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Rose Quarter I-5 closure will end early

Southbound lanes will reopen Wednesday night, more than a week early.

News

All lanes of southbound <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Interstate 5" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/09/08/i5-southbound-closure-rose-quarter" data-vars-content-id="8119599d-5f39-4777-82f9-bfae69d57868" data-vars-headline="Rose Quarter I-5 closure will end early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/09/08/i5-southbound-closure-rose-quarter" target="_self">Interstate 5</a> through Portland&#x27;s Rose Quarter will reopen Wednesday night, more than a week ahead of schedule.Why it matters: Reopening will restore a major route through central Portland.<ul><li>The closure was expected to last five weeks. Construction was helped along by good weather and drivers seeking out alternative routes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per KGW" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kgw.com/article/traffic/odot-interstate-5-rose-quarter-update-reopening-southbound-traffic/283-34dfe1f7-426c-4262-b9c6-70dd46c7bbec" data-vars-content-id="8119599d-5f39-4777-82f9-bfae69d57868" data-vars-headline="Rose Quarter I-5 closure will end early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kgw.com/article/traffic/odot-interstate-5-rose-quarter-update-reopening-southbound-traffic/283-34dfe1f7-426c-4262-b9c6-70dd46c7bbec" target="_blank">per KGW</a>.</li></ul>

New love story puts Southeast Portland on the big screen

He trades restaurants for filmmaking in a romance filmed at familiar local haunts.

Fall in Portland is romantic. Prolific restaurateur turned independent filmmaker Josh Loeb knows this. Why it matters: His debut feature, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="In Spite of Ourselves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inspiteofourselvesfilm.com/" data-vars-content-id="d21d2aa4-0bb0-4928-b1f3-294be312674a" data-vars-headline="New love story puts Southeast Portland on the big screen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inspiteofourselvesfilm.com/" target="_blank">In Spite of Ourselves</a>,&quot; takes place against the backdrop of the city&#x27;s vibrant tree-lined streets, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cozy cafes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/11/14/best-coffee-shops-work-from-home" data-vars-content-id="d21d2aa4-0bb0-4928-b1f3-294be312674a" data-vars-headline="New love story puts Southeast Portland on the big screen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/11/14/best-coffee-shops-work-from-home" target="_self">cozy cafes</a> and acclaimed eateries — capturing Portland at its most rom-com-esque.

Oregon's talent pipeline can't keep pace

The state isn't producing enough college grads for open roles.

Oregon isn&#x27;t producing enough <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college graduates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/11/portland-job-market-college-graduates-adp" data-vars-content-id="baf9663b-7fe1-48b6-8db7-b66950eeb4b7" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s talent pipeline can&#x27;t keep pace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/11/portland-job-market-college-graduates-adp" target="_self">college graduates</a> to keep up with the number of jobs here that require higher education, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new state-mandated report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregon.gov/highered/public-engagement/Documents/Commission/Full-Commission/2026/5-September%2021%20Special/2.0b%20HB%204124%20Preliminary%20Findings%20EY-P.pdf" data-vars-content-id="baf9663b-7fe1-48b6-8db7-b66950eeb4b7" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s talent pipeline can&#x27;t keep pace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregon.gov/highered/public-engagement/Documents/Commission/Full-Commission/2026/5-September%2021%20Special/2.0b%20HB%204124%20Preliminary%20Findings%20EY-P.pdf" target="_blank">a new state-mandated report</a> highlighted by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oregon Journalism Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregonjournalismproject.org/oregon-graduates-26000-fewer-college-grads-than-needed-to-fill-available-jobs" data-vars-content-id="baf9663b-7fe1-48b6-8db7-b66950eeb4b7" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s talent pipeline can&#x27;t keep pace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregonjournalismproject.org/oregon-graduates-26000-fewer-college-grads-than-needed-to-fill-available-jobs" target="_blank">Oregon Journalism Project</a>.Why it matters: The state has long relied on in-migration — attracting college-educated workers from elsewhere — to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bolster its economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/07/29/oregon-s-economy-leans-small-and-supersized" data-vars-content-id="baf9663b-7fe1-48b6-8db7-b66950eeb4b7" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s talent pipeline can&#x27;t keep pace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/07/29/oregon-s-economy-leans-small-and-supersized" target="_self">bolster its economy</a>, but that strategy has since stalled due to waning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/01/portland-population-growth-immigration-decline-census-data" data-vars-content-id="baf9663b-7fe1-48b6-8db7-b66950eeb4b7" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s talent pipeline can&#x27;t keep pace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/01/portland-population-growth-immigration-decline-census-data" target="_self">population growth</a> and public universities drawing fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="out-of-state students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/18/oregon-international-student-enrollment-drop" data-vars-content-id="baf9663b-7fe1-48b6-8db7-b66950eeb4b7" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s talent pipeline can&#x27;t keep pace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/18/oregon-international-student-enrollment-drop" target="_self">out-of-state students</a>.

