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What fewer children means for Portland

The effects stretch from classrooms to the job market.

News

The West is home to fewer children than it was five years ago, according to new census data.Why it matters: Portland&#x27;s been grappling with this demographic shift for years — declining classroom enrollment, an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aging population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/16/aging-population-baby-boomers-oregon-economy" data-vars-content-id="57c3ea18-e52c-4870-b9e8-6ae5213b2813" data-vars-headline="What fewer children means for Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/16/aging-population-baby-boomers-oregon-economy" target="_self">aging population</a>, slower population growth — and it could drastically reshape the local economy.

Everything to know about Portland Arts Week

Dozens of galleries, museums and bookstores are participating.

Things to Do

Portland&#x27;s first-ever Arts Week kicks off Thursday with dozens of free events designed to showcase the city&#x27;s robust arts ecosystem.Why it matters: The theme is sports, capitalizing on two of Portland&#x27;s biggest audiences and the excitement building around our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new WNBA team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" data-vars-content-id="9422989a-0cad-48c4-816d-03a170b7ddf1" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Portland Arts Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" target="_self">new WNBA team</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" data-vars-content-id="9422989a-0cad-48c4-816d-03a170b7ddf1" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Portland Arts Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" target="_self">the World Cup</a>.

A Polish family recipe powers Portland's newest pop-up

Kuzyn's handmade pierogi are selling out.

Food and Drink

Three cousins have turned a century-old family recipe into one of Portland&#x27;s newest pop-ups this summer. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kuzyn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/kuzynpdx/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="5b3f0765-bf27-4613-8ae8-ded84161c18e" data-vars-headline="A Polish family recipe powers Portland&#x27;s newest pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/kuzynpdx/?hl=en" target="_blank">Kuzyn</a> serves handmade Polish pierogi inspired by the meals they ate growing up together. </li></ul>The big picture: Kyle Broughton, Dan Skuret and Griffin Bariluk launched Kuzyn earlier this year after realizing Portland lacked options for the traditional Eastern European dish.

Blazers hire Minnesota's Micah Nori as new head coach

Portland fills the NBA's final coaching vacancy with a longtime assistant.

Micah Nori will be the next head coach of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blazers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/29/portland-playoff-run-ends-and-questions-begin" data-vars-content-id="7f8485be-cab5-4ee3-a9cf-a39266e19f2b" data-vars-headline="Blazers hire Minnesota&#x27;s Micah Nori as new head coach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/29/portland-playoff-run-ends-and-questions-begin" target="_self">Blazers</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="media reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/23/micah-nori-trail-blazers-coach/" data-vars-content-id="7f8485be-cab5-4ee3-a9cf-a39266e19f2b" data-vars-headline="Blazers hire Minnesota&#x27;s Micah Nori as new head coach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/23/micah-nori-trail-blazers-coach/" target="_blank">media reports</a>.Why it matters: Portland was the only remaining team in the league with a head coaching vacancy before hiring the former assistant coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Oregon grass takes root at the World Cup

Seven World Cup fields started with seed grown in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Seven <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" data-vars-content-id="a5a8406f-64ac-4f56-972c-e54e223b3691" data-vars-headline="Oregon grass takes root at the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" target="_self">World Cup</a> pitches use grass seed produced in Oregon, underscoring the Willamette Valley&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outsized role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kezi.com/news/local/oregon-farms-providing-grass-seed-for-the-world-cup/article_177bbcb1-ef8a-4489-8c32-014c18152893.html" data-vars-content-id="a5a8406f-64ac-4f56-972c-e54e223b3691" data-vars-headline="Oregon grass takes root at the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kezi.com/news/local/oregon-farms-providing-grass-seed-for-the-world-cup/article_177bbcb1-ef8a-4489-8c32-014c18152893.html" target="_blank">outsized role</a> in supplying turf for major sporting events.Why it matters: Oregon&#x27;s grass seed industry is playing a visible role on one of the world&#x27;s biggest sports stages.

How to watch the World Cup in Portland

Big-screen matches, soccer bars and free watch parties await fans.

Portland won&#x27;t be hosting any <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="0b1a7d43-acc8-4f24-bcba-977d96735475" data-vars-headline="How to watch the World Cup in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" target="_self">World Cup</a> matches, but there are still plenty of ways for Soccer City residents to get in on the action.The big picture: For one glorious month, fans here and around the world stop to watch the same thing.

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.

Soccer, with a side of opera, arrives at Lents Park this weekend

Opera singers, mascots and soccer arrive at Lents Park this weekend.

