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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.

Fremont Garage turns old auto shop into food cart plaza

Plus: The adjacent street will close to traffic in July to pilot a community plaza.

Food and Drink

A 100-year-old automotive garage has been transformed into a food cart pod and community plaza on a popular stretch of Northeast Fremont.The big picture: Once home to Barrett Automotive, Fremont Garage is opening just before Memorial Day and will host nearly a dozen food carts in a revamped, racing-themed space designed to feel less like a parking lot and more like a neighborhood &quot;town square,&quot; general manager Tyler Caffal told Axios.

Well-seasoned smash burgers at Southeast Portland's Steely's

Steely's pairs crisp smash burgers with beer and a relaxed hangout vibe.

Smash <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burgers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/11/portland-s-burger-week-2025-brings-record-100-restaurant-lineup" data-vars-content-id="cecd81bd-0727-4c29-94cf-83f51e3cc720" data-vars-headline="Well-seasoned smash burgers at Southeast Portland&#x27;s Steely&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/11/portland-s-burger-week-2025-brings-record-100-restaurant-lineup" target="_self">burgers</a> have become the norm in recent years, but finding a good one is still a challenge.What to expect: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steely&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/steelys_pdx/" data-vars-content-id="cecd81bd-0727-4c29-94cf-83f51e3cc720" data-vars-headline="Well-seasoned smash burgers at Southeast Portland&#x27;s Steely&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/steelys_pdx/" target="_blank">Steely&#x27;s</a>, a new spot on Southeast Hawthorne, delivers with tasty burgers, a nice tap list of beers and ample space to take a date, watch a game or even get some remote work done.

The lines at Pipsqueak Bagels are worth it

Pipsqueak doubled production to 2,000 bagels daily after early sellouts, but you'll still want to get there early.

If you head to Portland&#x27;s hottest bagel destination — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pipsqueak Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/09/pipsqueak-bagels-opens-with-new-york-style-hype" data-vars-content-id="97383bdf-c021-4da3-948b-e7643538708d" data-vars-headline="The lines at Pipsqueak Bagels are worth it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/09/pipsqueak-bagels-opens-with-new-york-style-hype" target="_self">Pipsqueak Bagels</a> — expect pillowy sandwiches, savory schmears and lines that stretch down the block.

Franz turns 120: Why its outlet deals are worth the trip

Portlanders are lucky to have three outlets offering products at steep discounts.

<figure><img alt="Animated sign shaped like a loaf of bread atop a building reads Franz Bakery, Since 1906, with the wrapper twisting as if unwrapping. Blue sky, power lines crossing, tree leaves in corner above the roof." height="457" id="20b0d743-e7e5-4caf-b297-769fab25887c" src="https://images.axios.com/1GG0F5t3o04igRWvXGpPSXRW-lg=/2026/04/10/1775849021048.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Fun fact: The spinning bread sign weighs 5,000 pounds and was installed to celebrate Franz&#x27;s 50th anniversary in 1956. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>In 1906, three Austrian-born brothers purchased their uncle&#x27;s bakery, launching what became Franz Bakery — a Portland institution known for producing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly a million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2026/04/franz-bakery-buns-bread-portland" data-vars-content-id="6755af2d-874f-4572-a214-98050f3d5a52" data-vars-headline="Franz turns 120: Why its outlet deals are worth the trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2026/04/franz-bakery-buns-bread-portland" target="_blank">nearly a million</a> buns and rolls per day at its five-block headquarters in Kerns.The big picture: Franz has grown into one of the West&#x27;s largest family-owned bakeries over the last 120 years. It now has multiple brands under its umbrella and sells dozens of pantry staples, including classic and specialty loaves as well as a variety of baked goods.

Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors

Diners are still spilt on whether they prefer tipping or paying a service fee.

When dining out, Oregonians tend to leave a 19% tip or higher on average, per Toast&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant trends report" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" data-vars-content-id="6a955075-8a97-426f-aae5-163cda107995" data-vars-headline="Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" target="_blank">restaurant trends report</a>.The big picture: That&#x27;s about the same as the nationwide average for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" data-vars-content-id="6a955075-8a97-426f-aae5-163cda107995" data-vars-headline="Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" target="_self">tips</a> left at full-service restaurants in Q4 2025, but higher than both our West Coast neighbors.

