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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.

New Multnomah County commissioner sworn in to office

He wants to pay nonprofits more, and he loves bees.

New Multnomah County Commissioner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jesse Beason" data-vars-click-url="https://www.multco.us/commissioner-beason" data-vars-content-id="74eb58e8-44f0-4c12-b296-9a25ae1da91e" data-vars-headline="New Multnomah County commissioner sworn in to office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.multco.us/commissioner-beason" target="_blank">Jesse Beason</a> — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="formally sworn in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKtMi8qtecM" data-vars-content-id="74eb58e8-44f0-4c12-b296-9a25ae1da91e" data-vars-headline="New Multnomah County commissioner sworn in to office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKtMi8qtecM" target="_blank">formally sworn in</a> Thursday — isn&#x27;t planning to run for the office when his appointment as a hand-picked fill-in ends.<ul><li>But while he has the job, he wants to improve the sustainability of the many nonprofits the county hires to carry out its programs.</li></ul>

Enforcement of Portland's camping ban blocked

The ban on daytime camping was set to go into effect on Monday.

A Multnomah County Circuit Court judge has blocked enforcement of Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="daytime camping ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/07/portland-camping-ban-up-for-city-council-vote" data-vars-content-id="1af99711-ebfc-49a0-be2b-0252c48fa108" data-vars-headline="Enforcement of Portland&#x27;s camping ban blocked" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/07/portland-camping-ban-up-for-city-council-vote" target="_self">daytime camping ban</a> from starting on Monday.Driving the news: Judge Rima Ghandour issued a preliminary injunction against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the ordinance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/council/documents/ordinance/passed/191311" data-vars-content-id="1af99711-ebfc-49a0-be2b-0252c48fa108" data-vars-headline="Enforcement of Portland&#x27;s camping ban blocked" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/council/documents/ordinance/passed/191311" target="_blank">the ordinance</a> late Thursday afternoon, saying that five unhoused plaintiffs who sued over the measure &quot;made a sufficient showing … that, upon a final hearing,&quot; they may fully prevail.

A man in a green hoodie with a red sleeping bag over his lap sits on the sidewalk next to his wheelchair.

Power plays shape Portland's government transition

Council members outvoted Mayor Wheeler to keep more control next year.

Portland&#x27;s city council approved a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="management structure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/transition/documents/final-organizational-structure-11223/download" data-vars-content-id="f2ce5df6-b94f-4e20-9453-48164a93d175" data-vars-headline="Power plays shape Portland&#x27;s government transition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/transition/documents/final-organizational-structure-11223/download" target="_blank">management structure</a> for the city&#x27;s future government and an action plan to get there — but with amendments that dealt a blow to Mayor Ted Wheeler&#x27;s plans for how the transition should go.<ul><li>Commissioners voted 4-1 — the mayor was the only no vote — on a road map that allows them to keep more control of the transition process than the mayor wants.</li></ul>

Photo illustration of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler with lines radiating from him. 

Retiring Rep. Blumenauer wants to help fix Portland

The long-serving Democratic member of Congress won't seek another term.

The congressional seat held by Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer — Oregon&#x27;s 3rd Congressional district — is up for grabs.What&#x27;s happening: Blumenauer announced he won&#x27;t seek reelection in 2024 — giving him about a year left in office.

A black and white photo with a young man in a suit and his hand on the bible, and the same man, older with grey hair, speaking at a microphone in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Study: Men give more money in Oregon politics

Women give fewer dollars, but nearly half of donors to Oregon campaigns are women.

Men contribute two-thirds of the money going to political campaigns for Oregon state lawmakers and state-wide elected officials such as governor and secretary of state, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://cawp.rutgers.edu/research/cawp-women-money-and-politics-series/donor-gap" data-vars-content-id="7a4620db-c3b4-44af-921d-7f18be51470e" data-vars-headline="Study: Men give more money in Oregon politics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cawp.rutgers.edu/research/cawp-women-money-and-politics-series/donor-gap" target="_blank">new analysis</a>.<ul><li>That lines up with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national average" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/17/women-political-donations-state-demographics-gender" data-vars-content-id="7a4620db-c3b4-44af-921d-7f18be51470e" data-vars-headline="Study: Men give more money in Oregon politics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/17/women-political-donations-state-demographics-gender" target="_self">national average</a>.</li></ul>

A map of the US, with states shaded darker the more women contribute to state political campaigns. 

Oregon's congressional delegation by age

At 75, Rep. Blumenauer is the oldest, with Sen. Wyden right behind.

