Kale Williams

1 week ago | axios.com | Kale Williams

The future of salmon recovery in Oregon is uncertain. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Trump administration's recent withdrawal from a landmark agreement likely sends the fate of salmon recovery in the Columbia Basin back to court. Why it matters: The pact — known as the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement — put a five-year stay on litigation brought by several Northwest tribes and environmental advocates over the federal government's operation of dams in the region.

1 week ago | axios.com | Kale Williams |Alex Fitzpatrick

Data: Toast; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/AxiosDiners in Oregon rankslightly above average when it comes to tipping at restaurants, according to new data from restaurant tech firm Toast. Why it matters: Tips remain an essential part of income for many restaurant workers, even in Oregon, where employers are required to pay the full minimum wage on top of tips. By the numbers: Nationwide, average tips at both full- and quick-service restaurants were 18.8%Oregonians ponied up tips of 19.1% on average.

1 week ago | axios.com | Kale Williams

Data: Commonwealth Fund; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/AxiosOregon saw the fourth-largest drop in the percentage of residents without health insurance as uninsured rates hit record lows in all U.S. states in 2023, per a new report. Why it matters: Expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act helped slash Oregon's uninsured rate — but future funding may be in jeopardy.

1 week ago | axios.com | Kale Williams

Joby (left) and Goose(right): Just a couple of law-abiding good boys. Photo: Meira Gebel/Kale Williams/AxiosIf you're used to letting your dog run free in Portland's parks, this is your last warning: Rangers will now issue fines for the prohibited behavior, the city announced Monday. State of play: Park rangers are no longer required to give off-leash dog owners a warning before writing up a ticket after city councilors updated park rules last year.

1 week ago | axios.com | Kale Williams

All this just 15 minutes from downtown Portland. Image: Kale Williams/AxiosI decided to celebrate being a dog dad on Sunday by dipping a paddle into the Tualatin River, just south of Portland. The waters were calm, our spirits were high and, at many points, it felt like we had the whole river to ourselves. If you go: The good folks at Alder Creek Rentals supplied the boats ($35 for two hours), the river supplied the serenity I was looking for. Subscribe for more Axios Portland in your inbox.