Morning Roundup: House blocks Owyhee Monument; Google Fiber delayed


U.S. House moves to block Owyhee Monument, while Google Fiber is delayed.

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OREGON NEWS

— A provision in the congressional budget intends to block the Owyhee National Monument. The language prohibits Department of the Interior money from funding the monument. The bill has already passed in the U.S. House. President Barack Obama, who has yet to indicate if he would move forward with the Owyhee Monument, has said he would veto the bill if it’s passed in the Senate. Read more from OPB.

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— Contractors awaiting the go-ahead to build Google’s fiber network in Portland say the service has been delayed. Google Fiber was expected to formally announce its intent to install Fiber by fall. The setback isn’t just a disappointment for hopeful consumers, but also for state legislators who approved tax breaks for Google among other incentives. The Oregonian has more.

— Oregon’s unemployment rate is up for first time in 13 months. The jobless rate climbed from 4.5% to 4.8%. The Oregonian reports this is likely due to a large bump in Oregon’s labor force.

— Three timber ballot initiatives failed to qualify for the November election. The three initiatives would have restricted clear-cutting and aerial spraying. One of the initiatives limiting aerial pesticides received ballot title approved from the Oregon Supreme Court, but not in time to qualify for the ballot. The second was still awaiting court approval to move forward, and the third was withdrawn. The East Oregonian has more.

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— A Bend company found a solution to a problem only few will experience: how to maneuver a helicopter on your yacht. Tiger Tugs creates remote controlled helicopter tugs, meant to move a helicopter either into or out of a hangar. A new version, solicited by a New Zealand businessman, can move in any direction, allowing for control atop a yacht. Read more from the Bend Bulletin.

 â€” What do three Supreme Court justices, the deputy director of the Port of Portland and Rep. Earl Blumenauer have in common?  Read Editor Linda Baker’s blog to find out.

NATIONAL NEWS

— ICYMI: Donald Trump is now the official Republican presidential nominee. Trump received 1,725 votes yesterday, topping the required 1,237. His vice president pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, also became the official nominee. NPR has more.

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— Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced yesterday the department will develop guidelines for self-driving cars. He spoke at an industry conference in San Francisco, where the LA Times reports he said “we want people who start a trip to finish it.” Foxx did not go into specifics for these regulations.