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Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump's rejected tariffs

If or when that money is ever returned remains an open question.

News

Roughly $670 million is now potentially up for grabs in Oregon after the Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struck down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">struck down</a> a swath of President Trump&#x27;s tariffs on Friday, according to the Trade Partnership Worldwide economic research firm.Why it matters: Those tariffs, reversed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a case led by" data-vars-click-url="https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/&#x27;" target="_blank">a case led by</a> Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, likely made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all kinds of stuff more expensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-china-cost" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-china-cost" target="_self">all kinds of stuff more expensive</a> as businesses passed higher costs onto everyday Americans.

What's going to replace Lloyd Center

Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="oldest mall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/10/13/lloyd-center-closing-shut-down-new-building" data-vars-content-id="284d7afc-3e5a-405a-939a-af3c055a7932" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s going to replace Lloyd Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/10/13/lloyd-center-closing-shut-down-new-building" target="_self">oldest mall</a> will be no more come the end of the year, as developers plan to demolish the 29.3-acre site and build a sprawling, mixed-use property with shopping, recreation and housing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Not everyone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kgw.com/article/money/business/lloyd-center-businesses-patrons-frustrated-mall-planned-closure/283-6c57938f-0ba4-4bc1-ab3f-b932d4e37fc6" data-vars-content-id="284d7afc-3e5a-405a-939a-af3c055a7932" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s going to replace Lloyd Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kgw.com/article/money/business/lloyd-center-businesses-patrons-frustrated-mall-planned-closure/283-6c57938f-0ba4-4bc1-ab3f-b932d4e37fc6" target="_blank">Not everyone</a> is happy about the change. For more than 60 years, Lloyd Center served as a premier destination for retail and cultural life until the COVID-19 pandemic — coupled with a rise in e-commerce — hobbled anchor tenants and left it a shadow of its former self.

Portland's winters grow longer, bucking U.S. trend

A new Climate Central analysis finds Portland winters lasting four days longer.

Climate

Winters are getting shorter across most U.S. cities amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/04/extreme-heat-streaks-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="9473f9d8-e176-479e-a933-be973a8acf6b" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s winters grow longer, bucking U.S. trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/04/extreme-heat-streaks-climate-change" target="_self">climate change</a>, but not in Portland.<ul><li>That&#x27;s per a new<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/shorter-winters-in-195-us-cities" data-vars-content-id="9473f9d8-e176-479e-a933-be973a8acf6b" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s winters grow longer, bucking U.S. trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/shorter-winters-in-195-us-cities" target="_blank"> analysis</a> based on temperatures rather than calendar dates from Climate Central, a climate research group.</li></ul>Driving the news: Compared to the 1970-1997 period, winters are now shorter in 80% of the 245 U.S. cities analyzed in the report.

Lloyd Center memories linger for Portlanders

From ice skating to Easter rabbits, readers recall their favorite mall moments.

For more than 60 years, Lloyd Center, which is being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demolished later this year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/27/lloyd-center-redevelopment-housing-parks-retail" data-vars-content-id="da12074f-e7b4-4488-a011-fff869397183" data-vars-headline="Lloyd Center memories linger for Portlanders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/27/lloyd-center-redevelopment-housing-parks-retail" target="_self">demolished later this year</a>, has been a cultural touchstone for Northeast Portland and the broader region.Why it matters: A mall that endures for decades becomes more than retail space — it becomes part of people&#x27;s personal history.

Portland launches room-rental pilot to ease housing crunch

Homeowners can get $1,000 or more to rent rooms at capped rates.

Portland is launching a pilot program aimed at persuading <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/10/homeowners-stay-longer-low-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="85f8faf2-8d17-412b-b2d7-9876ab4f6b2b" data-vars-headline="Portland launches room-rental pilot to ease housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/10/homeowners-stay-longer-low-mortgage-rates" target="_self">homeowners</a> to rent out their spare rooms for cash.Why it matters: The city is grappling with a severe <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortage of affordable housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/27/home-down-payment-time-2025" data-vars-content-id="85f8faf2-8d17-412b-b2d7-9876ab4f6b2b" data-vars-headline="Portland launches room-rental pilot to ease housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/27/home-down-payment-time-2025" target="_self">shortage of affordable housing</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/03/rent-housing-real-estate" data-vars-content-id="85f8faf2-8d17-412b-b2d7-9876ab4f6b2b" data-vars-headline="Portland launches room-rental pilot to ease housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/03/rent-housing-real-estate" target="_self">rising rents</a>, prompting leaders to try tapping underused space in existing homes.

Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision

A Wednesday deadline could decide when voters weigh in on new gas taxes.

Oregon lawmakers face a key cutoff Wednesday to ensure a May vote on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new gas taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/oregon-s-short-legislative-session-tackles-budget-immigration-transportation" data-vars-content-id="b26679c8-7363-4609-8ff7-925c3db6d1d6" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/oregon-s-short-legislative-session-tackles-budget-immigration-transportation" target="_self">new gas taxes</a>, escalating a partisan fight over shifting the referendum from November.Why it matters: The outcome will determine how soon the state could close a $350 million-plus transportation funding gap affecting drivers and public transit users statewide.State of play: Republicans adamantly oppose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate Bill 1599" data-vars-click-url="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1599" data-vars-content-id="b26679c8-7363-4609-8ff7-925c3db6d1d6" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1599" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1599</a>, which would move a vote on raising gas taxes to fund transportation from the November election to the May primary.<ul><li>They argue that hundreds of thousands of people signed petitions putting it before voters on November&#x27;s ballot.</li><li>They&#x27;ve also accused Democrats of trying to avoid asking voters to approve new taxes on the same ballot as Democratic candidates.</li><li>Democrats argue an earlier vote would give the state certainty on transportation funding and help avoid layoffs and service cuts.</li></ul>On Monday, state senators passed the bill 17-13 after Republicans staged a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-day walkout" data-vars-click-url="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/19/oregon-senate-republicans-end-one-day-walkout-ahead-of-transportation-rederendum-vote/" data-vars-content-id="b26679c8-7363-4609-8ff7-925c3db6d1d6" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/19/oregon-senate-republicans-end-one-day-walkout-ahead-of-transportation-rederendum-vote/" target="_blank">one-day walkout</a> last week that temporarily delayed the measure. House Republicans similarly boycotted the Capitol on Monday.The latest: Republicans returned to the House chamber Tuesday and the bill was referred to the Speaker&#x27;s desk, where it will next be assigned to a committee.Catch up quick: Lawmakers called a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/28/oregon-special-session-transportation-funding" data-vars-content-id="b26679c8-7363-4609-8ff7-925c3db6d1d6" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/28/oregon-special-session-transportation-funding" target="_self">special session</a> last fall after failing to agree on how to fill a transportation budget deficit of more than $350 million.<ul><li>The fix that came out of that session — higher gas taxes, plus new fees for road users — sparked a Republican campaign to refer the new taxes to voters on the coming November ballot.</li><li>Opponents gathered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than 250,000 signatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/29/oregonians-sign-petition-to-send-transportation-bill-to-voters-backers-say/" data-vars-content-id="b26679c8-7363-4609-8ff7-925c3db6d1d6" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/29/oregonians-sign-petition-to-send-transportation-bill-to-voters-backers-say/" target="_blank">more than 250,000 signatures</a> — far exceeding the 78,000 required — in a matter of weeks.</li><li>Democrats responded with a bill that would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move the vote" data-vars-click-url="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1599" data-vars-content-id="b26679c8-7363-4609-8ff7-925c3db6d1d6" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1599" target="_blank">move the vote</a> from November to the primary election in May, a move they argue would give the state certainty over its transportation budget sooner.</li></ul>The intrigue: The secretary of state &quot;strongly recommended&quot; lawmakers act by Wednesday for the gas taxes to appear on May ballots, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per OPB" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/23/house-republicans-boycot-oregon-legislature/" data-vars-content-id="b26679c8-7363-4609-8ff7-925c3db6d1d6" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/23/house-republicans-boycot-oregon-legislature/" target="_blank">per OPB</a>. It may still be possible if the bill passes as late as March 8.What&#x27;s next: Lawmakers are likely to push for a vote on the bill Wednesday in hopes of getting it to Gov. Tina Kotek in time to get the referendum on the May ballot.

