All Access

Portland

Portland Alerts

Alert

A picture of the Portland skyline with the letters PDX

blue

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Portland.

Axios Portland

Standard

Axios Portland Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Portland Members

Membership

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.

Thanksgiving travel tips for Portland International Airport

Travelers need to also pack their patience.

Travelers at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/05/whats-next-portland-international-airport-renovation" data-vars-content-id="e20731f8-d59b-402b-9bde-daa3be8f3fdf" data-vars-headline="Thanksgiving travel tips for Portland International Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/05/whats-next-portland-international-airport-renovation" target="_self">Portland International Airport</a> this holiday week should plan to arrive earlier than they would have in previous years, officials say.Why it matters: PDX expects nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="240,000 travelers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flypdx.com/Newsroom/2023-holiday-travel-tips-and-pdx-passenger-forecast" data-vars-content-id="e20731f8-d59b-402b-9bde-daa3be8f3fdf" data-vars-headline="Thanksgiving travel tips for Portland International Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flypdx.com/Newsroom/2023-holiday-travel-tips-and-pdx-passenger-forecast" target="_blank">240,000 travelers</a> to pass through the airport starting Wednesday through Sunday — up 9% from 2022, according to Allison Ferre, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland.

Illustration of a turkey pulling a suitcase. 

High transit rating for Portland's Moda Center

Transit

Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moda Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.modaportland.com/" data-vars-content-id="17d936c3-bd82-4b2a-b518-b3b3a68a2600" data-vars-headline="High transit rating for Portland&#x27;s Moda Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.modaportland.com/" target="_blank">Moda Center</a> is among the best in the nation when it comes to access to public transportation, according to a recent ranking.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walk Score" data-vars-click-url="https://www.walkscore.com/about.shtml" data-vars-content-id="17d936c3-bd82-4b2a-b518-b3b3a68a2600" data-vars-headline="High transit rating for Portland&#x27;s Moda Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.walkscore.com/about.shtml" target="_blank">Walk Score</a>, a Redfin company that promotes walkable neighborhoods and studies bike and transit access, found that the arena scored 85 out of 100 in its assessment.

The exterior of Portland's Moda Center, a low, rounded building, with a video display of basketball players and a sign that says Rip City in front. 

Take the survey: How do you get to the Moda Center?

Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moda Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.modaportland.com/" data-vars-content-id="2813c838-e2b1-4f84-b3c7-cf2ae4a4726c" data-vars-headline="Take the survey: How do you get to the Moda Center?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.modaportland.com/" target="_blank">Moda Center</a> is among the best in the nation when it comes to access to public transportation, according to a recent ranking.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walk Score" data-vars-click-url="https://www.walkscore.com/about.shtml" data-vars-content-id="2813c838-e2b1-4f84-b3c7-cf2ae4a4726c" data-vars-headline="Take the survey: How do you get to the Moda Center?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.walkscore.com/about.shtml" target="_blank">Walk Score</a>, a Redfin company that promotes walkable neighborhoods and studies bike and transit access, found that the arena scored 85 out of 100 in its assessment.Why it matters: Better transit — if people use it — helps not only the planet but everybody stuck in the freeway back up or parking line before big events.<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/387fe118-562f-45ad-8bb3-17399b1da8c9/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="387fe118-562f-45ad-8bb3-17399b1da8c9" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="387fe118-562f-45ad-8bb3-17399b1da8c9" data-vars-content-id="2813c838-e2b1-4f84-b3c7-cf2ae4a4726c" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

Portland's rounded arena the Moda Center with a black and red Rip City sign in front and two people walking past.

Budget shortfall could mean snowier roads this winter

ODOT won't be able to deploy snowplows as often.

As Oregon experienced its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first significant snowfall" data-vars-click-url="https://kpic.com/news/local/cascade-passes-see-first-significant-snowfall-of-the-season-snow-levels-forecast-to-rise-oregon-washington-weather-mount-hood-mt-government-camp-santiam-pass" data-vars-content-id="d57108a1-d1f6-4262-8b22-80ae3537b59f" data-vars-headline="Budget shortfall could mean snowier roads this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kpic.com/news/local/cascade-passes-see-first-significant-snowfall-of-the-season-snow-levels-forecast-to-rise-oregon-washington-weather-mount-hood-mt-government-camp-santiam-pass" target="_blank">first significant snowfall</a> this week, state transportation officials warn that a funding deficit will mean fewer snowplows clearing major roads this winter.Why it matters: Drivers may encounter more setbacks and dangerous driving conditions as the weather gets colder and wetter.

An aerial image of a curvy road carved through a forest of snow-capped evergreen trees.

As traffic deaths rise, Portland officials crack down

2023 may be the deadliest year on record for crashes.

