Elliott State Forest logging preempted, Nike chalks up 6% revenue increase and Legacy Health expands hospital footprint.
1. Judge halts Elliott Forest logging
A U.S. District Court judge issued a temporary injunction to prevent logging on 49 acres of the Elliott State Forest, the Oregonian reports. The land was sold to Scott Timber Co., which is a subsidiary of Roseburg Forest Products. The injunction was granted on behalf of the Audubon Society of Portland, the Center for Biological Diversity and Cascade Wildlands to protect the marbled murrelet. Logging cannot occur until the judge issues a final ruling on the case, which could be a year away.
2. Nike revenues beat odds
All eyes were on Nike yesterday as second-quarter revenues were announced. The company has struggled to shift its focus toward casual wear, which consumers favor over performance wear. But a 6 percent revenue increase shows the athletic giant is on track to meet its $50 billion sales goal by 2020, Fortune reports.
3. Legacy Health announces expansion
Legacy will spend $210 million to replace and renovate its Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, the Portland Business Journal reports. The plans include additional surgical suites and a dedicated space for the Legacy Oregon Burn Center. Construction will span four years and should begin next year.
4. In other health news, OHSU declines stake in Moda
OHSU loaned Moda Health $50 million in 2014. Last year, the two groups signed a nonbonding Letter of Intent giving OHSU the opportunity to convert its loan into a 25 percent equity stake in Moda. Now, OHSU says it will not seek that equity option, the Portland Business Journal reports.
5. Oregon is sixth fastest growing state
The U.S. Census Bureau released population numbers this week that show more than 68,000 people made Oregon their home last year, the Statesman Journal reports. That’s an increase of 1.71 percent. The fastest growing state, Utah, grew its population by 2 percent.
6. Oregon receives federal funds to address homelessness
The U.S. Department of Housing awarded a total of $34.7 million to fund 130 state projects combating homelessness. In Central Oregon, about $600,000 will help transition homeless residents into permanent housing, the Bend Bulletin reports. The majority of funding, $470,000, will give homeless families a 12-month rent subsidy.
7. From the magazine: Talking Head
Why Jim Moore is the most quoted pundit in Oregon.
8. 12 stories to watch in 2017
The Trump effect. The wars of the athletic apparel triumvirate. Affordable housing. See what stories we think you need to watch.
