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National

Trump says he won't call Iran conflict a war. He keeps doing it anyway.

The president's Iran vocabulary shifts by the day.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="c7984179-8f57-4d89-8396-f6d8c093e36e" data-vars-headline="Trump says he won&#x27;t call Iran conflict a war. He keeps doing it anyway." 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">President Trump</a> said Wednesday he won&#x27;t call the conflict in Iran a &quot;war&quot; because &quot;you are supposed to get approval,&quot; suggesting the label itself could trigger <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="congressional authority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/iran-senate-war-powers-vote-democrats-tim-kaine" data-vars-content-id="c7984179-8f57-4d89-8396-f6d8c093e36e" data-vars-headline="Trump says he won&#x27;t call Iran conflict a war. He keeps doing it anyway." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/iran-senate-war-powers-vote-democrats-tim-kaine" target="_self">congressional authority</a> the administration says it doesn&#x27;t need.The big picture: But the fiery operation has been widely characterized as a war (one that&#x27;s cost hundreds of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/03/14/nx-s1-5746623/iran-war-cost-deaths" data-vars-content-id="c7984179-8f57-4d89-8396-f6d8c093e36e" data-vars-headline="Trump says he won&#x27;t call Iran conflict a war. He keeps doing it anyway." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/03/14/nx-s1-5746623/iran-war-cost-deaths" target="_blank">lives</a> and billions of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/world/middleeast/iran-war-costs-pentagon.html" data-vars-content-id="c7984179-8f57-4d89-8396-f6d8c093e36e" data-vars-headline="Trump says he won&#x27;t call Iran conflict a war. He keeps doing it anyway." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/world/middleeast/iran-war-costs-pentagon.html" target="_blank">dollars</a>), including by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="president" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weBH92yZ0zg" data-vars-content-id="c7984179-8f57-4d89-8396-f6d8c093e36e" data-vars-headline="Trump says he won&#x27;t call Iran conflict a war. He keeps doing it anyway." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weBH92yZ0zg" target="_blank">president</a> himself as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently" data-vars-click-url="https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mhxtu33yut25" data-vars-content-id="c7984179-8f57-4d89-8396-f6d8c093e36e" data-vars-headline="Trump says he won&#x27;t call Iran conflict a war. He keeps doing it anyway." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mhxtu33yut25" target="_blank">recently</a> as Thursday.

Growth slows across U.S. counties as immigration plummets

International migration fell in nine out of 10 U.S. counties between 2024 and 2025.

Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, new U.S. Census data shows.Why it matters: The new data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

Iran war will jolt U.S. inflation, new analysis finds

The OECD projects U.S. headline inflation will be 4.2% this year.

Economy

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Middle East conflict" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/trump-iran-get-serious-negotiations-war" data-vars-content-id="73be5c3b-a333-40df-80e2-e70b5720ca8a" data-vars-headline="Iran war will jolt U.S. inflation, new analysis finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/trump-iran-get-serious-negotiations-war" target="_self">Middle East conflict</a> wiped out what would have been a modest upgrade to global growth and a stable inflation picture.<ul><li>That has been replaced with a fresh warning about soaring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/iran-war-clean-energy-crisis" data-vars-content-id="73be5c3b-a333-40df-80e2-e70b5720ca8a" data-vars-headline="Iran war will jolt U.S. inflation, new analysis finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/iran-war-clean-energy-crisis" target="_self">energy</a> costs and U.S. prices, which are projected to run far hotter than expected.</li></ul>Why it matters: What was a more manageable inflation story now looks like a pressure test for central banks that may need to raise interest rates — or hold off on further cuts — even as growth weakens.

"Undeniable harm": When ICE comes to town, students stay home

Data in Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, California, Florida and Texas show thousands were suddenly absent when agents showed up..

