What’s the deal with Oregon’s sinkholes 🕳️ ?

Flavored Nicotine Ban Stands

Multnomah County’s ban on all flavored nicotine products will take effect in January after a court challenge failed. The ban, aimed at reducing the appeal of tobacco, includes everything from menthol cigarettes to fruit-flavored vapes. [Oregonian]

More City Council Candidates

There are going to be so many candidates for Portland City Council next year, it seems like. Two of the most intriguing new aspiring politicians are Ricky Gomez, owner of the beloved Southeast Portland Cuban bar Palomar, and Chad Lykins, owner of Rose City Chess. [Willamette Week]

Research Balloon Floats In

A high-altitude scientific research balloon briefly floated into the metro area on Wednesday. It wasn’t a Chinese spy balloon, but rather the work of a local Tillamook-based company, Near Space Corporation. [KOIN]

Oregon’s Sinkhole Problem

Suddenly, giant holes open up in the middle of the road or a seemingly random spot. Why do Oregon’s sinkholes happen and how concerned should we really be? [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🎙️ ‘Celebrity Book Club with Steven & Lily' | Thursday | 8 p.m.

A comedian podcasting team dismembers celebrity memoirs live for your amusement. [$32.21, Humboldt]

🎊 Dance Romance | Thursday | 9 p.m.

Enjoy a Lady Gaga–themed dance night. [$18.20, Buckman]

🚲 Portland Sunday Parkways | Sunday | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

It’s the last of the summer events that close streets for cycling, walking, and all activities in between. [Free, Southwest]

Getting to the Bottom of Oregon’s Sinkhole Problem

Imagine you’re going about your day, minding your own business, and then all of a sudden — whoops — there’s a giant hole in the middle of the road. We’re talking about Oregon’s sinkholes. Why does this happen and how concerned should we really be? Today on City Cast Portland, science journalist Erin Ross helps us take a closer look.