Lane County air pollution — The American Lung Association has listed Lane County’s air quality as among the worst in the nation due to pollution from summer forest fires and winter wood stoves. The group listed Lane County as 21 on the list of worst metropolitan areas for short-term particulate pollution, such as smoky air that lasts 24 hours or less. The county had 16 days in 2012-14 when particulate air pollution was rated unhealthy for sensitive groups, earning the county an “F” from the organization. Lane County received an “A” for ozone pollution, having no days when ozone exceeded federal limits, and a “pass” rating for overall annual particulate pollution. Lane County air pollution officials say the association uses measures that don’t work well for such large and varied areas as the county.

Hot springs to reopen — A popular hot spring in Southern Oregon has reopened after high levels of E. coli were found in September, forcing a closure. The Umpqua Hot Springs will be available to visitors from sunup to sundown as of Tuesday. Federal forest officials revealed in September that high amounts of human waste had caused of bloom of E. coli, prompting a closure until June 30, 2016, or until the bacterial levels dropped to safe levels. In a statement Wednesday, the forest service said police have issued more and more tickets in the past three years to people nearby for illegal drug use, domestic violence, campfire violations, cutting down trees and more, which in addition to the bacteria prompted the new time restrictions at the springs.

Lottery campaign — The Coquille Indian Tribe is calling for a state lottery campaign to be changed, calling it insensitive to indigenous people. Coquille chairwoman Brenda Meade sent a letter to Oregon Lottery Director Jack Roberts on Wednesday calling for the end of a “Lewis and Clark” advertising campaign, which depicts Lewis and Clark discovering “native” lottery terminals. There are no native people depicted in the ads, which Meade says makes the fictional Oregon appear as a land “ripe for economic exploitation” without competition from indigenous people. She says the ads are supposed to be funny but highlight that Oregon’s politicians don’t want to share wealth with tribes. Meade’s grievances come days after Gov. Kate Brown opposed a Coquille casino over concerns about the proliferation of gambling in the state.

Portland fire chief — The city of Portland has agreed to pay $5,000 to a former Portland Fire & Rescue manager who accused then-Fire Chief Erin Janssens of grabbing him by the neck. As part of the settlement signed in February, Brian Alcid has agreed to drop the nearly $48,000 lawsuit he filed against Janssens in October. The agreement hadn’t been made public until this week, days after Janssens retired from her position as fire chief. Alcid had accused Janssens of grabbing him by the neck after they got into a disagreement over the budget in 2013. Janssens apologized to Alcid in a letter, saying she regretted how she handled their interaction. The city found that Janssens hadn’t caused Alcid any physical pain, but was “discourteous.”

Girls struck by van — Police say two Gresham girls were in a marked crosswalk when they were struck and seriously injured by a floral delivery van. Officer John Rasmussen of Gresham Police said the 13-year-old girls were walking home from middle school Wednesday afternoon. One girl was critically injured and the other suffered serious injuries not considered life-threatening. Witnesses told police the girls were walking across a marked intersection and had a “walk” sign. Rasmussen said the investigation isn’t over, but the driver of the delivery van is believed to have run a red light. He said speed, alcohol and drugs do not appear to be contributing factors.