Guay Tiew brings Thai noodle bowls to Pearl

Portland&#x27;s roster of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stand-out Thai food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/01/ok-chicken-khao-soi-portland-opening" data-vars-content-id="d500fd4b-f4d8-4482-8046-e694491e73ff" data-vars-headline="Guay Tiew brings Thai noodle bowls to Pearl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/01/ok-chicken-khao-soi-portland-opening" target="_self">stand-out Thai food</a> just got deeper with the recent addition of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Guay Tiew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.guaytiewpdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="d500fd4b-f4d8-4482-8046-e694491e73ff" data-vars-headline="Guay Tiew brings Thai noodle bowls to Pearl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.guaytiewpdx.com/" target="_blank">Guay Tiew</a> in the Pearl District.The big picture: From the team behind Khao Moo Dang and Thai Peacock, the new counter service restaurant focuses on one of the country&#x27;s most popular street food dishes: build-your-own noodle soup bowls.

Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods

Several Portland chefs and restaurants are finalists for top culinary honors this year.

Several Portland chefs and restaurants were named finalists for this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/21/james-beard-2026-oregon-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="fd5b0e19-0d8b-46e6-a1cb-d1356a7d1d40" data-vars-headline="Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/21/james-beard-2026-oregon-semifinalists" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> on Tuesday.The big picture: The names in contention for the industry&#x27;s highest honors might sound familiar to anyone who follows the Portland culinary scene closely.

Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division

What happens when two former Intel executives fall in love while on a work trip in Barcelona? They open a restaurant specializing in paella and tapas to bring the drop-in late-night conviviality of Spanish dining to Portland.The big picture: Vy and Steve Chao — the duo behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Doja Teas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dojateas.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dojateas.com/" target="_blank">Doja Teas</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balkan restaurant Alma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" target="_self">Balkan restaurant Alma</a> — opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vyapdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vyapdx.com/" target="_blank">Vya</a> (pronounced &quot;via&quot;) last month in the former Palomar space on the busy stretch of Southeast Division Street.

Carmack's Doughnuts revives family "spudnut" recipe

Carmack's Doughnuts is run out of a home kitchen steps away from Peninsula Park.

Sean Carmack is bringing a generations-old family <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" target="_self">doughnut</a> business back to life in his home kitchen, just steps away from North Portland&#x27;s Peninsula Park. The big picture: Carmack&#x27;s &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnuts " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" 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/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" target="_self">doughnuts </a>made with potato flour — can be traced back to 1953, when his great-grandfather took over a small shop in Bountiful, Utah. It was a cult-classic success for four decades until a fire and failed revival attempt shut it down for good.

L'Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes

The bistro delivers standout classics in a cozy atmosphere.

Am I late to the party? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="L&#x27;Echelle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/l-chelle-brings-french-cuisine-to-se-division" data-vars-content-id="fc2294a3-17d1-4403-8839-60c09c2226a5" data-vars-headline="L&#x27;Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/l-chelle-brings-french-cuisine-to-se-division" target="_self">L&#x27;Echelle</a>, named one of the best new restaurants last year and known locally as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late chef Naomi Pomery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/14/photos-to-go-celebrating-naomi" data-vars-content-id="fc2294a3-17d1-4403-8839-60c09c2226a5" data-vars-headline="L&#x27;Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/14/photos-to-go-celebrating-naomi" target="_self">late chef Naomi Pomery</a>&#x27;s legacy establishment, continues to draw devoted diners and emulates a quaint neighborhood bistro.The big picture: Heralded by Pomeroy&#x27;s longtime collaborators and close friends, restaurateur Luke Dirks and chef Mika Paredes, L&#x27;Echelle isn&#x27;t flashy, but it is refined — focusing on elevating French classics with subtle twists, warm service and an intimate, swanky ambiance.

Food and Drink 🍽

Mini Mini Shop recreates the Tokyo corner store feel

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Fremont Garage turns old auto shop into food cart plaza

Where Portland is eating and drinking right now

Say When brings blue-collar French to NW Portland