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Rose Quarter I-5 closure will end early

Southbound lanes will reopen Wednesday night, more than a week early.

News

All lanes of southbound <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Interstate 5" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/09/08/i5-southbound-closure-rose-quarter" data-vars-content-id="8119599d-5f39-4777-82f9-bfae69d57868" data-vars-headline="Rose Quarter I-5 closure will end early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/09/08/i5-southbound-closure-rose-quarter" target="_self">Interstate 5</a> through Portland&#x27;s Rose Quarter will reopen Wednesday night, more than a week ahead of schedule.Why it matters: Reopening will restore a major route through central Portland.<ul><li>The closure was expected to last five weeks. Construction was helped along by good weather and drivers seeking out alternative routes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per KGW" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kgw.com/article/traffic/odot-interstate-5-rose-quarter-update-reopening-southbound-traffic/283-34dfe1f7-426c-4262-b9c6-70dd46c7bbec" data-vars-content-id="8119599d-5f39-4777-82f9-bfae69d57868" data-vars-headline="Rose Quarter I-5 closure will end early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kgw.com/article/traffic/odot-interstate-5-rose-quarter-update-reopening-southbound-traffic/283-34dfe1f7-426c-4262-b9c6-70dd46c7bbec" target="_blank">per KGW</a>.</li></ul>

Bare Knuckles is having a banner year

The label is winning over fans with its obsessively considered fits and worn-in basics.

Chart-topping country singer Shaboozey, K-pop star J-Hope and &quot;Love Island&quot; winner Bryce Alakai have all been spotted wearing Portland menswear brand Bare Knuckles this year.Why it matters: Nearly a decade in, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bare Knuckles" data-vars-click-url="https://bareknuckles.co/" data-vars-content-id="5ba18251-20cc-4d3a-9e18-8b8e5869a79b" data-vars-headline="Bare Knuckles is having a banner year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bareknuckles.co/" target="_blank">Bare Knuckles</a> has quietly grown from a side project between the two longtime Portland retail pros into a fashion-world favorite.

Oregon flu season gets an early start

Flu activity is rising weeks before its usual winter peak.

Winter may be months away, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flu season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/09/flu-season-oregon-h3n2-2025" data-vars-content-id="3f225dba-112c-4537-8a80-0b5a2e8f6659" data-vars-headline="Oregon flu season gets an early start" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/09/flu-season-oregon-h3n2-2025" target="_self">flu season</a> in Oregon doesn&#x27;t seem to be waiting.The big picture: Oregon&#x27;s respiratory illness season appears to be getting an early start, with flu activity rising weeks before its typical winter peak.

PPS names 14 schools that could close

PPS has released its first potential school closure scenarios.

Portland Public Schools on Monday outlined plans that could see as many as 14 schools close as the district shrinks its footprint amid falling enrollment and budget pressure.Why it matters: After months of discussion, the list marks the first concrete details on how the state&#x27;s largest school district could address changing demographic and financial realities.

Fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human trials

University of Washington researchers are preparing to seek approval for human testing.

Pacific Northwest researchers are closing in on a vaccine that could help prevent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fentanyl overdoses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/30/fentanyl-overdoses-rise-portland-oregon" data-vars-content-id="bd35fd94-3b58-4533-a274-c9370419aefa" data-vars-headline="Fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human trials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/30/fentanyl-overdoses-rise-portland-oregon" target="_self">fentanyl overdoses</a> by teaching the immune system to stop the drug before it reaches the brain. Why it matters: Oregon has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hit hard by the fentanyl crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/18/mobile-substance-abuse-treatment-clinic-oregon" data-vars-content-id="bd35fd94-3b58-4533-a274-c9370419aefa" data-vars-headline="Fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human trials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/18/mobile-substance-abuse-treatment-clinic-oregon" target="_self">hit hard by the fentanyl crisis</a> in recent years. And though <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overdose deaths involving the drug have fallen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/19/overdose-deaths-fall-in-oregon-for-second-year-in-a-row" data-vars-content-id="bd35fd94-3b58-4533-a274-c9370419aefa" data-vars-headline="Fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human trials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/19/overdose-deaths-fall-in-oregon-for-second-year-in-a-row" target="_self">overdose deaths involving the drug have fallen</a> since 2024, they remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

Updated COVID shots are available across Oregon

Pharmacies can now vaccinate any Oregonian who wants one.

