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Frog Ferry pitches public funding model

Residents can donate to help launch ferry service, with perks like naming rights.

News

Backers of Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Frog Ferry project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/14/portland-frog-ferry-service-willamette" data-vars-content-id="8c92047f-9939-4d8a-ae77-cea0a4f6bfd3" data-vars-headline="Frog Ferry pitches public funding model" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/14/portland-frog-ferry-service-willamette" target="_self">Frog Ferry project</a> unveiled a new funding model Tuesday, allowing residents to donate toward launching ferry service.Why it matters: Project leaders are betting Rose City residents will help pay for ferry service to get a boat in the water.

Get to know Portland's bridges: Sellwood

It's the sole Willamette crossing designed to survive a major earthquake.

Portland&#x27;s Sellwood Bridge is the city&#x27;s southernmost Willamette crossing — and the only one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for several miles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/ross-island-bridge-100-rare-cantilever-design" data-vars-content-id="9ad23dab-ec6b-46a6-9c14-cbbbb6a17200" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Sellwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/ross-island-bridge-100-rare-cantilever-design" target="_self">for several miles</a> — making it a critical route for Southwest and Southeast residents and commuters alike. The big picture: Opened in 2016, the Sellwood is the newest of the bunch, replacing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an impressively high" data-vars-click-url="https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=oregon/sellwoodbridge/" data-vars-content-id="9ad23dab-ec6b-46a6-9c14-cbbbb6a17200" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Sellwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=oregon/sellwoodbridge/" target="_blank">an impressively high</a> continuous deck truss structure built in 1925.

Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors

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

Food and Drink

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.

Why these spring bugs annoy Portlanders most

Even in the nature-loving Pacific Northwest, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some bugs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/oregon-spotted-lanternfly-invasive-species" data-vars-content-id="9b308f10-53df-491b-b8a1-3d1acbef07fb" data-vars-headline="Why these spring bugs annoy Portlanders most" 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/oregon-spotted-lanternfly-invasive-species" target="_self">some bugs</a> are public enemy No. 1.Why it matters: As spring temperatures climb past about 55 degrees, cold-blooded insects emerge from winter hiding spots seemingly all at once, which is why it can suddenly feel like they&#x27;re everywhere.

Hillsboro Hops debut new $150M stadium

The Hops are opening a $150M stadium with new seating, food and concert space.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsboro Hops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/23/hillsboro-hops-new-stadium-concerts-conferences" data-vars-content-id="d197f467-f8fa-415a-afd2-8c56ad380964" data-vars-headline="Hillsboro Hops debut new $150M stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/23/hillsboro-hops-new-stadium-concerts-conferences" target="_self">Hillsboro Hops</a> open their home season Tuesday with the debut of a new stadium, marking a major shift for the team and the city.Why it matters: The $150 million stadium underscores a long-term partnership between the Portland area&#x27;s only Minor League Baseball team and Hillsboro.

Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft

Portland selects first as WNBA expansion draft shapes its inaugural roster.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/15/wnba-fire-new-logo-launch-basketball" data-vars-content-id="0e8f353d-ba89-4c24-b234-e35d570c1e3c" data-vars-headline="Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/15/wnba-fire-new-logo-launch-basketball" target="_self">Portland Fire</a> will begin building its inaugural roster Friday in the WNBA&#x27;s expansion draft.Why it matters: After a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="labor dispute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/18/wnba-labor-deal-fire-season-on-schedule" data-vars-content-id="0e8f353d-ba89-4c24-b234-e35d570c1e3c" data-vars-headline="Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/18/wnba-labor-deal-fire-season-on-schedule" target="_self">labor dispute</a> threatened to delay the season, Rip City will finally learn who we&#x27;ll be rooting for.

Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift

The MLS will shift to a  new schedule next year to match the international calendar.

The Timbers will play a mini-season early next year as Major League Soccer makes a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major calendar change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/17/mls-summer-spring-calendar" data-vars-content-id="278d8ac2-3f2b-482e-8cbd-1fe5d43fcee3" data-vars-headline="Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/17/mls-summer-spring-calendar" target="_self">major calendar change</a> that will align it with much of the rest of the world.Why it matters: The long-awaited scheduling change will make the league more competitive during the summer transfer window, something Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said is long overdue.

Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes

Portland opens its home season after a win, with a new coach and key roster changes.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/10/thorns-advance-as-timbers-exit-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="c3be9b27-eb50-4b99-864e-a36579b69026" data-vars-headline="Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/10/thorns-advance-as-timbers-exit-playoffs" target="_self">Thorns</a> return to Providence Park on Friday as they kick off their home opener with one less star, a returning favorite, a new coach and lofty expectations for the oncoming soccer season.Why it matters: Portland fell one match short of last year&#x27;s final and enters the new campaign aiming to take the next step.

WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track

A labor deal ensures the Fire's first season starts on time as league momentum grows.

The Portland Fire&#x27;s first season will start on time after the WNBA and the players&#x27; union came to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tentative labor agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/25/wnba-labor-dispute-looms-over-portland-fire-debut" data-vars-content-id="c853e38c-3506-4d53-9c79-7755a5957c19" data-vars-headline="WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/25/wnba-labor-dispute-looms-over-portland-fire-debut" target="_self">tentative labor agreement</a> early Wednesday morning.Why it matters: A delay would have disrupted the Fire&#x27;s launch and slowed momentum as the WNBA builds on surging fan interest.

Some readers are skeptical of Moda Center funding

Our readers question whether public money for the arena is worth it.

The Oregon legislature recently approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" data-vars-content-id="94f375af-a204-449d-8de5-4687bd85100b" data-vars-headline="Some readers are skeptical of Moda Center funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" target="_self">hundreds of millions</a> in public money to rehab the aging Moda Center, and our readers have some thoughts.Why it matters: The vote may have cleared the legislature, but the public funding plan faces skepticism from some Axios Portland readers who question its benefits and the state&#x27;s priorities.

Oregon House backs $365M for Moda Center renovations

The funding ties arena upgrades to a new 20-year Trail Blazers lease.

Oregon House representatives approved a major infusion of public money into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland&#x27;s Moda Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" data-vars-content-id="23f04aef-033c-4bd5-a1ec-bfa5bb33628a" data-vars-headline="Oregon House backs $365M for Moda Center renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" target="_self">Portland&#x27;s Moda Center</a> on Friday.Why it matters: The money — roughly $365 million meant to remodel the aging arena — is conditioned on the Blazers signing a new 20-year lease amid murmurs that without a revamp, the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new owners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/13/trail-blazers-sale-tom-dundon" data-vars-content-id="23f04aef-033c-4bd5-a1ec-bfa5bb33628a" data-vars-headline="Oregon House backs $365M for Moda Center renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/13/trail-blazers-sale-tom-dundon" target="_self">new owners</a> could look to move elsewhere.

Two Oregon alpine skiers race for gold in the 2026 Paralympics

Anna Soens and Ravi Drugan represent Team USA in multiple alpine events in Italy.

Two athletes with deep Oregon roots — Anna Soens and Ravi Drugan — are representing Team USA at the Milano Cortina 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paralympic Winter Games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" data-vars-content-id="dc53dc87-27a7-4a0d-bdda-553cc15b26c9" data-vars-headline="Two Oregon alpine skiers race for gold in the 2026 Paralympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" target="_self">Paralympic Winter Games</a>.Why it matters: Both learned to ski through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oregon Adaptive Sports" data-vars-click-url="https://oregonadaptivesports.org/about/" data-vars-content-id="dc53dc87-27a7-4a0d-bdda-553cc15b26c9" data-vars-headline="Two Oregon alpine skiers race for gold in the 2026 Paralympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oregonadaptivesports.org/about/" target="_blank">Oregon Adaptive Sports</a> — which provides access and training for outdoor athletes with disabilities — and qualified for multiple alpine events beginning this weekend.

Blazers' future uncertain as arena funding questions mount

City, county and state leaders are questioning how to pay for costly Moda Center upgrades.

Assurances that the Blazers would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stay in Portland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" data-vars-content-id="6fc5b5d8-b043-4f8a-a419-31d9d3707502" data-vars-headline="Blazers&#x27; future uncertain as arena funding questions mount" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" target="_self">stay in Portland</a> under new ownership are proving premature as questions mount over how to pay for a costly arena renovation.Why it matters: Without roughly $600 million in upgrades to the Moda Center, the new owners could begin exploring an exit for Portland&#x27;s only major professional sports team.

Hood River snowboarder brings Oregon style to Olympics

Sean FitzSimons carries Mount Hood roots into Olympic big air and slopestyle. Shoutout Oregon.

Born and raised in Hood River, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Olympic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/olympics-hunter-hess-halfpipe-skiing" data-vars-content-id="36db3285-3f00-41ec-b095-663d2c4867ef" data-vars-headline="Hood River snowboarder brings Oregon style to Olympics" 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/olympics-hunter-hess-halfpipe-skiing" target="_self">Olympic</a> snowboarder Sean FitzSimons was carving turns on Mount Hood almost as soon as he could walk.The big picture: Now he&#x27;ll bring the skills he learned on the rails and jumps at Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows to the big air and slopestyle courses at Livigno Snow Park, outside Cortina, Italy.

Sports 🏅

Hillsboro Hops debut new $150M stadium

Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft

Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift

Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes

WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track