Several school systems in areas targeted most aggressively by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="1b3e28ed-e4c9-46a6-8551-eefb9b4c4d69" data-vars-headline="&quot;Undeniable harm&quot;: When ICE comes to town, students stay home" 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">President Trump</a>&#x27;s immigration crackdowns have seen dramatic increases in student absences, Axios has found.Why it matters: Enrollment data in Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, California, Florida and Texas show thousands of students were suddenly absent when ICE came to town — the latest signs of how the raids have rippled through communities.

"She goes first": Newsom dances around Kamala rivalry on "The Axios Show"

Newsom and Harris are atop most polls of potential Democratic presidential candidates for 2028 after a multi-decade rivalry.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the idea that he and Kamala Harris don&#x27;t like each other is &quot;preposterous,&quot; but acknowledges the former vice president <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="took a shot at him" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/19/kamala-harris-call-gavin-newsom-biden-2024" data-vars-content-id="0db37a00-59e2-4f0e-b04c-5f03bea828fc" data-vars-headline="&quot;She goes first&quot;: Newsom dances around Kamala rivalry on &quot;The Axios Show&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/19/kamala-harris-call-gavin-newsom-biden-2024" target="_self">took a shot at him</a> in her bestselling book last year.<ul><li>&quot;I think it created some color for the book,&quot; Newsom said on the latest episode of &quot;The Axios Show,&quot; referring to Harris&#x27; claim that he didn&#x27;t return her call when then-President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.</li><li>&quot;It certainly helped her book sales — not my component part, but that book has done unbelievably well,&quot; Newsom added.</li></ul>Driving the news: Newsom and Harris are atop most polls of potential Democratic presidential candidates for 2028<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" after a multi-decade rivalry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/12/kamala-harris-gavin-newsom-rivalry" data-vars-content-id="0db37a00-59e2-4f0e-b04c-5f03bea828fc" data-vars-headline="&quot;She goes first&quot;: Newsom dances around Kamala rivalry on &quot;The Axios Show&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/12/kamala-harris-gavin-newsom-rivalry" target="_self"> after a multi-decade rivalry</a> in California politics.

Carmack's Doughnuts revives family "spudnut" recipe

Carmack's Doughnuts is run out of a home kitchen steps away from Peninsula Park.

Food and Drink

Sean Carmack is bringing a generations-old family <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" target="_self">doughnut</a> business back to life in his home kitchen, just steps away from North Portland&#x27;s Peninsula Park. The big picture: Carmack&#x27;s &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnuts " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" target="_self">doughnuts </a>made with potato flour — can be traced back to 1953, when his great-grandfather took over a small shop in Bountiful, Utah. It was a cult-classic success for four decades until a fire and failed revival attempt shut it down for good.

Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes

Portland opens its home season after a win, with a new coach and key roster changes.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/10/thorns-advance-as-timbers-exit-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="c3be9b27-eb50-4b99-864e-a36579b69026" data-vars-headline="Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/10/thorns-advance-as-timbers-exit-playoffs" target="_self">Thorns</a> return to Providence Park on Friday as they kick off their home opener with one less star, a returning favorite, a new coach and lofty expectations for the oncoming soccer season.Why it matters: Portland fell one match short of last year&#x27;s final and enters the new campaign aiming to take the next step.

Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift

The MLS will shift to a  new schedule next year to match the international calendar.

The Timbers will play a mini-season early next year as Major League Soccer makes a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major calendar change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/17/mls-summer-spring-calendar" data-vars-content-id="278d8ac2-3f2b-482e-8cbd-1fe5d43fcee3" data-vars-headline="Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/17/mls-summer-spring-calendar" target="_self">major calendar change</a> that will align it with much of the rest of the world.Why it matters: The long-awaited scheduling change will make the league more competitive during the summer transfer window, something Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said is long overdue.

Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division

What happens when two former Intel executives fall in love while on a work trip in Barcelona? They open a restaurant specializing in paella and tapas to bring the drop-in late-night conviviality of Spanish dining to Portland.The big picture: Vy and Steve Chao — the duo behind Doja Tea House and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balkan restaurant Alma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" target="_self">Balkan restaurant Alma</a> — opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vyapdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vyapdx.com/" target="_blank">Vya</a> (pronounced &quot;via&quot;) last month in the former Palomar space on the busy stretch of Southeast Division Street.

Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions

Lawmakers closed a $650 million gap and passed immigration limits as a gas tax vote faces a lawsuit.

Politics

Oregon lawmakers called it a wrap on their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="short session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" data-vars-content-id="c2cc9c19-3eba-44c9-a5ec-8840351d1868" data-vars-headline="Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" target="_self">short session</a> Friday, closing out a five-week sprint in Salem.Why it matters: Lawmakers moved to close a sizable budget gap and push back on federal immigration enforcement, though a major transportation funding vote remains unresolved.

Portland weighs overhaul of committee system

Leaders say reducing committees could shorten meetings and improve focus.

Portland City Council is considering cutting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="committee structure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/17/city-council-year-two-portland" data-vars-content-id="632cc39d-b8ee-4028-a3c6-12f67e907a6f" data-vars-headline="Portland weighs overhaul of committee system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/17/city-council-year-two-portland" target="_self">committee structure</a> from eight panels to five in an effort to streamline meetings and improve efficiency.Why it matters: The proposal from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Council President Jamie Dunphy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/14/city-council-dunphy-elected-president" data-vars-content-id="632cc39d-b8ee-4028-a3c6-12f67e907a6f" data-vars-headline="Portland weighs overhaul of committee system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/14/city-council-dunphy-elected-president" target="_self">Council President Jamie Dunphy</a> aims to shorten lengthy meetings and sharpen the council&#x27;s focus as it continues to adapt to a new governing structure.

Portland rents fall, but costs stay high

Rents dipped in the Portland metro, but affordability remains a challenge for many renters.

Real Estate

The Portland metro area saw the biggest drop in median <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rent prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/03/renting-cheaper-than-owning-portland-metro" data-vars-content-id="65e81bc7-d1e7-408f-9e5e-f2403fbb9799" data-vars-headline="Portland rents fall, but costs stay high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/03/renting-cheaper-than-owning-portland-metro" target="_self">rent prices</a> year-over-year compared to other West Coast regions, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a recent report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" data-vars-content-id="65e81bc7-d1e7-408f-9e5e-f2403fbb9799" data-vars-headline="Portland rents fall, but costs stay high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" target="_blank">a recent report</a> from Apartment List.Why it matters: Housing is still unaffordable for many, though. While the median U.S. rent for new leases is down 1.5% from a year ago, it&#x27;s still roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels, at $1,400 a month.

HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025

The median monthly payment is about $111.

More Oregon homes for sale in 2025 came with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners association fees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/13/hoa-fees-portland" data-vars-content-id="2c13f7b3-5a66-41f4-9b83-3f4c954d7f68" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/13/hoa-fees-portland" target="_self">homeowners association fees</a>, and those dues climbed from a year earlier, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" data-vars-content-id="2c13f7b3-5a66-41f4-9b83-3f4c954d7f68" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> data shows.Why it matters: Rising HOA fees add to the already high cost of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="2c13f7b3-5a66-41f4-9b83-3f4c954d7f68" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homeownership</a>.

States challenge "broadcast behemoth" mega-merger

President Trump has endorsed the mega-merger.

