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Oregon vows to fight Trump's mail-in voting order

State officials are preparing to defend Oregon's decades-old vote-by-mail system.

News

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="d425ee81-63fb-4d67-bab8-dbd813408a71" data-vars-headline="Oregon vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> can implement an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" data-vars-content-id="d425ee81-63fb-4d67-bab8-dbd813408a71" data-vars-headline="Oregon vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" target="_self">executive order</a> restricting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mail-in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" data-vars-content-id="d425ee81-63fb-4d67-bab8-dbd813408a71" data-vars-headline="Oregon vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" target="_self">mail-in</a> ballots just months before the midterm elections, the Supreme Court said Monday.Why it matters: The decision could upend the midterms, but the legal battle is far from over, and the exact impact on Oregon&#x27;s upcoming elections remains unclear.

Lam Research expands in Oregon as AI chip demand grows

It's a big win for the state, which has seen businesses take their growth elsewhere in recent years.

Business

Lam Research, the global <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="semiconductor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/07/16/federal-grant-semiconductor-industry-fast" data-vars-content-id="93f4b9c7-5986-4110-a120-1afd43004149" data-vars-headline="Lam Research expands in Oregon as AI chip demand grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/07/16/federal-grant-semiconductor-industry-fast" target="_self">semiconductor</a> equipment maker with a large Portland-area presence, broke ground Wednesday on a multimillion-dollar research and development lab aimed at meeting growing demand for advanced AI chips.Why it matters: The lab is part of a $1.5 billion investment in the company&#x27;s Oregon footprint over the next 15 years — a major win for the state as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent manufacturing job losses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2026/08/03/manufacturing-jobs-oregon.html" data-vars-content-id="93f4b9c7-5986-4110-a120-1afd43004149" data-vars-headline="Lam Research expands in Oregon as AI chip demand grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2026/08/03/manufacturing-jobs-oregon.html" target="_blank">recent manufacturing job losses</a> compound and other businesses consider <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moving their growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/09/oregon-businesses-expand-out-of-state-growth-incentives" data-vars-content-id="93f4b9c7-5986-4110-a120-1afd43004149" data-vars-headline="Lam Research expands in Oregon as AI chip demand grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/09/oregon-businesses-expand-out-of-state-growth-incentives" target="_self">moving their growth</a> elsewhere.

Portland renters pay more for less space

New apartments are 47 square feet smaller than a decade ago.

The average <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new apartment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/18/portland-rent-relief-could-fade-as-building-slows" data-vars-content-id="4c637cbd-335b-41d4-9570-dd43d0e953fa" data-vars-headline="Portland renters pay more for less space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/18/portland-rent-relief-could-fade-as-building-slows" target="_self">new apartment</a> shrunk in Portland during the past decade to some of the smallest dwellings in the country, according to a new survey from RentCafe.Why it matters: Even though square footage shrunk, renters of all apartments in Portland are paying more — even accounting for a 39% increase in inflation.

Pay what you can at Bar Carlo one-night only

Diners decide what to pay for their meals during a one-day event.

Food and Drink

Portland has not shortage of great food on the financial spectrum — from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cheap carts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/07/28/food-cart-pod-peninsula-park-piedmont" data-vars-content-id="4322cfa6-902e-47b4-b058-57befb41ec5b" data-vars-headline="Pay what you can at Bar Carlo one-night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/07/28/food-cart-pod-peninsula-park-piedmont" target="_self">cheap carts</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spendy fine dining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/11/kann-restaurant-portland-review" data-vars-content-id="4322cfa6-902e-47b4-b058-57befb41ec5b" data-vars-headline="Pay what you can at Bar Carlo one-night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/11/kann-restaurant-portland-review" target="_self">spendy fine dining</a> — but on Wednesday one restaurant is leaving the pricing up to you.Why it matters: What began as a community-minded experiment among Mexico City chefs is going global this year — and Mexican-American brunch spot Bar Carlo is joining in.

I-5 closure puts pressure on TriMet

The five-week shutdown could bring severe congestion and slower bus service.

