Nike+ app launches, while Portland’s business community supports the end of the “Safe Sleep” program.
OREGON NEWS
— Nike released its new Nike+ app yesterday, which it says is more than a shopping app. Nike+ allows users to book one-on-one shopping appointments and provides training advice, shopping tips and invites for special events. Read more from Fortune.
— Yesterday, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales announced the end of his “Safe Sleep” program, which essentially allowed homeless people to camp on sidewalks. A business coalition, Save & Livable Portland, had filed suit earlier this year seeking to end these policies. After Hales announced the change in policy, the group issued a statement stating it would not amend the previously dismissed complaint and refile.
— Cedar Hills Crossing is about to get bigger. The Beaverton shopping center is now part of a 5-year, $70 million development plan by developer C.E. John Co. To start, 16 new buildings will be constructed, adding 300,000 square feet. The Oregonian reports vacant lots will be filled in, with at least one two-story building.
— Bend has two affordable housing projects in the works, which will add 114 apartments by 2018. These projects are also on the way to receiving a 20-year property tax waiver. To qualify, projects must serve tenants who earn at or below 60% of the local median income. In Bend, that means residents will likely earn between $20,000 and $35,000 a year. The Bend Bulletin has more.
— Lane County is considering the closure of eight garbage transfer stations. Sixteen station are currently open and operating. The recommendation comes from an outside consultant, seeking to cut $1.5 million in cost from the waste management system. The Register Guard reports this consideration is highly controversial, with hundreds of county residents speaking in opposition. The stations are also used by rural residents who don’t have curb-side service.
NATIONAL NEWS
— Researchers at Stanford University are working to develop policies for self-driving cars. In an accident, for example, the car would have to decide to prioritize the lives inside or outside the vehicle. The Washington Post reports these researchers are tweaking the car’s algorithm to respond using a set of three tactics, in essence developing a set of ethics for the self-driving vehicles.
— About $72 million in bitcoin was stolen in Hong Kong. That theft equates to about 120,000 bitcoin units. NPR reports the theft occurred from an exchange platform, Bitfinex, but there isn’t a clear answer to how or who did so.