Business

Eight states sued to block the massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$6.2 billion merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/19/nexstar-tegna-6-billion-broadcast-deal" data-vars-content-id="24705b62-2b6b-4fa1-9c16-297ba7997dad" data-vars-headline="States challenge &quot;broadcast behemoth&quot; mega-merger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/19/nexstar-tegna-6-billion-broadcast-deal" target="_self">$6.2 billion merger</a> of Nexstar and Tegna that could create the largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local broadcast company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/media-trends-membership/2025/11/08/nexstar-tegna-merger-fcc-ownership-cap" data-vars-content-id="24705b62-2b6b-4fa1-9c16-297ba7997dad" data-vars-headline="States challenge &quot;broadcast behemoth&quot; mega-merger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/media-trends-membership/2025/11/08/nexstar-tegna-merger-fcc-ownership-cap" target="_self">local broadcast company</a> in the country by far.Why it matters: The deal, which would require lifting the limit on television station ownership, is a litmus test for the Federal Communications Commission&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deregulation" data-vars-click-url="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-410147A1.pdf" data-vars-content-id="24705b62-2b6b-4fa1-9c16-297ba7997dad" data-vars-headline="States challenge &quot;broadcast behemoth&quot; mega-merger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-410147A1.pdf" target="_blank">deregulation</a> drive.

Oregon's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

A Yale analysis finds about 72% of Oregon hospitals are concentrated under a few systems.

Health

Oregon&#x27;s health care system is heavily consolidated among just a few hospital systems, a dynamic that has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised concern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/18/ohsu-legacy-health-merger-oregon" data-vars-content-id="17aeab07-b44b-4096-8285-2c6fe4b46dee" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/18/ohsu-legacy-health-merger-oregon" target="_self">raised concern</a> among critics and state lawmakers in the past.Why it matters: As rising health care costs put more financial strain on Americans, &quot;one major and underappreciated factor driving price increases is rising consolidation among U.S. hospitals,&quot; according to Yale&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Health Care Affordability Lab" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="17aeab07-b44b-4096-8285-2c6fe4b46dee" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" target="_blank">Health Care Affordability Lab</a>.

WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track

A labor deal ensures the Fire's first season starts on time as league momentum grows.

The Portland Fire&#x27;s first season will start on time after the WNBA and the players&#x27; union came to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tentative labor agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/25/wnba-labor-dispute-looms-over-portland-fire-debut" data-vars-content-id="c853e38c-3506-4d53-9c79-7755a5957c19" data-vars-headline="WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/25/wnba-labor-dispute-looms-over-portland-fire-debut" target="_self">tentative labor agreement</a> early Wednesday morning.Why it matters: A delay would have disrupted the Fire&#x27;s launch and slowed momentum as the WNBA builds on surging fan interest.

Proposed project would tackle Willamette pollution and toxic lagoon

The proposed project would reuse contaminated soil to cut costs and reduce toxic algae.

News

The Willamette River faces two big problems in Portland: a long-polluted site and a lagoon that spawns <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="toxic algae blooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/11/ross-island-toxic-algae-bloom" data-vars-content-id="0357c0a4-775b-4839-90e2-ddf93bab5cfc" data-vars-headline="Proposed project would tackle Willamette pollution and toxic lagoon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/11/ross-island-toxic-algae-bloom" target="_self">toxic algae blooms</a>. One new proposal aims to fix them both.Why it matters: The plan could cut cleanup costs and meet state requirements to reclaim the lagoon.

Tension brews as Oregon agencies push toward climate goals

A draft climate plan is exposing disagreements between state agencies over emissions cuts.

Environment

Oregon is far behind its goals of cutting carbon emissions to slow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/climate-change-allergy-season-30-days-longer" data-vars-content-id="b56e5b08-936a-4a25-8885-e8d2be477d97" data-vars-headline="Tension brews as Oregon agencies push toward climate goals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/climate-change-allergy-season-30-days-longer" target="_self">climate change</a>, and the state&#x27;s departments can&#x27;t seem to agree on how to narrow the gap.Why it matters: Oregon is pushing to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2035, and a draft plan to help do so is exposing tensions between state agencies over policy priorities.

Outdoor recreation drives 2.7% of Oregon GDP

New federal data shows outdoor recreation drove 2.7% of Oregon's economy in 2024.

