-content-id="296469f3-d7a3-427d-845f-e842f71d9f17" data-vars-headline="Why college is still worth it, monetarily" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/695003/perceived-importance-college-hits-new-low.aspx" target="_blank">new Gallup</a> polling finds.Why it matters: College may not live up to the American Dream that it promised in the past, and there are other paths for success becoming more appealing for Gen Z, but in terms of lifetime earnings, a college degree is still incredibly important.

Student housing prices are rising in Portland

Students saw smaller rent hikes but still face big housing stress.

Student rents in Portland have risen more slowly than the region&#x27;s broader rental market over the past five years, but the gap still leaves many struggling with affordability, according to Moody&#x27;s data shared with Axios.Why it matters: Pricey student housing adds to the already-high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost of college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" data-vars-content-id="b6337b60-554c-4260-bd40-55a657627f16" data-vars-headline="Student housing prices are rising in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" target="_self">cost of college</a>, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has increased by nearly 30%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/28/undergrad-tuition-to-rise-again-at-all-oregons-public-universities-up-nearly-30-from-a-decade-ago/" data-vars-content-id="b6337b60-554c-4260-bd40-55a657627f16" data-vars-headline="Student housing prices are rising in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/28/undergrad-tuition-to-rise-again-at-all-oregons-public-universities-up-nearly-30-from-a-decade-ago/" target="_blank">has increased by nearly 30%</a> in Oregon over the last decade.

Portland high schools scramble after enrollment surge

Several high schools are facing an unexpected enrollment surge.

Several Portland high schools are facing higher than projected enrollment numbers this academic year, potentially leading to hundreds of students being placed in study halls as officials scramble to fill out their schedules with necessary electives.Why it matters: The surprise bump in enrollment bucks an ongoing trend of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrinking student numbers and potential school closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/09/12/oregon-school-closures-low-enrollment-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="429f3c60-6855-478e-a1e3-a66d2ad44a0c" data-vars-headline="Portland high schools scramble after enrollment surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/09/12/oregon-school-closures-low-enrollment-budget-cuts" target="_self">shrinking student numbers and potential school closures</a>.

Education 📚

Portland ranks among worst metros for new grads

Portland schools face $56M budget shortfall

Portland avoids layoffs with four teacher furlough days

PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted

PSU considers cuts to 19 programs