Wildfire health impacts: Oregon’s smoke is still driving advisories and ER visits, with Lane County’s worst haze since 2020 easing overnight as onshore flow pushes pollution east; across the state, officials keep urging people to check air quality before going out, especially for kids, seniors, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or lung conditions. Air forecasting tools: Washington State University’s updated smoke forecast map is helping residents plan weekend activities by predicting local air quality ahead of time. Public health and safety at work: Oregon’s wildfire emergency also triggers workplace protections tied to sick leave and protected time when air quality or heat threatens health, plus rules for when schools or childcare close. Healthcare system and fraud: A southern Oregon sleep-study business owner pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud, accused of billing for costlier in-office tests instead of at-home studies and submitting false claims; losses are estimated at about $2.1 million. Local care access: Salem Health and Santiam Hospital’s proposed merger drew broad support at an Oregon Department of Justice hearing, with community and provider voices backing the deal. Child and family support: WinterSpring expanded grief support groups into more Southern Oregon schools, aiming to help students grieve during the school day. Research and innovation: OSU researchers found cat-training activities can boost physical activity and responsibility for children with developmental disabilities. Mental health trial: The VA is launching a psilocybin study for veterans with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Prison tech risk: Oregon auditors warned that aging correctional information systems create growing public safety and operational risks unless modernized.