Bare Knuckles is having a banner year

The label is winning over fans with its obsessively considered fits and worn-in basics.

Chart-topping country singer Shaboozey, K-pop star J-Hope and &quot;Love Island&quot; winner Bryce Alakai have all been spotted wearing Portland menswear brand Bare Knuckles this year.Why it matters: Nearly a decade in, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bare Knuckles" data-vars-click-url="https://bareknuckles.co/" data-vars-content-id="5ba18251-20cc-4d3a-9e18-8b8e5869a79b" data-vars-headline="Bare Knuckles is having a banner year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bareknuckles.co/" target="_blank">Bare Knuckles</a> has quietly grown from a side project between the two longtime Portland retail pros into a fashion-world favorite.

The creative ways Portlanders are avoiding I-5

MLK Boulevard, I-205 and surface streets are among readers' top alternatives.

Portlanders are getting creative in how they&#x27;re navigating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the five-week I-5 southbound closure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/09/08/i5-southbound-closure-rose-quarter" data-vars-content-id="24073dbb-5d29-4951-b073-bcedc8d6db8d" data-vars-headline="The creative ways Portlanders are avoiding I-5" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/09/08/i5-southbound-closure-rose-quarter" target="_self">the five-week I-5 southbound closure</a> through the Rose Quarter.<ul><li>Many Axios Portland readers who responded to our poll last week said they&#x27;re trading the freeway for surface streets or major throughways, while others are biking more or simply staying put.</li></ul>

Oregon ranks 22nd for EV charging access

EV adoption is rising, and the state's charging network is working to keep up with demand.

Oregonians are increasingly embracing electric vehicles, but the state&#x27;s public charging network is still catching up.The big picture: While U.S. public charging options grew 13% since last year, that growth hasn&#x27;t been evenly distributed, according to HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.here.com/ev-index-2026" data-vars-content-id="e65aa8ce-e90b-414b-b10a-437abf99652a" data-vars-headline="Oregon ranks 22nd for EV charging access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.here.com/ev-index-2026" target="_blank">annual ranking</a>.

Portlanders still feel pain at the pump

Regular gas averages $5.18 as higher oil prices keep pressure on drivers.

Gas prices across the Portland metro area are closing in on $6 a gallon.Why it matters: The extreme price spikes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysts feared this spring" data-vars-click-url="https://info.oregon.aaa.com/gas-prices-soar-to-highest-spring-break-prices-since-2022/" data-vars-content-id="b2d0c637-9d7e-4091-9358-d1ee141405c7" data-vars-headline="Portlanders still feel pain at the pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://info.oregon.aaa.com/gas-prices-soar-to-highest-spring-break-prices-since-2022/" target="_blank">analysts feared this spring</a> — upward of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$10 a gallon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/02/washington-gas-prices-10-dollars-gallon-strait-of-hormuz-oil-supply-iran-war" data-vars-content-id="b2d0c637-9d7e-4091-9358-d1ee141405c7" data-vars-headline="Portlanders still feel pain at the pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/02/washington-gas-prices-10-dollars-gallon-strait-of-hormuz-oil-supply-iran-war" target="_self">$10 a gallon</a> — haven&#x27;t materialized, though the threat hasn&#x27;t disappeared.

The best and worst times for Portland Thanksgiving 2025 travel

It&#x27;s time for Portland road and sky warriors to start thinking about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgivin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/14/things-to-do-thanksgiving-weekend-dc" data-vars-content-id="4c10c909-f77a-4d83-9e8a-4f07c5cc76bb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Portland Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/14/things-to-do-thanksgiving-weekend-dc" target="_self">Thanksgivin</a>g travel.Why it matters: There&#x27;ll be a record-breaking 82 million Americans leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" data-vars-content-id="4c10c909-f77a-4d83-9e8a-4f07c5cc76bb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Portland Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" target="_blank">AAA</a> predicts.<ul><li>At least 73 million people — roughly 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers — will go by car.</li></ul>

The hidden gems at Portland International Airport

Catch a movie, pet a llama and grab a doughnut before your flight.

There&#x27;s no disputing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/25/portland-airport-new-terminal-pdx" data-vars-content-id="294f263f-3d76-47e8-8015-620a0d5b786a" data-vars-headline="The hidden gems at 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/2024/07/25/portland-airport-new-terminal-pdx" target="_self">our airport</a> is one of the best in the world, but some of the things that make it great aren&#x27;t so obvious.Why it matters: While the soaring timber ceiling, living trees and award-winning design will catch your eye, the airport is full of hidden gems, too.