Outdoor recreation contributed 2.7% of Oregon&#x27;s GDP in 2024, according to new federal data.The big picture: The sector remains a significant slice of the U.S. economy, contributing 2.4% of national GDP — nearly $700 billion, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/outdoor-recreation-economic-statistics-us-and-states-2024" data-vars-content-id="40bb8a3b-ee7c-4cff-893d-cdc044e49c82" data-vars-headline="Outdoor recreation drives 2.7% of Oregon GDP" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/outdoor-recreation-economic-statistics-us-and-states-2024" target="_blank">report</a> from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Portland arts tax faces scrutiny after audit

A new audit says arts tax funds lack clear goals and oversight.

One of Portland&#x27;s most-hated taxes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the arts tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/28/schools-public-art-arts-tax-due" data-vars-content-id="9a918465-4b4e-460f-aeeb-96d7722df120" data-vars-headline="Portland arts tax faces scrutiny after audit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/28/schools-public-art-arts-tax-due" target="_self">the arts tax</a>, is under fresh scrutiny after a critical report from the city auditor.Why it matters: The program hasn&#x27;t ensured that the funds collected — an average of more than $11 million annually — improve access to the arts.

Mercy Corps rebrands, shifts global mission

The aid group shifts its mission as global needs rise and funding declines.

Portland-based aid group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mercy Corps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/11/usaid-cuts-humanitarian-aid-mercy-corps" data-vars-content-id="54098cbd-fc9f-4cf9-ba5a-b862f705e113" data-vars-headline="Mercy Corps rebrands, shifts global mission" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/11/usaid-cuts-humanitarian-aid-mercy-corps" target="_self">Mercy Corps</a> is rebranding as Prosper Global and shifting its mission.Why it matters: The shift reflects declining U.S. aid funding, rising global need and a move to partner more directly with communities.

PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted

Negotiations continue this week as students, staff and the school look ahead to a resolution.

Many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Community College" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/portland-community-college-enrollment-rebounds-2023" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/portland-community-college-enrollment-rebounds-2023" target="_self">Portland Community College</a> classes remain remote as Oregon&#x27;s first-ever community college strike continues into its second week with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no deal in sight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/16/portland-community-college-strike-continues-unions-mediation/" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/16/portland-community-college-strike-continues-unions-mediation/" target="_blank">no deal in sight</a> between the school and its unions.The big picture: Roughly 30,000 PCC students face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing disruption" data-vars-click-url="https://katu.com/news/local/portland-community-college-pcc-students-limbo-first-ever-community-college-strike-oregon-enters-second-week-teachers-union-bargaining-education" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://katu.com/news/local/portland-community-college-pcc-students-limbo-first-ever-community-college-strike-oregon-enters-second-week-teachers-union-bargaining-education" target="_blank">ongoing disruption</a> with no clear return to normal classes. The outcome of the strike, which began last Wednesday, could also set a precedent for how Oregon colleges handle pay, equity and union negotiations with staff and faculty in the future.

Oregon's snowpack falls near record lows

Oregon's snowpack is about 30% of normal after one of its warmest winters on record.

