Hong Kong firm considers ‘Nicaragua Canal’
Reuters: For centuries since the colonization of the New World, entrepreneurs have dreamed of building a canal spanning Nicaragua to make it easier to tap Asia’s riches.
Taliban offer to free U.S. soldier
AP: The Afghan Taliban are ready to free a U.S. soldier held since 2009 in exchange for five senior operatives being held at Guantanamo Bay.
GOP seeks $150M tax break for biz owners
Oregon Republicans are seeking a $150 million tax break for some business owners to protect them from the state’s high income tax.
3 in 10 foreclosed Oregon homes are vacant
Almost 3 of 10 Oregon homes in foreclosure are empty despite still belonging to the homeowners.
Walmart seeks Gorge expansion
BY MATT WERBACH | HOOD RIVER CORRESPONDENT
Walmart aims to expand its footprint in the Columbia Gorge, where small-town main street businesses and restrictive land use planning have ruled for decades.
Metro wants to tap tourism fund for HQ hotel
Metro officials are considering redistributing money from a tourism fund to win support for a headquarters hotel at the Oregon Convention Center.
Oregon gives $2M to Portland traffic projects
The Oregon Transportation Commission approved $2 million to fund four Portland-area road projects to boost economic growth.
Oregon investigating massive bumblebee deaths
The State of Oregon is investigating thousands of dead bumblebees found in a parking lot in Wilsonville.
Microsoft celebrates Portland store with Weezer concert
Microsoft’s new downtown Portland store opens to the public today, just a block from the long-anticipated Apple location that is currently under construction.
Oregon bridges among best
Oregon’s bridges were ranked seventh best in the nation by a new report.