Morning Roundup: Odds of Cascadia earthquake increase; Bend goes to pot


Chances of the Cascadia earthquake have been bumped up, while Bend ventures into pot.

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OREGON NEWS

— The dreaded Cascadia earthquake could hit sooner than originally expected, according to a new study. The chance an earthquake could hit in the next 50 years has been bumped to 15-20%, instead of 14-17%. The average rupture timeline was also reduced. From Newport to Astoria, for example, ruptures occur on average every 350 years, instead of the 400 or 500 year timeline as previously believed. The Portland Tribune has more.

— The Grand Ronde Tribe continues to make headlines this morning with the news that the tribe’s decision to disenroll decedents of Chief Tumulth has been overturned.

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— The Deschutes County’s marijuana ban is lifting Sept. 1, and the first recreational marijuana license application has been submitted. The county expects anywhere from 25 to 50 applications over the next month in preparation of the moratorium ending. The Bend Bulletin reports the first application was for an indoor grower in Bend. 

In other Deschutes County marijuana news, Bend seems to have an e-commerce issue. The Bend Bulletin reports Craigslist sellers have even contacted by buyers requesting “OMMP friendly” trades, or listings offering to barter in exchange for marijuana. 

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— A renewable energy tax incentive instituted last year may get its first use in Bend. Two solar projects managed by Norwest Energy 2 and Oregon Solar Land Holdings have applied to pay a set fee instead of property taxes. If approved under the tax incentive bill, the fee would be paid for the next 20 years. Read more from the Bend Bulletin.

— Business Oregon launched its Rural Entrepreneurship Development Initiative this week, with the goal of increasing business in Oregon’s rural areas. The program will invest in small businesses and facilitate access to entrepreneurial resources, according to a press release. REDI should officially launch and begin providing services this fall.

— The Northwest Worker’s Justice Project has partnered with Portland attorney Phil Goldsmith to file a class action lawsuit against Portland Specialty Baking for poor working conditions. The suit will be filed this afternoon on behalf of 175 immigrant and refugee workers. 

— Portland joined seven other cities last month suing Monsanto for pollution that has contaminated the Portland Harbor. Monsanto responded last week by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, as the suit adds delays to the cleanup of the Portland superfund site. The Portland Business Journal reports the suit uses a legal theory that has already been dispelled in past arguments.

— In other cleanup news: Environmental concerns have closed cleaning stations at the Port of Astoria. The closure comes at a poor time, as the salmon fishing season just began last week. The Daily Astorian reports the stations will not reopen until the Department of Environmental Quality can ensure fish guts are not being tossed in the Columbia River.

NATIONAL NEWS

— Walmart is reportedly purchasing Jet.com for $3 billion in an attempt to improve its e-commerce. If approved, the deal would be the largest e-commerce purchase to date. Read more from Business Insider.

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— Amazon unveiled its air cargo fleet let week during Seattle’s Seafair. Tagged with “Prime Air,” the Boeing 767 jet is also branded as Amazon One. The private fleet will further expand Amazon’s abilities to compete in the delivery side of its business. The Seattle Times has more.