Oregon&#x27;s coldest months are behind us, but you&#x27;d be forgiven if you <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="never noticed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" target="_self">never noticed</a> them in the first place.Why it matters: A warm winter and lack of snow have left Oregon with the lowest snowpack in the Pacific Northwest and its second-lowest level on record.<ul><li>That could spell trouble across the state for farmers, fish and firefighters as the potential for summer water shortages looms.</li></ul>Catch up quick: The winter began with promise — a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weak La Niña" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/10/23/la-nina-forecast-winter-weather-oregon" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/10/23/la-nina-forecast-winter-weather-oregon" target="_self">weak La Niña</a> was expected to bring colder and wetter than average conditions.<ul><li>The wetness was there in November and December as strong atmospheric rivers washed over the Pacific Northwest, but they came in riding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record warmth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/statewide/rankings/35/tavg/202512" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/statewide/rankings/35/tavg/202512" target="_blank">record warmth</a> and did little to build a base of snow at higher elevations.</li><li>January wasn&#x27;t much better, with Portland receiving a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="little more than half" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/pqr/cliplot" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/pqr/cliplot" target="_blank">little more than half</a> its average rainfall.</li><li>Though February brought more precipitation, it also came with statewide temperatures nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5°F above average" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/statewide/rankings/35/tavg/202602" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/statewide/rankings/35/tavg/202602" target="_blank">5°F above average</a>.</li></ul>Overall, the four-month period from November through February tied 1934 for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warmest in Oregon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/statewide/rankings/35/tavg/202602" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/statewide/rankings/35/tavg/202602" target="_blank">warmest in Oregon</a> on record.Stunning stat: Oregon&#x27;s snowpack is about 30% of normal, nearly tied with 2015 for the worst year on record.<ul><li>&quot;We&#x27;re kind of the epicenter of the snow drought,&quot; Oregon State climatologist Larry O&#x27;Neill told Axios, noting that, as of Monday, only Arizona and New Mexico had lower percentages of their median snowpack. </li><li>We aren&#x27;t alone, though, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="many states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" target="_self">many states</a> across the West seeing much warmer and drier conditions than usual.</li></ul>Threat level: Oregon&#x27;s snowpack acts as a reservoir that slowly releases water in the warmer months.<ul><li>Fish rely on it for adequate stream levels. Farmers rely on it for irrigation. We all rely on it to spin the turbines in our hydroelectric dams.</li><li>&quot;The snowpack is extremely important for our water supply in the spring and summer,&quot; O&#x27;Neill said. &quot;Without it, we usually end up with severe drought.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Forecasters are predicting above-average temps — mid-60s in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=45.51601791381836&amp;lon=-122.68142700195312" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=45.51601791381836&amp;lon=-122.68142700195312" target="_blank">Portland</a>, mid-50s up on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mount Hood" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-121.6688576341901&amp;lat=45.34194381514135#.WDRQ3dg76f0" data-vars-content-id="2f394723-ebc9-4b30-8017-c2d5ad0ab08b" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s snowpack falls near record lows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-121.6688576341901&amp;lat=45.34194381514135#.WDRQ3dg76f0" target="_blank">Mount Hood</a> — for the next several days.The bottom line: It&#x27;s difficult to directly link one winter season to climate change, but experts have long predicted that a warmer climate, caused primarily by humans burning fossil fuels, would result in winters like this one.<ul><li>&quot;It represents our future,&quot; according to O&#x27;Neill. &quot;Low snowpack that melts early or doesn&#x27;t come at all.&quot;</li></ul>

Get to know Portland's bridges: Ross Island

It turns 100 this year and is known as Portland's workhorse.

Portland&#x27;s Ross Island Bridge turns 100 this year and is the city&#x27;s true workhorse compared to the Willamette&#x27;s other, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ornamental spans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/17/st-johns-bridge-portland-history-architecture" data-vars-content-id="e6f661fd-bd2e-430d-a0f7-006c7610a560" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Ross Island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/17/st-johns-bridge-portland-history-architecture" target="_self">ornamental spans</a>.<ul><li>It doesn&#x27;t concern itself with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fancy bike lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/tilikum-crossing-portland-car-free-bridge" data-vars-content-id="e6f661fd-bd2e-430d-a0f7-006c7610a560" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Ross Island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/tilikum-crossing-portland-car-free-bridge" target="_self">fancy bike lanes</a>, viewpoints or even medians — with just four lanes and one narrow sidewalk, its sole focus is on moving traffic swiftly, east to west and vice versa. </li></ul>The big picture: Opened on Dec. 21, 1926, during the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bridge boom" data-vars-click-url="https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/64500499_text" data-vars-content-id="e6f661fd-bd2e-430d-a0f7-006c7610a560" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Ross Island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/64500499_text" target="_blank">bridge boom</a>, the Ross Island Bridge is known locally as a relatively boring commuter bridge. It carries more than 55,000 vehicles per day via U.S. Route 26.

