A haven for banned books in Hong Kong
TheAtlantic: People’s Recreation Community is a tiny bookstore in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay known for selling the widest range of banned books available in greater China.
Facebook’s Zuckerberg launches political group
AP: Teaming with other Silicon Valley leaders, Mark Zuckerberg launches organization focusing on education, immigration reform.
Charting the online ed disruption
Don’t look now, but online education startups may soon give social media/mobile app developers a run for their money — in Oregon and around the country.
Senators announce bipartisan gun bill agreement
CBS: A pair of bipartisan senators announced an agreement on a bill to expand background checks for gun sales.
Portland budget shortfall drops to $21.5M
Portland’s budget shortfall is closer to $21.5 million than the previously estimated $25 million, Mayor Charlie Hales’ office says.
Drones could help grow Eastern Oregon potatoes
Agricultural researchers are testing two remote-controlled aircraft over fields in the Hermiston area to help farmers use water, fertilizer and pesticides more efficiently.
Oregon Democrats release tax plan
The Oregon Legislature released a $275 million tax increase plan that would fall on the top 5% of taxpaying households.
ESI buys semiconductor business
Beaverton-based Electro Scientific Industries is buying Massachusetts-based semiconductor business GSI Group.
Oregon program helps small communities bring tourism
Travel Oregon’s “We Speak” program helps small, rural communities that want to draw tourists by educating community members.
Navy won’t send ships to Rose Festival
The U.S. Navy won’t send ships to the Portland Rose Festival or Seattle’s SeaFair because of mandatory budget cuts.