Updated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/12/oregon-covid-vaccine-availability-doctors" data-vars-content-id="238f5a17-c654-48be-8ace-10683fa2e89f" data-vars-headline="Updated COVID shots are available across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/12/oregon-covid-vaccine-availability-doctors" target="_self">COVID-19 vaccines</a> are now available at pharmacies statewide for any Oregonian who wants one. The big picture: The Oregon Health Authority issued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a standing order" data-vars-click-url="https://oregonhealthnews.oregon.gov/oregon-health-authority-issues-standing-order-for-updated-covid-19-vaccines/" data-vars-content-id="238f5a17-c654-48be-8ace-10683fa2e89f" data-vars-headline="Updated COVID shots are available across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oregonhealthnews.oregon.gov/oregon-health-authority-issues-standing-order-for-updated-covid-19-vaccines/" target="_blank">a standing order</a> this month allowing providers to administer the shots, preserving broad access despite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="narrower federal guidelines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/03/oregon-covid-vaccines-availability-kotek" data-vars-content-id="238f5a17-c654-48be-8ace-10683fa2e89f" data-vars-headline="Updated COVID shots are available across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/03/oregon-covid-vaccines-availability-kotek" target="_self">narrower federal guidelines</a>.

2026 Oregon measles cases have already far surpassed 2024 peak

As vaccination rates fall, Oregon is seeing more cases than any year in recent history.

Oregon has confirmed 45 cases of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/29/oregon-measles-outbreak-vaccine-exemption" data-vars-content-id="dcc66f40-4b43-467d-abf2-47fc3e58d28d" data-vars-headline="2026 Oregon measles cases have already far surpassed 2024 peak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/29/oregon-measles-outbreak-vaccine-exemption" target="_self">measles</a> so far this year, more than any year in recent history.Why it matters: Measles is highly contagious and potentially deadly, and cases have risen nationally as vaccination rates have fallen.

Oregon has the worst racial health disparities in the West

American Indian and Alaska Native communities face the poorest health outcomes in the state.

Health

Oregon has &quot;more severe&quot; racial and ethnic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health disparities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/12/oregon-ranks-19th-in-national-health-report" data-vars-content-id="e8484c36-afc8-420f-94a7-a3e494f41c35" data-vars-headline="Oregon has the worst racial health disparities in the West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/12/oregon-ranks-19th-in-national-health-report" target="_self">health disparities</a> in its health system compared to other states in the West, according to a recent Commonwealth Fund <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" data-vars-content-id="e8484c36-afc8-420f-94a7-a3e494f41c35" data-vars-headline="Oregon has the worst racial health disparities in the West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" target="_blank">report</a>.The big picture: No state has eliminated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health disparitie" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806735/" data-vars-content-id="e8484c36-afc8-420f-94a7-a3e494f41c35" data-vars-headline="Oregon has the worst racial health disparities in the West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806735/" target="_blank">health disparitie</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="s" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806735/" data-vars-content-id="e8484c36-afc8-420f-94a7-a3e494f41c35" data-vars-headline="Oregon has the worst racial health disparities in the West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806735/" target="_blank">s</a> between racial and ethnic groups — and researchers warn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent federal policy shifts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/16/axios-live-event-dc-specialty-health-care-access" data-vars-content-id="e8484c36-afc8-420f-94a7-a3e494f41c35" data-vars-headline="Oregon has the worst racial health disparities in the West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/16/axios-live-event-dc-specialty-health-care-access" target="_self">recent federal policy shifts</a> are likely to widen them.

Oregon's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

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

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>.

Opioid use in pregnancy has more than doubled

A new study links a sharp rise in opioid use to poor outcomes for mothers and babies.

