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Today’s newsletter is 889 words — a 3.5-minute read.

All lanes of southbound Interstate 5 through Portland's Rose Quarter reopened last night, more than a week ahead of schedule.

Why it matters: The reopening restored a major route through one of the busiest parts of central Portland.

• The closure was expected to last five weeks. Construction was helped along by good weather and drivers seeking out alternative routes, per KGW.

State of play: Workers started opening lanes around 7pm last night.

Catch up quick: The road was shut down Sept. 11 for repairs on an elevated section just south of the Moda Center.

• The freeway was last resurfaced more than 30 years ago and was rutted and filled with potholes and cracks.
• Crews peeled up the concrete, repaired the base layer and laid down a fresh slab.

Zoom out: Before the closure, transportation officials warned of traffic mayhem, with travel times doubling or tripling.

• That kind of chaos never materialized, though, with many drivers avoiding the road altogether or finding alternate routes to steer clear of the closure.

What's next: State officials plan similar repairs on the northbound lanes next summer, though exact closure dates haven't been announced.

Tell a commuter

Oregon isn't producing enough college graduates to keep up with the number of jobs here that require higher education, according to a new state-mandated report highlighted by the Oregon Journalism Project.

Why it matters: The state has long relied on in-migration — attracting college-educated workers from elsewhere — to bolster its economy, but that strategy has since stalled due to waning population growth and public universities drawing fewer out-of-state students.

By the numbers: Oregon employers annually generate roughly 78,000 job openings that require college credentials, according to OJP. However, the state produces only about 52,000 graduates — making a gap of 26,000 workers, give or take.

• Meanwhile, only about 50% of Oregon high school students enroll in college each year, compared with 58% nationally, according to OJP.

Yes, but: Many of those Oregonians who do attend college don't stick around.

• 55% of University of Oregon students and 48% of Oregon State grads move out of state largely for better job opportunities, per the report.
• Plus: More than 825,000 Oregonians have attended college but never earned a degree, according to a National Student Clearinghouse report cited by OJP.

The intrigue: Health care is a particular sore spot for the state. Despite being one of Oregon's fastest-growing industries, we rank near the bottom nationally in training nurses and other health care workers for the job.

What we're watching: The report warns Oregon's workforce problem could get worse — raising the stakes for Gov. Kotek, who in her reelection bid has made economic growth and workforce development central to her agenda.

🏀 Dana Altman, the winningest coach in Oregon men's basketball history, announced his retirement, effective immediately, after 16 seasons with the Ducks. (The Oregonian)

🍇 Oregon's wine grape production is down, some crops are being left to rot and more than 100 wineries closed in the state last year as the industry grapples with tariffs, falling exports and the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives. (OPB)

🎭 The city is seeking a new operator to manage the Portland'5 Center for the Arts when it takes over theaters — including the Schnitz and the Keller — from Metro next year. (Portland Business Journal)

🚧 Vancouver celebrated the completion of a two-year, $26 million makeover of its downtown Main Street yesterday, which now features new traffic signals, upgraded lighting and more seating options. (OPB)

Gabby's Next Door, the neighboring sister restaurant to red sauce Italian eatery Gabbiano's, is expanding beyond lunchtime service and will soon offer a selection of small plates throughout the evening.

The big picture: The space, located on Northeast 30th Avenue and formerly occupied by Lil' Dame and Beast, will serve as a dinnertime extension of Gabbiano's.

• Think snacky and shareable — like bagna càuda dip, charred brassicas and shrimp fra diavolo — giving diners another option when the popular no-reservations restaurant next door is full.

I got to preview a portion of the menu recently and can tell you Gabby's feels less like an overfill space and more like a restaurant with its own identity.

• That's the idea, according to co-owner David Sigal. "We wanted it to be more fun, laissez-faire and more creative," he said. Roughly six to nine dishes will be on offer at a time, keeping it curated and "approachable."

Standout plates included the cacio e pepe fingerling potatoes with shallot aioli and a vegetarian manicotti with creamed kale and leek that will rotate with seasonal produce.

If you go: Gabby's Next Door (5425 NE 30th Ave.) is open 11:30am to 2:30pm for lunch and will be open for dinner from 5-9pm later this fall.

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🧐 Meira is reading this profile of Jeff Swickard, who says he doesn't really have a grand plan for buying up all these downtown office towers.

🤷🏼‍♂️ Kale is still gonna avoid I-5, as a treat.

This newsletter was edited by Geoff Ziezulewicz.