City and state transportation officials have a few simple asks for commuters ahead of the five-week southbound Interstate 5 closure next month: Drive less, work remotely or take public transit.The big picture: The Oregon Department of Transportation predicts the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sept. 11 shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.i5rosequarter.org/current-construction-travel-impacts/#Southbound" data-vars-content-id="b7ad00a8-3b7f-44e6-ba5b-cccedaf38ec0" data-vars-headline="I-5 closure puts pressure on TriMet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.i5rosequarter.org/current-construction-travel-impacts/#Southbound" target="_blank">Sept. 11 shutdown</a> through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Rose Quarter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/08/04/i-5-rose-quarter-project-cost-3-6-billion" data-vars-content-id="b7ad00a8-3b7f-44e6-ba5b-cccedaf38ec0" data-vars-headline="I-5 closure puts pressure on TriMet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/08/04/i-5-rose-quarter-project-cost-3-6-billion" target="_self">the Rose Quarter</a> could produce some of the worst congestion the region has experienced, with travel times &quot;two to three times longer&quot; and backups extending into southwest Washington.

TriMet to cut service 10% amid budget shortfall

Service cuts start in November as TriMet faces massive budget hole.

TriMet, Oregon&#x27;s largest transit provider, recently announced it plans to slash at least 10% of its bus and MAX services over the next two years after lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="failed to pass" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/29/oregon-legislature-transportation-funding" data-vars-content-id="a1912591-0447-4d52-abf4-93d1957efb6e" data-vars-headline="TriMet to cut service 10% amid budget shortfall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/29/oregon-legislature-transportation-funding" target="_self">failed to pass</a> a key transportation funding package last month. Why it matters: Starting in November, the agency will reduce how often some buses and trains run, and it will eventually eliminate some lines entirely, which could result in longer wait times and fewer options for passengers.

Year in reflection: Ice storm impacts linger

Axios spoke with Street Trust's Sarah Iannarone on how to move forward.

Climate

At the start of the year, a series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme winter weather systems" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/17/photos-cold-weather-us-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="976ea00d-53ca-444c-a911-086da65e3918" data-vars-headline="Year in reflection: Ice storm impacts linger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/17/photos-cold-weather-us-winter-storm" target="_self">extreme winter weather systems</a> pummeled Portland and ice rained down from the skies.The big picture: The impact of that event — when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds lost power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/17/oregon-ice-snow-storm-slow-recovery/" data-vars-content-id="976ea00d-53ca-444c-a911-086da65e3918" data-vars-headline="Year in reflection: Ice storm impacts linger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/17/oregon-ice-snow-storm-slow-recovery/" target="_blank">hundreds lost power</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="were trapped in their homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wweek.com/news/environment/2024/01/17/portland-remains-encased-in-ice-as-temperatures-rise-slowly/" data-vars-content-id="976ea00d-53ca-444c-a911-086da65e3918" data-vars-headline="Year in reflection: Ice storm impacts linger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wweek.com/news/environment/2024/01/17/portland-remains-encased-in-ice-as-temperatures-rise-slowly/" target="_blank">were trapped in their homes</a>, businesses <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="were forced to close" data-vars-click-url="https://pdx.eater.com/2024/2/15/24074211/portland-restaurants-winter-storm-2024-financial-relief" data-vars-content-id="976ea00d-53ca-444c-a911-086da65e3918" data-vars-headline="Year in reflection: Ice storm impacts linger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pdx.eater.com/2024/2/15/24074211/portland-restaurants-winter-storm-2024-financial-relief" target="_blank">were forced to close</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potholes plagued the streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/27/potholes-roads-winter-weather" data-vars-content-id="976ea00d-53ca-444c-a911-086da65e3918" data-vars-headline="Year in reflection: Ice storm impacts linger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/27/potholes-roads-winter-weather" target="_self">potholes plagued the streets</a> — has raised questions about how the city will respond to future natural disasters.

Portland's traffic ranks 7th worst in U.S.

Tolling for the proposed replacement bridge could make congestion worse.