Given the rise in fatal car crashes and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pedestrian deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/07/05/pedestrian-deaths-portland-average-vehicle-speeds" data-vars-content-id="c545b6cd-8c44-4153-9bdc-ddb319cb45e5" data-vars-headline="As traffic deaths rise, Portland officials crack down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/07/05/pedestrian-deaths-portland-average-vehicle-speeds" target="_self">pedestrian deaths</a>, Portland transportation officials and police are implementing new strategies to crack down on speeding and reckless driving.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Speeding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/news/2023/3/13/pbot-urges-public-slow-down-speed-impairment-keep-pedestrian-deaths#:~:text=There%20was%20an%20average%2016,limits%20the%20last%20five%20years." data-vars-content-id="c545b6cd-8c44-4153-9bdc-ddb319cb45e5" data-vars-headline="As traffic deaths rise, Portland officials crack down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/news/2023/3/13/pbot-urges-public-slow-down-speed-impairment-keep-pedestrian-deaths#:~:text=There%20was%20an%20average%2016,limits%20the%20last%20five%20years." target="_blank">Speeding</a> is a major factor in Portland traffic deaths, despite the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="effort to reduce speed limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/news/2023/3/13/pbot-urges-public-slow-down-speed-impairment-keep-pedestrian-deaths#:~:text=Speed%20limits%3A%20Portland%20has%20aggressively,on%20these%20streets%20in%202022." data-vars-content-id="c545b6cd-8c44-4153-9bdc-ddb319cb45e5" data-vars-headline="As traffic deaths rise, Portland officials crack down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/transportation/news/2023/3/13/pbot-urges-public-slow-down-speed-impairment-keep-pedestrian-deaths#:~:text=Speed%20limits%3A%20Portland%20has%20aggressively,on%20these%20streets%20in%202022." target="_blank">effort to reduce speed limits</a>, and this may be the deadliest year on record for collisions.

Illustration of a road sign with a snail icon on it.

Traces of fentanyl and meth linger on Portland public transit

Public health officials say the drug levels aren't high enough to pose a risk to the public.

Researchers are recommending upgrading air filters on buses and trains after finding trace amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine on public transit, including on TriMet trains in Portland.The big picture: Public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health officials say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2023-09/Letter%20from%20OPC%20WPC%20medical%20directors_pdf.pdf" data-vars-content-id="3495f389-f243-4794-bcc7-30b3d1217134" data-vars-headline="Traces of fentanyl and meth linger on Portland public transit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2023-09/Letter%20from%20OPC%20WPC%20medical%20directors_pdf.pdf" target="_blank">health officials say</a> the drug levels weren&#x27;t high enough to pose a risk to the public, but the long-term effects on drivers working in such conditions haven&#x27;t been thoroughly studied, the researchers said.

How to hack Oregon traffic this Labor Day weekend

If you're hitting the road, be prepared to spend a pretty penny at the pump.

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and if you&#x27;re headed out of town to celebrate, you won&#x27;t be alone.<ul><li>According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA search data" data-vars-click-url="https://info.oregon.aaa.com/aaa-travel-on-the-rise-for-labor-day-weekend/" data-vars-content-id="98140b09-f20e-44b3-a9ab-aaae3a135940" data-vars-headline="How to hack Oregon traffic this Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://info.oregon.aaa.com/aaa-travel-on-the-rise-for-labor-day-weekend/" target="_blank">AAA search data</a>, Oregon residents have been eyeing central and coastal towns for a place to escape for the long weekend before we head into fall.</li></ul>

Illustration of a steering wheel as a clock with a highlighted portion in red

How Portlanders' local travel mileage stacks up

Here's how Portland's travel habits compare to other big cities'.

The average household in the Portland metro area travels — by multiple means, excluding flying — 28,207 miles annually, just under the national average of nearly 30,000, according to a new study by the Brookings Institution.<ul><li>But some households here travel less than half that mileage annually, depending on how close they live to activities such as jobs, shopping or recreation.</li></ul>

How transportation impacts health in Portland

Research suggests as much as 40% of a person's health can be attributed to socioeconomic factors.

Health

More than one in five U.S. adults without access to a vehicle or public transportation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="missed or skipped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/28/over-skip-health-care-transportation-barriers" data-vars-content-id="125ae04d-b8b8-4a9d-b48d-9071a33040a7" data-vars-headline="How transportation impacts health in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/28/over-skip-health-care-transportation-barriers" target="_self">missed or skipped</a> a medical appointment last year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/our-research/2023/04/more-than-one-in-five-adults-with-limited-public-transit-access-forgo-healthcare-because-of-transportation-barriers.html" data-vars-content-id="125ae04d-b8b8-4a9d-b48d-9071a33040a7" data-vars-headline="How transportation impacts health in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/our-research/2023/04/more-than-one-in-five-adults-with-limited-public-transit-access-forgo-healthcare-because-of-transportation-barriers.html" target="_blank">a report</a> by the Urban Institute.Why it matters: While access to telehealth has reduced some transportation barriers, it&#x27;s not available to all and can&#x27;t replace in-person care for all medical needs.

What's next for Portland International Airport

Next year, PDX's new main terminal will open, featuring a soaring new design.

Next year, Portland International Airport will have a new look and feel after undergoing construction since 2020.Why it matters: Some travelers are experiencing renovation fatigue every time they roll their suitcases down the long connecting walkway from ticketing to the terminals. (It can be up to half a mile!)

An illustration of the new main terminal of Portland International Airport.

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.

Transit 🚗