Politics

After the death of California Sen. Dianne Feinstein at 92 years old, over half the members of the U.S. Senate are over 60, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/29/feinstein-dies-oldest-senators-mcconnell" data-vars-content-id="cd6c5a45-dc99-4f37-8225-a104301db51b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s congressional delegation by age" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/29/feinstein-dies-oldest-senators-mcconnell" target="_self">writes</a> Axios&#x27; Sareen Habeshian.That includes Oregon&#x27;s two senators, both Democrats: Sen. Ron Wyden is 74 years old, and Sen. Jeff Merkley is 66 years old.The 2022 election pushed the House of Representatives younger while the median age of senators rose, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/01/30/house-gets-younger-senate-gets-older-a-look-at-the-age-and-generation-of-lawmakers-in-the-118th-congress/" data-vars-content-id="cd6c5a45-dc99-4f37-8225-a104301db51b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s congressional delegation by age" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/01/30/house-gets-younger-senate-gets-older-a-look-at-the-age-and-generation-of-lawmakers-in-the-118th-congress/" target="_blank">an analysis</a> by the Pew Research Center.Three members of Oregon&#x27;s six-member delegation are also over 60:<ul><li>Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-3rd District), 75</li><li>Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-2nd District), 71</li><li>Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-1st District), 68</li></ul>The median age of Congressional representatives this session is 57, according to Pew — the remaining three members of Oregon&#x27;s delegation are all in their 50s.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's remaining to-do list

He says there's too much to do before Portland's whole system changes

A day after Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared he will not seek re-election, he detailed his priorities for the 15 months remaining in his term.Why it matters: Wheeler outlined a number of programs he wants to push forward before Portland&#x27;s structure of government changes in 2025, including hiring an interim city manager as soon as possible.

Body cameras now in use by Portland police

A pilot program started this week and all patrol officers are expected to wear them by next fall.

Portland&#x27;s long-disputed police <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="body camera program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/10/portland-police-body-cameras-pilot-program" data-vars-content-id="f53dd179-c695-4c0e-a466-2ab62fa14016" data-vars-headline="Body cameras now in use by Portland police" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/10/portland-police-body-cameras-pilot-program" target="_self">body camera program</a> started Monday. About 150 officers will wear cameras during this pilot phase, which runs through Oct. 19.Why it matters: Portland is the last big city to equip officers with body cameras, which the police bureau <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/police/community/body-worn-camera-project" data-vars-content-id="f53dd179-c695-4c0e-a466-2ab62fa14016" data-vars-headline="Body cameras now in use by Portland police" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/police/community/body-worn-camera-project" target="_blank">says</a> will &quot;enhance the community-police relationship by providing additional transparency.&quot;

Illustration of a police hat with a badge shaped like a video camera icon.

Here's Portland's new city council voting map

It shows which neighborhoods vote together to pick their council representatives.

Portland&#x27;s new voting map for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future city council elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/07/12/new-voting-maps-bridge-portland-east-west-divide" data-vars-content-id="70d1062e-fb29-4d75-a753-810a85d34888" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s Portland&#x27;s new city council voting map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/07/12/new-voting-maps-bridge-portland-east-west-divide" target="_self">future city council elections</a> has the chunk of inner southeast Portland that includes Sellwood and the Reed College area voting with the west side.Why it matters: Until now, city council members have run citywide, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critics said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2022/09/how-best-to-distribute-political-power-in-portland-fault-lines-erupt-over-charter-ballot-proposal.htmlhttps://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2022/09/how-best-to-distribute-political-power-in-portland-fault-lines-erupt-over-charter-ballot-proposal.html" data-vars-content-id="70d1062e-fb29-4d75-a753-810a85d34888" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s Portland&#x27;s new city council voting map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2022/09/how-best-to-distribute-political-power-in-portland-fault-lines-erupt-over-charter-ballot-proposal.htmlhttps://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2022/09/how-best-to-distribute-political-power-in-portland-fault-lines-erupt-over-charter-ballot-proposal.html" target="_blank">critics said</a> favored wealthy interests and historically made it difficult for underserved populations to have a voice. New districts are intended to group together communities with shared political interests.

A map of Portland, Oregon, divided in to four sections. The left section, long and thin, is light green. The top section is peach colored, sitting above a smaller teal section. To the right is a blue section, covering the entire eastern edge of the city. 

Portland Street Response may get a new home

Portland Street Response is a political hot potato.

The politician in charge of the unarmed crisis response organization <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Street Response" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/04/portland-street-response-future-crisis" data-vars-content-id="f00f41c0-3c32-4dc3-a749-baed00e2595a" data-vars-headline="Portland Street Response may get a new home" 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/portland-street-response-future-crisis" target="_self">Portland Street Response</a> wants to find it a new home, and funding that comes from somewhere other than the city.Why it matters: While City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez signaled his commitment to the popular program in an interview with Axios this week, expanding it appears unlikely within the next year while officials sort out how to manage and pay for it.

A man site at a table draped in a blue banner that reads Portland Street Response, under a white pop up tent that says Here to Help,  while a man with a bike reaches into. a cooler full of water bottles.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

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

Politics & Policy

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.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

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.

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.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

Politics 🇺🇸