Shoes can soon stay on at PDX security checkpoints

Travelers at airports across the country can now skip the shoe shuffle in general security lines.

Travelers at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/25/portland-airport-new-terminal-pdx" data-vars-content-id="b16ad374-8744-45ce-9d2d-b6ae138ec76b" data-vars-headline="Shoes can soon stay on at PDX security checkpoints" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/25/portland-airport-new-terminal-pdx" target="_self">Portland International Airport</a> will soon be able to keep their shoes on while they pass through security — no <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PreCheck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/08/02/tsa-precheck-clear-privacy" data-vars-content-id="b16ad374-8744-45ce-9d2d-b6ae138ec76b" data-vars-headline="Shoes can soon stay on at PDX security checkpoints" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/08/02/tsa-precheck-clear-privacy" target="_self">PreCheck</a> required.Why it matters: Passengers stopping to remove their shoes at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints can slow down lines — and most people would rather skip walking through airports in socks or bare feet, even briefly.

Portland airport to see busy weekend of Thanksgiving travel

AAA projects a record year for travel around the holiday.

Record numbers of people are expected to take to the skies, roads and rails this Thanksgiving across the country — and Portland is expecting big crowds, too.Driving the news: Roughly 80 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday weekend this year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA projections" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/11/nearly-80-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-thanksgiving/" data-vars-content-id="2f2c1c1a-e707-4780-9bd8-064fae1ced90" data-vars-headline="Portland airport to see busy weekend of Thanksgiving travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/11/nearly-80-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-thanksgiving/" target="_blank">AAA projections</a>, with some 350,000 travelers flying in and out of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/25/portland-airport-new-terminal-pdx" data-vars-content-id="2f2c1c1a-e707-4780-9bd8-064fae1ced90" data-vars-headline="Portland airport to see busy weekend of Thanksgiving travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/25/portland-airport-new-terminal-pdx" target="_self">Portland International Airport</a>.

See inside Portland International Airport's new terminal

The $2 billion renovation includes a fresh batch of the iconic, '80s-era carpet design.

Air travelers with renovation fatigue, rejoice! After undergoing construction since 2020, Portland International Airport will debut its new, $2 billion main terminal next month.Why it matters: The long corridor of detours between concourses C and D is going away — which will make navigating the airport less of a never-ending walk to your gate.

Bend, Portland among top local destinations for Fourth of July travel

AAA advises hitting the road in the morning or later at night to avoid peak traffic.

Be prepared for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic and delays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/06/downtown-traffic-slow-list" data-vars-content-id="9f4c7411-9446-4bbe-a8a6-fead90bba56a" data-vars-headline="Bend, Portland among top local destinations for Fourth of July travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/06/downtown-traffic-slow-list" target="_self">traffic and delays</a> if you&#x27;re traveling during the Fourth of July holiday.Why it matters: Bend is the most popular destination in the region for the Fourth of July, per AAA Oregon/Idaho, followed by Portland.

Oregon roads and airways will be busy this Memorial Day

More people are expected on roads and airways this holiday.

Travel

Memorial Day weekend marks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the start of the summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/05/06/hotter-drier-summer-oregon-wildfires-drought" data-vars-content-id="c0305974-8765-4896-ac32-7ddb6e996e50" data-vars-headline="Oregon roads and airways will be busy this Memorial Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/05/06/hotter-drier-summer-oregon-wildfires-drought" target="_self">the start of the summer</a> travel season — and in Oregon, it&#x27;s expected to break records.Why it matters: AAA predicts travel over the weekend will increase <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="4% year-over-year" data-vars-click-url="https://info.oregon.aaa.com/aaa-nearly-44-million-americans-including-600000-oregonians-to-travel-for-memorial-day/" data-vars-content-id="c0305974-8765-4896-ac32-7ddb6e996e50" data-vars-headline="Oregon roads and airways will be busy this Memorial Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://info.oregon.aaa.com/aaa-nearly-44-million-americans-including-600000-oregonians-to-travel-for-memorial-day/" target="_blank">4% year-over-year</a> and rank as the second busiest on record and the busiest in nearly two decades.

Public EV chargers vs. miles of roads

Data: HERE Technologies-SBD Automotive 2026 survey; Chart: Jim Sergent/Axios

Axios Seattle

😵‍💫 Holiday travel havoc

Holiday travel havoc

A table that shows Memorial Day weekend 2026 road traffic forecasts by day. Worst driving windows are Thursdayfrom noon to 9pm, Friday from 11am to 8pm, Saturday from noon to 5pm, and Monday from noon to 5pm.