PDX revamp nears finish after $2B overhaul

The $2B airport makeover is almost done, with new concourses and bigger shops coming soon.

<figure><img alt="Animate gif shows escalators in a construction zone at PDX." height="450" id="363b61ea-dbe2-49ea-911b-9b081af11edb" src="https://images.axios.com/bqrSat6jYG57A2UOGDieK_ruHj8=/2026/02/20/1771551789327.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Getting around PDX is about to get a lot easier. Image: Kale Williams/Axios</figcaption></figure>When the temporary walls come down in a few months and the last of the construction dust is vacuumed out of its signature carpet, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/09/portland-airport-hacks" data-vars-content-id="842145aa-3970-4ae5-9b36-6d49d7bd6a54" data-vars-headline="PDX revamp nears finish after $2B overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/09/portland-airport-hacks" target="_self">Portland International Airport</a> will look and feel a lot different.Why it matters: The last phase of the yearslong construction might not have the &quot;wow&quot; factor of the main terminal&#x27;s soaring roof that debuted in 2024, but it might do more to improve the experience of travelers passing through the airport.

Crag Rats mark 100 years of  Mount Hood rescues

The volunteer team reflects on a century of saving climbers on Mount Hood and beyond.

The Crag Rats, the nation&#x27;s oldest search and rescue team, are marking 100 years of helping stranded, lost and injured adventurers on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mount Hood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/10/30/beat-the-tourists-to-mount-hood" data-vars-content-id="8b51e1e2-d4bf-45cd-83b1-6e4ba0cf560a" data-vars-headline="Crag Rats mark 100 years of Mount Hood rescues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/10/30/beat-the-tourists-to-mount-hood" target="_self">Mount Hood</a> and beyond.Why it matters: Oregon&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/12/burnt-lake-oregon-camping-backpacking" data-vars-content-id="8b51e1e2-d4bf-45cd-83b1-6e4ba0cf560a" data-vars-headline="Crag Rats mark 100 years of Mount Hood rescues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/12/burnt-lake-oregon-camping-backpacking" target="_self">outdoor boom</a> — from crowded trails to icy alpine routes — keeps the all-volunteer Hood River team busier than ever.

How Dawson Park's origins contrast with its legacy

The Albina park became a cornerstone of Black Portland and civil rights activism.

Dawson Park has long been considered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a cultural landmark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" data-vars-content-id="5083da48-740d-4e64-8e0d-b7ba287e52f8" data-vars-headline="How Dawson Park&#x27;s origins contrast with its legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" target="_self">a cultural landmark</a> for Black Portland — where civil rights rallies originated and prominent historical figures visited — but it was originally developed in the early 20th century to keep children segregated.The big picture: The park&#x27;s evolution reflects the Albina neighborhood&#x27;s transformation: Shaped by racial tension and molded by redlining and displacement, it became a symbolic home base for Black life in the city.

The Skanner closes after 50 years in Portland

The Portland-based paper served Black communities since 1975.

The Skanner News, one of Oregon&#x27;s longest-running Black-owned newspapers, closed late last month after 50 years covering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland&#x27;s Black communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" data-vars-content-id="e3d50c20-43ae-414b-8d37-66751882e1f2" data-vars-headline="The Skanner closes after 50 years in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" target="_self">Portland&#x27;s Black communities</a>.Why it matters: The Skanner was one of the few Black-owned news outlets in Oregon, making its reporting both rare and influential in a state where local media continues to shrink.

Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast

Camping and hiking permits for Oregon's most popular spots sell out months ahead.

It&#x27;s not summer yet, despite what the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" data-vars-content-id="bff263a5-a2c9-4cac-abce-089b919e9d40" data-vars-headline="Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" target="_self">weather</a> tells you, but it&#x27;s never too early to start planning for the warmer months.Why it matters: Many of Oregon&#x27;s most sought-after campsites and trail permits book out months in advance.

News 🗞

Lloyd Center memories linger for Portlanders

What's going to replace Lloyd Center

Portland launches room-rental pilot to ease housing crunch

WNBA labor dispute looms over Portland Fire debut

Lawmakers face Oregon gas tax vote decision