Oregon smoking rates were 11% in 2024, down over eight years even as adult vaping reached 8.8%, according to an Oregon Health Authority evaluation released October 7, 2026. The report tracks cigarette sales, youth nicotine use and retailer inspections, showing how lower smoking prevalence has coincided with uneven changes
An unusually intense cyanobacteria bloom in Portland’s Ross Island Lagoon has spread into the Willamette River, prompting scientists and state officials to examine water conditions. Oregon State University researchers are monitoring the bloom, while water-quality authorities have collected samples and public warnings have affected river recreation. Key Takeaways A
East Portland climate risks are concentrated most sharply near Interstate 205, according to a Portland State University study combining four major hazards on a single map. The peer-reviewed research examines heat, flooding, wildfire and landslide potential, showing where overlapping exposure intersects with infrastructure, environmental conditions and access to critical
Portland ranks No. 14 among 111 U.S. cities for car-free living, supported by a No. 3 national ranking for bicycle commuting. The analysis also places Eugene and Salem on the list. Here is how Portland scored across biking, walking and public transit, and how it compares with other U.S.
A tanker carrying sulfuric acid developed a leak on Hayden Island in Portland early Monday, prompting a response from Portland Fire & Rescue and hazardous materials crews. An estimated 100 gallons entered the public drainage system before responders used sand and absorbent materials to contain the spill. Key Takeaways
Portland metro is under an air quality advisory after wildfire smoke from Oregon and Washington reduced visibility and worsened air quality while dangerous heat moved into the region. Officials issued health guidance as communities adjusted outdoor activities and monitored changing conditions. Key Takeaways Portland metro entered an air quality
The moment has arrived! Trent Harrison, the founder of Ransomed Bodies Training, has officially released his highly anticipated book, The Diet-Proof Body: 5 Simple Habits to Lose Fat, Keep It Off, and Escape Diet Prison for Good. This book marks a new chapter in sustainable fitness, offering a refreshing
Oregon wildfire activity intensified after lightning sparked more than 85 fires across Central Oregon, with the statewide burned area exceeding 200,000 acres. Emergency agencies expanded response efforts, deployed additional incident management resources, and coordinated assistance as firefighters worked under extreme heat, wind and dry conditions. Key Takeaways Oregon wildfires
Oregon is reviewing heat preparedness five years after the 2021 heat dome, a deadly weather event that pushed state and local agencies to strengthen emergency response, public health outreach, cooling resources, worker protections, and coordination for future extreme heat events. Key Takeaways Oregon agencies and local governments are reviewing
Oregon drought emergency declarations now cover more than half of the state’s 36 counties after state officials added Josephine and Wasco counties to the list of areas operating under emergency status. The latest declarations increase the number of affected counties to 19, allowing local governments and state agencies to
District attorneys from the three Portland metro counties recently pointed to pressures connected to Oregon State Hospital, court-ordered competency treatment, and a federal order affecting some hospital admissions. The discussion centers on people who have been charged with crimes but may not be able to understand court proceedings or
By Dr. Goodman, DC, and Dr. Bradberry, DC | ReliefNow Laser Charlotte | Charlotte, North Carolina Every year, thousands of Mecklenburg County residents receive a disc diagnosis, whether herniated, bulging, or degenerative, and are steered toward surgical consultation before conservative care has been meaningfully explored. Guidelines from the American
Oregon health officials have updated wildfire smoke guidance for youth activities, giving schools, child care providers, coaches and event organizers a clearer framework for deciding when outdoor play, practices and events should be reduced, moved indoors, postponed or canceled. The Oregon Health Authority’s current guidance, expands the focus beyond
A wave of artisan bagel shops is gaining traction across Portland’s neighborhoods, drawing steady crowds and reshaping breakfast and brunch patterns. Locally owned bakeries are drawing attention for their varied styles and distinct approaches, prompting residents and visitors to explore bagel options from Southeast to Northwest Portland. New Entrants
The Portland City Council approved an ordinance that will ban the sale of force‑fed foie gras in the city. After months of public hearings and testimony, council members voted 7‑5 in favor of the measure. The new rule is set to take effect in six months. The ordinance prohibits
The Oregon Department of Transportation has issued a newly revised guide for the Oregon Coast Bicycle Route just as the peak travel season approaches, offering riders clearer route information and additional support resources for travel along the state’s Pacific shoreline. Officials said the updated map includes more detailed route
By: Dr. Bruce Mark, DC | Hollywood Laser Pain Center | Hollywood, Florida Lower back pain is among the leading causes of missed workdays in the United States, accounting for more than 264 million lost workdays in one year according to the American Chiropractic Association. For the workforce of
A cruise ship in the Atlantic became the site of a medical emergency when a Hantavirus outbreak affected several passengers. Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, a physician from Bend, Oregon, found himself stepping into a critical care role after the ship’s medical team was overwhelmed. The outbreak, which has led to
Centennial Middle School has been confirmed as a new exposure site in the ongoing measles outbreak sweeping Multnomah County. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued an alert on April 14, 2026, notifying the public that an infected individual was present at the school from April 1 and between April
A recent audit of the Oregon Health Plan Bridge has highlighted concerns regarding the program’s eligibility determination processes, leading to significant financial implications. Released by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office on March 31, 2026, the audit revealed flaws in the ONE Eligibility system, which is responsible for processing
By Dr. Jeffrey N. Shebovsky | ReliefNow® Disc·Joint·Nerve Hamlin | Winter Garden, Florida Non-surgical disc decompression combined with Class IV medical-grade laser therapy is a clinically supported, drug-free alternative to back surgery for patients with herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and chronic nerve pain. It is gentle, painless,
Portland’s reputation as a tech-forward, sustainability-conscious city is facing a new challenge: the rapid expansion of data centers. As demand for cloud computing, AI development, and digital infrastructure grows, so does the footprint of these massive facilities. While data centers are essential to powering modern life, from streaming services
Your vision is one of your most valuable senses, yet many people delay seeking care when something suddenly changes. While some eye issues are minor and temporary, others can signal a serious retinal emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding the warning signs — and acting quickly — can
Insect decline isn’t just a global concern, it’s a local one, too. Across Portland and surrounding Oregon communities, farmers and food producers are seeing the effects in real time. Fewer pollinators mean fewer fruits, vegetables, and herbs making it to market. And while the issue may seem invisible to
