In today’s news, Portland Trump protest continues, Port of Morrow withdraws coal dock application and thousands sign up for ACA insurance.
1. Portland Anti-Trump protest turns violent
Thousands gathered at Pioneer Square for the third night to protest Donald Trump’s election as President. The protest started off peacefully, but a small group of anarchists split off and began damaging property in the Pearl District, the Portland Mercury reports. Damage included smashed windows and electrical boxes. The lead protest group, Portland’s Resistance, returned to Pioneer Square and intends to protest again tonight.
2. Boardman coal dock dumped
The Port of Morrow coal dock is no more after five years of planning, the East Oregonian reports. Known as the Coyote Island Terminal, the dock would have shipped more than eight millions tons of coal per year to Asia via the Columbia River. The Port withdrew its application Thursday.
3. In wake of election, thousands rush to buy health insurance
More than 100,000 signed up under the Affordable Care Act Wednesday, marking the largest turnout yet, according to the New York Times. Dismantling the healthcare system is one of the first items on Trump’s to-do list, which could leave millions without access to healthcare. It would also negatively impact insurers, who have spent millions to conduct business under the ACA guidelines.
4. Two Oregonians file initiatives to secede
The ballot initiative was filed less than 24 hours after Trump’s presidency became official. One of the filers asked if Oregon’s values fit in with the U.S., OPB reports. If the initiatives gain traction, it’s possible Oregonians could be voting to secede or stay in 2018.
5. Youth climate activists can move forward with federal lawsuit
The Eugene-based plaintiffs are between the ages of 9 and 20. They allege the government’s actions have put future generations — and their own — in danger and request a drastic reduction in carbon emissions, the Register Guard reports. A U.S. District judge ruled Thursday that the lawsuit can proceed, against the wishes of the federal government.
6. Moovel moving to Portland
Daimler’s urban transportation subsidiary is moving its Austin office to Oregon, the company announced Wednesday. Moovel manages the mobile ticketing app for TriMet. The company says the move to Portland will allow for faster progress as a team, the Oregonian reports.
7. Editor’s Note: Transit and infrastructure in the spotlight
Election tilts scale in favor of transit and infrastructure projects.
