The world according to Mark Nelson

An influential Salem lobbyist weighs in on Gov. John Kitzhaber’s health care and early childhood learning plans, the future of Oregon Head Start and the inner workings of that mysterious entity, the Oregon Committee.

U.S. boycotts U.N. Internet treaty

Fox News: Envoys from nearly 90 nations signed today the first new U.N. telecommunications treaty since the Internet age, but the U.S. and other Western nations refused to join after claiming it endorses greater government control over cyberspace.

Obama will leave state pot laws alone

SEATTLE PI: In an interview with Barbara Walters to air tonight on ABC, Obama said his administration has “bigger fish to fry” than to take on the two states, where voters made possession of small amounts of pot leg in November.

Good season despite climate change worries

Oregon prides itself on having the longest ski season in the U.S., with November-May openings. But a new report projects climate change will warm winter temperatures 4-10 degrees by the end of the century, threatening the long snow season that allows Oregon’s winter sports industry to thrive.