Hockney exhibition explores decades-long career

The exhibition features more than 200 works spanning six decades.

Things to Do

Portlanders don&#x27;t have to fly to New York, London or Los Angeles to immerse themselves in David Hockney&#x27;s vibrant world of poolside turquoise blues, explosive fuchsia skies and electric green landscapes.The big picture: A sweeping, six-decade exhibition featuring more than 200 works by Hockney is on view at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the newly renovated Portland Art Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/14/art-museum-reopens-expansion-rothko-galleries" data-vars-content-id="edb981a4-cffb-45eb-8212-7665c2c7786e" data-vars-headline="Hockney exhibition explores decades-long career" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/14/art-museum-reopens-expansion-rothko-galleries" target="_self">the newly renovated Portland Art Museum</a> and explores how he embraced reinvention throughout his career.

Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast

Camping and hiking permits for Oregon's most popular spots sell out months ahead.

It&#x27;s not summer yet, despite what the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" data-vars-content-id="bff263a5-a2c9-4cac-abce-089b919e9d40" data-vars-headline="Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" target="_self">weather</a> tells you, but it&#x27;s never too early to start planning for the warmer months.Why it matters: Many of Oregon&#x27;s most sought-after campsites and trail permits book out months in advance.

Things to do in Portland this February

Festivals, comedy shows and big concerts fill the calendar this February.

It&#x27;s a short month, but the list of fun things to do around town is long.<ul><li>Here are a few we&#x27;re most looking forward to.</li></ul>

Jump straight into the Columbia from this new Portland sauna

Ebb and Ember offers a riverside sauna and plunge experience with Mount Hood views.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="170 degrees inside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/03/portland-winter-saunas-spas" data-vars-content-id="a02cd24e-96e9-4daf-b398-4417039b3171" data-vars-headline="Jump straight into the Columbia from this new Portland sauna" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/03/portland-winter-saunas-spas" target="_self">170 degrees inside</a>. Outside, it&#x27;s the Columbia River in January. <ul><li>Handling the heat isn&#x27;t the hard part, it&#x27;s deciding whether or not to jump in the bone-chilling water.</li></ul>The big picture: Portland&#x27;s first Norwegian-inspired floating sauna and cold plunge destination, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ebb and Ember" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ebbandember.com/" data-vars-content-id="a02cd24e-96e9-4daf-b398-4417039b3171" data-vars-headline="Jump straight into the Columbia from this new Portland sauna" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ebbandember.com/" target="_blank">Ebb and Ember</a>, opened earlier this month — offering panoramic views of Mount Hood and a deeply restorative self-care experience year round.

Inside the Slammer Tavern's chaotic holiday glow

The Slammer Tavern puts the pedal to the metal during the holiday season, though.

<figure><img alt="Corner view of a red and blue building with a large sign reading &quot;The Slammer Tavern Cocktails Food.&quot; Holiday decorations include a wreath and snowflake on upper windows." height="5712" id="cb955626-f573-43a7-90cc-64fcaad647ab" src="https://images.axios.com/VURKmQ3Opk2GohH5nP3G9DAGNF4=/2025/12/11/1765486863762.jpeg" width="3213"/><figcaption>The Slammer Tavern is festive year-round. Photo: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>It&#x27;s 8pm and standing-room only on a recent Saturday at Central Eastside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dive bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/11/portland-bars-chef-driven-menus" data-vars-content-id="20e2535d-3266-475a-b2b7-d01d51c126d9" data-vars-headline="Inside the Slammer Tavern&#x27;s chaotic holiday glow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/11/portland-bars-chef-driven-menus" target="_self">dive bar</a> the Slammer Tavern.<ul><li>&quot;Cough Syrup&quot; by Young the Giant plays on the TouchTunes jukebox in the back, barely audible, while a group of Santa hat-clad twentysomethings walk in and immediately order Jell-O shots.</li></ul>

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