If you missed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fire&#x27;s return" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" data-vars-content-id="f8f3055e-37b9-4db7-a64e-8ac0c6260c98" data-vars-headline="Soccer, with a side of opera, arrives at Lents Park this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" target="_self">Fire&#x27;s return</a> to town last week, you&#x27;ve got two chances to see Portland teams open their seasons this weekend.Why it matters: The Bangers and the Cherry Bombs, the city&#x27;s pre-professional men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s soccer clubs, are debuting a larger Lents Park venue as the Cherry Bombs launch their inaugural season.

Portland Fire debut before record WNBA crowd

Nearly 20,000 raucous fans packed Moda Center for the Fire's debut.

Sports

<figure><img alt="Animated gif shows the opening tipoff of the Portland Fire&#x27;s first game from the sideline." height="450" id="5212856f-06f4-4725-98d1-b1a1970b0be1" src="https://images.axios.com/AxX2wH0hKG5yFhBkfjjaKbElz1k=/2026/05/10/1778422141645.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Portlanders have a feisty new team to root for. Image: Kale Williams/Axios</figcaption></figure>It was part coming-out party, part homecoming and all celebration at Moda Center on Saturday as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WNBA&#x27;s newest franchise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/22/wnba-portland-fire-debut-schedule-labor-dispute" data-vars-content-id="c9c2c91c-0271-4826-bfca-1c9a4bc5c859" data-vars-headline="Portland Fire debut before record WNBA crowd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/22/wnba-portland-fire-debut-schedule-labor-dispute" target="_self">WNBA&#x27;s newest franchise</a> tipped off their inaugural season.Why it matters: The Portland Fire didn&#x27;t win their first game, but that was the least of concerns for the record-setting crowd that roared with every point scored for the home team.

Blazers blow back-to-back leads, face elimination

Portland heads to San Antonio needing a win after two late-game collapses.

Two games, two blown leads and two losses to the Spurs over the weekend have the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blazers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/13/blazers-two-chances-nba-playoffs-play-in" data-vars-content-id="29301817-de95-449b-ac76-92be1b49f144" data-vars-headline="Blazers blow back-to-back leads, face elimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/13/blazers-two-chances-nba-playoffs-play-in" target="_self">Blazers</a> on the precipice.Why it matters: Portland will play to keep their season alive Tuesday in San Antonio after a pair of late-game letdowns.

Blazers fans roast new owner over cost cuts

Fans push back as Tom Dundon's cost-cutting moves draw scrutiny and jokes online.

The honeymoon, if it ever existed, is over for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Blazers owner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/13/trail-blazers-sale-tom-dundon" data-vars-content-id="0caa5f47-1be4-4bdb-82ac-0e3f28f3566c" data-vars-headline="Blazers fans roast new owner over cost cuts" 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 Blazers owner</a> Tom Dundon.Why it matters: A series of stories detailing the billionaire&#x27;s attempts to cut costs with the team have landed poorly with the fan base.

Blazers doc revisits turbulent early 2000s era

The film explores a talented but troubled Blazers era, with few new insights.

Netflix is out this week with a look back at the early 2000s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blazers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/13/blazers-two-chances-nba-playoffs-play-in" data-vars-content-id="9d905d88-06f7-4166-9738-fbb226212e88" data-vars-headline="Blazers doc revisits turbulent early 2000s era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/13/blazers-two-chances-nba-playoffs-play-in" target="_self">Blazers</a>, a talented and troubled squad that came close to competing for a championship but was plagued by on- and off-court drama.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Untold: Jail Blazers&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/81759611" data-vars-content-id="9d905d88-06f7-4166-9738-fbb226212e88" data-vars-headline="Blazers doc revisits turbulent early 2000s era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81759611" target="_blank">&quot;Untold: Jail Blazers&quot;</a> offers the perspectives of the players, fans, media members and management on the turbulent time for Rip City, but adds little new insight beyond what fans already know.

Blazers get 2 shots at playoff berth

A win over Phoenix would send Portland back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

The Portland <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trail Blazers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/14/portland-trail-blazers-tom-dundon" data-vars-content-id="f4996cd6-89dd-4336-9ebf-86bcaae0e9a5" data-vars-headline="Blazers get 2 shots at playoff berth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/14/portland-trail-blazers-tom-dundon" target="_self">Trail Blazers</a> have two chances to extend their season as the NBA play-in gets underway this week.Why it matters: A single win will put Rip City back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Sports 🏅

Nori's contract fuels concerns about Dundon's Blazers

Blazers hire Minnesota's Micah Nori as new head coach

Oregon grass takes root at the World Cup

How to watch the World Cup in Portland

Portland Fire surge past expansion expectations