The rate of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opioid use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/20/oregon-overdose-deaths-fentanyl" data-vars-content-id="52aad546-e52c-4fee-a1c6-6bb5174e8791" data-vars-headline="Opioid use in pregnancy has more than doubled" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/20/oregon-overdose-deaths-fentanyl" target="_self">opioid use</a> in pregnancy more than doubled over the past decade, a new Oregon Health &amp; Science University <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/9900/maternal_opioid_related_diagnosis_in_pregnancy_and.632.aspx" data-vars-content-id="52aad546-e52c-4fee-a1c6-6bb5174e8791" data-vars-headline="Opioid use in pregnancy has more than doubled" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/9900/maternal_opioid_related_diagnosis_in_pregnancy_and.632.aspx" target="_blank">study</a> using California hospital data found.Why it matters: Researchers warn the sharp rise puts both mothers and babies at risk — increasing the chance for negative complications such as hypertension, respiratory distress, preterm birth, infant withdrawal syndrome and death.

Potentially severe flu season looms for Oregon

A new, mutated strain of the virus is out and about.

Oregon may be facing a harsher flu season this year, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a more severe virus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" data-vars-content-id="cfc4f1d1-a19c-4e29-ae74-1d7674509a88" data-vars-headline="Potentially severe flu season looms for Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" target="_self">a more severe virus</a> is beginning to spread earlier and faster nationwide, though it remains to be seen how sickly things will get.Why it matters: The flu can cause a whole slew of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nasty symptoms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html" data-vars-content-id="cfc4f1d1-a19c-4e29-ae74-1d7674509a88" data-vars-headline="Potentially severe flu season looms for Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html" target="_blank">nasty symptoms</a> — like sore throat, runny nose, fever, cough and more — that can lead to hospitalization and even death in some cases.

Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze

Oregon says the Trump administration is unlawfully withholding food assistance benefits during the shutdown.

Oregon, along with two dozen other Democratic-led states, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/trump-snap-food-stamps-lawsuit-democrats" data-vars-content-id="27b26510-dbcd-495d-adfc-457d91fb7eda" data-vars-headline="Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/trump-snap-food-stamps-lawsuit-democrats" target="_self">sued</a> the Trump administration this week to force it to resume <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food assistance payments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/24/gov-shutdown-snap-payments-emergency-funds" data-vars-content-id="27b26510-dbcd-495d-adfc-457d91fb7eda" data-vars-headline="Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/24/gov-shutdown-snap-payments-emergency-funds" target="_self">food assistance payments</a> as the federal government shutdown drags on.The big picture: More than 750,000 Oregonians rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Department of Agriculture has warned benefits will stop on Saturday.

Obesity spikes among Oregon's young adults

More than a quarter of Oregon adults under 25 are now considered obese.

Oregon saw the highest obesity rate increase of any state from 2019 and 2024, according to new data — a troubling statistic experts say could impact <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/27/multnomah-county-among-healthiest" data-vars-content-id="c0917dc2-d606-483a-9e64-fc8eb5558faa" data-vars-headline="Obesity spikes among Oregon&#x27;s young adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/27/multnomah-county-among-healthiest" target="_self">public health</a> for decades to come.Why it matters: Obesity is tied to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and more.

Ping-pong brings relief to Portland Parkinson's patients

Table tennis is improving balance and building community for Portlanders with Parkinson's.

In Southeast Portland, a group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parkinson&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/20/deep-brain-stimulation-parkinsons-relief" data-vars-content-id="7c1c6502-cbb4-451f-978d-fffc501ac4a7" data-vars-headline="Ping-pong brings relief to Portland Parkinson&#x27;s patients" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/20/deep-brain-stimulation-parkinsons-relief" target="_self">Parkinson&#x27;s</a> patients have found an unlikely ally in their battle against the disease: ping-pong paddles.Why it matters: Table tennis is emerging as a surprising source of therapy and community for those with Parkinson&#x27;s disease — boosting balance, easing tremors and creating meaningful connection.

📉 Overdose deaths down

Overdose deaths fall in Oregon for second year in a row

A bar chart that shows uninsured rates in Oregon by race and ethnicity in 2024. Rates range from 5% for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) residents to 18% for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) residents. Hispanic residents are at 14%, Black residents at 9%, and White residents at 6%, with AIAN and Hispanic groups highest.

Uninsured rates in Oregon

Data: Commonwealth Fund 2026 State Health Disparities Report; Chart: Meira Gebel/Axios

Health 🩺

Fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human trials

Updated COVID shots are available across Oregon

2026 Oregon measles cases have already far surpassed 2024 peak

Overdose deaths fall in Oregon for second year in a row

Oregon has the worst racial health disparities in the West