Portland-area drivers are more likely to get stuck in traffic than those in nearly any other city in the U.S., according to a new analysis.Why it matters: Understanding which cities have the worst congestion can help people make decisions about where to work, when to work and run errands, or even when it&#x27;s time to move, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Consumer Affairs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/cities-with-the-worst-traffic.html" data-vars-content-id="a7560e07-f724-403a-81b6-24efa10dfd93" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s traffic ranks 7th worst in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/cities-with-the-worst-traffic.html" target="_blank">Consumer Affairs</a> researchers found.

What's going on with the Hawthorne Bridge's many closures

The $9.5 million upgrade is for repaving the deck's concrete and replacing joints.

Transit

Travelers may have noticed the Hawthorne Bridge — Oregon&#x27;s busiest bicycle and transit crossing, as well as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="oldest operating vertical lift bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.multco.us/bridges/hawthorne-bridge" data-vars-content-id="eb984f50-0d4c-42c0-9f5b-98f19eead32c" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s going on with the Hawthorne Bridge&#x27;s many closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.multco.us/bridges/hawthorne-bridge" target="_blank">oldest operating vertical lift bridge</a> in the U.S. — has been closed a lot recently as it undergoes repairs and maintenance. The latest: This summer, Multnomah County, which manages five of the Willamette River&#x27;s bridges, hired a contractor to repave the deteriorated deck&#x27;s concrete and replace deck joints for both the east and west sides of the bridge, according to spokesperson Sarah Hurwitz.

Train travel rebounds across Oregon

Rail travel is still a small share of transportation compared with air travel.

All aboard! Train travel in the Pacific Northwest is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roaring back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/american-rail-brightline-trains-amtrak" data-vars-content-id="258a668f-5728-4bf9-b903-28d09a49f5ee" data-vars-headline="Train travel rebounds across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/american-rail-brightline-trains-amtrak" target="_self">roaring back</a>, with Amtrak Cascades trains seeing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a 75% jump" data-vars-click-url="https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/data/gray-notebook/gnbhome/mobility/rail/ridership.htm" data-vars-content-id="258a668f-5728-4bf9-b903-28d09a49f5ee" data-vars-headline="Train travel rebounds across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/data/gray-notebook/gnbhome/mobility/rail/ridership.htm" target="_blank">a 75% jump</a> in ridership last year.Why it matters: Ridership fell hard during the pandemic. But it&#x27;s coming back strong — as people choose trains for the views, the fares and the sustainability, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Finish Line reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-finish-line-ed4ea110-535a-11ef-8d20-93561246b4a8" data-vars-content-id="258a668f-5728-4bf9-b903-28d09a49f5ee" data-vars-headline="Train travel rebounds across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-finish-line-ed4ea110-535a-11ef-8d20-93561246b4a8" target="_self">Axios Finish Line reports</a>.

PDX's on-time departure scorecard

More than 85% of flights out of Portland International Airport left on time last year.

Travel

Despite the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing renovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/08/portland-new-pdx-terminal-delayed-august" data-vars-content-id="b907df54-3ee1-4913-84ed-e0af9f6030dd" data-vars-headline="PDX&#x27;s on-time departure scorecard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/08/portland-new-pdx-terminal-delayed-august" target="_self">ongoing renovation</a>, Portland International Airport had an above-average on-time performance last year compared to other large U.S. airports, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.By the numbers: PDX ranks fifth out of 104 large U.S. airports for annual on-time departures in 2023, according to the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transtats.bts.gov/homepage.asp" data-vars-content-id="b907df54-3ee1-4913-84ed-e0af9f6030dd" data-vars-headline="PDX&#x27;s on-time departure scorecard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transtats.bts.gov/homepage.asp" target="_blank">latest data</a>.

Portland ranks high on green transit scorecard

Portland plans to become a net-zero-emission city by 2050.

