On July 5, 2025, Oregon was hit with a wave of bankruptcy filings as businesses across the state continued to struggle in the post-pandemic economy. The effects of the COVID-19 crisis were still being felt years later, as many businesses were unable to recover from the financial losses incurred during the lockdowns and restrictions.According to the latest data from the Oregon Bankruptcy Court, there were a total of 67 bankruptcy filings on July 5 alone, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. The majority of the filings were from small businesses in the hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors, which were hit the hardest during the pandemic.One of the businesses that filed for bankruptcy on July 5 was a popular family-owned restaurant in Portland that had been in business for over 30 years. The owners cited a sharp decline in revenue and ongoing financial struggles as the main reasons for their decision to file for bankruptcy."We tried our best to keep the business afloat, but the past few years have been incredibly challenging for us," said the owner of the restaurant. "Despite our best efforts, we couldn't recover from the losses we incurred during the pandemic."Experts attribute the surge in bankruptcy filings to a combination of factors, including rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. The high cost of living in Oregon has also put additional strain on businesses, making it difficult for them to turn a profit."The economic challenges facing Oregon businesses are multifaceted and complex," said an economist at the University of Oregon. "Without significant government intervention and support, many businesses will continue to struggle and may ultimately be forced to close their doors."As the state grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, policymakers and business leaders are calling for additional support and resources to help struggling businesses stay afloat. Initiatives such as low-interest loans, tax incentives, and grants could provide much-needed relief to businesses in distress and help stimulate economic growth in the state.Despite the challenges ahead, many business owners remain hopeful that Oregon will eventually bounce back from the economic downturn. With the right support and resources, they believe that businesses can recover and thrive once again in the post-pandemic economy.