On the Scene: Oregon Leadership Summit
The 15th annual Oregon Leadership Summit yesterday brought together business and political leaders for a discussion about the state’s economic future.
must reads
Christmas tree production declines
Oregon has been the top Christmas tree producer in the country for decades. But since the recession, much loved trees like Noble and Douglas Firs have been in short supply, and prices have skyrocketed. Several factors are responsible for the problems facing the industry: labor scarcities and extreme weather conditions, for example. Plus, there are … Read more
OB research editor lands data journalism fellowship
We are thrilled to announce that research editor Kim Moore has been selected as a fellow for the SABEW Goldschmidt Data Immersion workshop in Washington DC. The five-day workshop, to take place in January 2018, is designed to help participants understand how the government uses data. Journalists will meet with experts at the U.S. Bureau of Economic … Read more
Cyberpunk author Neal Stephenson predicted the future of retail: Less stuff, plenty of food and coding
Neal Stephenson is a prescient guy. In Snow Crash, his hugely popular novel published in 1992, the Seattle cyberfiction writer described an America of the future that excelled at four things: coding, music, movies and high-speed delivery pizza. Twenty-five years later, Stephenson’s list is as good a summary as any of the changes roiling America’s retail landscape. … Read more
PDX council adopts resolution supporting congestion pricing
The Portland City council yesterday unanimously adopted a resolution directing the Portland Bureau of Transportation to work with ODOT to research the best ways to implement congestion pricing on I-5 and I-205. Portland congestion increased four times faster than its population between 2013 and 2015. If it continues unabated, PBOT director Leah Treat said, congestion could … Read more
Defense contractors scramble to meet complex cyber security rules
Defense contractors face confusion and uncertainty leading up to cyber security deadline.
On the Scene: Advocacy and industry groups comment on Cleaner Air Oregon rules
Southeast Portland residents and industry representatives got a chance to comment last night on Cleaner Air Oregon, a set of rules Gov. Kate Brown proposed that would limit industrial air toxics. We captured a few comments as neighborhood advocacy groups squared off against rail company employees. Related Story: DEQ ramps up penalties for asbestos violations “I’ve … Read more
Opinion: Back in Black
The retail market improves as year draws to a close, and Amazon, Target and Walmart continue to attract outsize share of consumer sales.