Portland is one of the top metro areas in the country — behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/04/09/seattle-cities-transportation-climate-impact" data-vars-content-id="b626f751-68d0-4859-a125-589071f152ef" data-vars-headline="Portland ranks high on green transit scorecard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/04/09/seattle-cities-transportation-climate-impact" target="_self">Seattle</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/04/08/sf-bay-area-clean-transit-score" data-vars-content-id="b626f751-68d0-4859-a125-589071f152ef" data-vars-headline="Portland ranks high on green transit scorecard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/04/08/sf-bay-area-clean-transit-score" target="_self">San Francisco</a> and New York — in limiting the impact of local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/24/portland-residents-without-vehicle-transportation-healthcare" data-vars-content-id="b626f751-68d0-4859-a125-589071f152ef" data-vars-headline="Portland ranks high on green transit scorecard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/24/portland-residents-without-vehicle-transportation-healthcare" target="_self">transportation</a> when it comes to greenhouse gases, according to a recent report.Why it matters: Transportation is the biggest driver of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation and accounts for 40% of such emissions in Portland, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/planning/zero-emission-delivery/zero-emission-delivery-zone#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20Portland%20City%20Council,emissions%20in%20the%20Portland%20area." data-vars-content-id="b626f751-68d0-4859-a125-589071f152ef" data-vars-headline="Portland ranks high on green transit scorecard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/planning/zero-emission-delivery/zero-emission-delivery-zone#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20Portland%20City%20Council,emissions%20in%20the%20Portland%20area." target="_blank">city estimates</a>.

Potholes plague Portland streets post-winter storm

It costs an average of $300 to fill a single pothole, according to Portland's Bureau of Transportation.

Hundreds of new potholes have opened up on Portland roadways as the city grapples with the continuing fallout from last month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/17/photos-cold-weather-us-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="517d856d-72e5-4ce5-bb14-44acc11e0ce4" data-vars-headline="Potholes plague Portland streets post-winter storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/17/photos-cold-weather-us-winter-storm" target="_self">winter storm</a>.Why it matters: Potholes plague every corner of the city — they&#x27;re eyesores, can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose danger to pedestrians, and cost Portland thousands of dollars to fix annually.

Bike ridership is rebounding in Portland

Commuting is growing again, with an assist from e-bikes.

Portland&#x27;s bicycle <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ridership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/10/20/portland-biking-rates-america" data-vars-content-id="2ff954d4-cc08-4e57-b69d-4404bfeb397f" data-vars-headline="Bike ridership is rebounding 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/2023/10/20/portland-biking-rates-america" target="_self">ridership</a> rose 5% from 2022 to 2023, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initial data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/bicycle-committee/documents/presentation-preview-2023-bicycle-count-report/download" data-vars-content-id="2ff954d4-cc08-4e57-b69d-4404bfeb397f" data-vars-headline="Bike ridership is rebounding in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/bicycle-committee/documents/presentation-preview-2023-bicycle-count-report/download" target="_blank">initial data</a> from the Portland Bureau of Transportation.Why it matters: When ridership <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dropped 45%" data-vars-click-url="https://bikeportland.org/2023/03/15/city-counts-reveal-data-behind-portlands-precipitous-drop-in-cycling-371407" data-vars-content-id="2ff954d4-cc08-4e57-b69d-4404bfeb397f" data-vars-headline="Bike ridership is rebounding in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikeportland.org/2023/03/15/city-counts-reveal-data-behind-portlands-precipitous-drop-in-cycling-371407" target="_blank">dropped 45%</a> between 2014 and 2022, Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bike-friendly image" data-vars-click-url="https://www.travelportland.com/culture/biking/#:~:text=With%20miles%20of%20protected%20bike,Portland%20is%20any%20bicyclist&#x27;s%20dream." data-vars-content-id="2ff954d4-cc08-4e57-b69d-4404bfeb397f" data-vars-headline="Bike ridership is rebounding in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.travelportland.com/culture/biking/#:~:text=With%20miles%20of%20protected%20bike,Portland%20is%20any%20bicyclist&#x27;s%20dream." target="_blank">bike-friendly image</a> took a hit, but things are looking up again. The new data suggests the end of a downward trend.

Transit 🚗

I-5 closure puts pressure on TriMet

Portland swaps in zippier Biketown fleet for 10-year anniversary

Oregon payroll tax for transit set to double

TriMet to cut service 10% amid budget shortfall

High-speed rail plans inch forward in the Pacific Northwest