John Mitchell predicts cloudy economy, few silver linings
During a talk at the Portland Business Alliance Forum, Oregon economist John Mitchell predicts slow progress for 2013, long-term stagnation and an epic clash of generations.
Flu widespread, leading a range of ills
The New York Times: It is not your imagination — more people you know are sick this winter, even people who have had flu shots. The country is in the grip of three emerging flu or flulike epidemics: an early start to the annual flu season with an unusually aggressive virus, a surge in a new type of norovirus, and the worst whooping cough outbreak in 60 years.
Portland’s Laika gets Oscar nod; “Lincoln” leads the pack
Los Angeles Times: “Beasts of the Southern Wild” and “Lincoln” will both be vying for best picture and best director at the 85th Academy Awards ceremony, after Thursday morning’s Oscar nominations saw some shocking omissions, surprising delights — and Oscar history being made.
Boeing’s Dreamliner problems raise concern
Reuters: Boeing Co’s 787 Dreamliner jet suffered a third mishap in as many days on Wednesday, heightening safety concerns after a string of setbacks for the new aircraft.
RIM will launch six Blackberry devices in 2013
Reuters: Research In Motion plans to launch at least six Blackberry 10 devices in 2013, part of a comeback effort.
Technology has power to do good, Bill Clinton says
USA Today: Technology can help address cultural, social and economic challenges, former President Bill Clinton said.
Obama pick for Treasury said to be his chief of staff
The New York Times: President Barack Obama will nominate White House chief of staff Jack Lew as his next Treasury secretary on Thursday, replacing Timothy Geithner, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Bus company in fatal Oregon crash banned from U.S.
The driver of a motor coach that crashed in Oregon last month, killing nine, had worked in excess of what is allowed, according to the USDOT, which has ordered the Canadian bus company to cease operations in the U.S.
Truckers: ‘You can’t wait to get out of Oregon so you can relax’
Oregon is experimenting with salting roads along a few state border crossings but it has no plans to apply rock salt to Interstate 84, where a bus crash last month killed nine people. “At some point we have to see that this is costing lives. I’m tired of seeing cars turned upside down on my route,” said Oregon truck driver Larry Phelps.
TriMet boss admits to ‘glaring’ shortcomings
TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane has called for an internal audit of overtime hours and promised to make fighting driver fatigue a top priority after an investigation by The Oregonian exposed what he calls “glaring” shortcomings.