Bullseye Glass tops headlines again this morning with news of layoffs, while Eugene ramps up semiconductor production.
OREGON NEWS
Jobs fallout. After receiving a cease and desist order from Gov. Kate Brown, Bullseye Glass says it will have to lay off employees. The company is also questioning the Department of Environmental Quality’s approach to the toxic air pollution situation, even implying the DEQ is trying to shut Bullseye down. OPB has more on the issues.
Monumental battle. Five Eastern Oregon leaders testified before a House committee this morning, asking the representatives and Gov. Kate Brown to oppose a national monument in the Owyhee Canyonlands. Malheur County put the monument — proposed by Keen Footwear — to a vote, which was rejected by 90 percent of voters. This afternoon, the Owyhee Basin Stewardship Coalition will live stream a news conference outlining their concerns.
Like housing, like wineriers. Oregon wineries, thanks to a combination of Pinot Noir fame and a stable economy, are selling rapidly. At least 10 wineries have sold just recently. As, the Statesman Journal reports Californians are top buyers.
Chips in play. Renovating a 1.2 million square-foot plant in Eugene, Singapore-based Broadcom plans to spend $400 million to launch production of silicon wafers and cellphone chips. The company recieved a $21 million property tax break thanks to an enterprise zone program, and will likely begin production by Septneber 2019. Read more from The Register-Guard.
NATIONAL NEWS
Agricultural giant. An unsolicited bid for $62 billion could create the largest farm supplier in the world, if it’s accepted. Germany-based Bayer offered to purchase Monsanto, including its debt, just three weeks after new CEO Werner Baumann took the Bayer helm. Baumann said he thinks the proposal will be accepted.
Swords to ploughshares. President Barack Obama is visiting Vietnam and one of his first moves was to lift a 1960s arms embargo. It’s a step forward for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, of which Vietnam is a member. Despite the embargo-lift, Obama said weapons sales will still be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. USA Today has more.
