Oregon Obamacare signups increase, Wildfang leads Trump dresscode critique and Intel joins immigration ban suit.
Obamacare signups on the decline — not in Oregon
Nationwide, signups on the healthcare marketplace are down 400,000. Oregon is bucking that trend, the Portland Business Journal reports. More than 155,000 enrolled in the marketplace by the Jan. 31 deadline. That’s about 8,000 more than last year. The increase comes despite a hefty cut to advertising spending by the White House — down to $250,000 a day from $1 million.
Refugee family arrives in Portland
The first refugee family to fly into Portland since the Trump immigration ban was revoked arrived Sunday night to a crowd of about 100 — including Portland Police Chief Mike Marshman — the Oregonian reports. The family of five are refugees from Iraq.
In other immigration ban news, Intel latest to join opposition
Intel joined dozens of tech companies in filing a friend-of-the-court brief yesterday, the Oregonian reports. The brief was submitted to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is considering whether to lift the temporary stay. Intel was joined by Airbnb, Apple, eBay, Google, Microsoft and Squarespace — all of which have operations in Oregon.
As Intel fights the ban, a Portland fashion company takes on Trump dress code
Emma Mcilroy, co-founder of Wildfang, is leading a charge against rumored comments that Trump requires female staffers to “dress like women.” Women nationwide have been posting photos of women dressed as doctors, soldiers, firefighters and more, Forbes reports.
OHA looks toward climate change
The Health Authority released a new plan titled the Oregon Climate and Health Resilience Plan last week. The plan explores collaboration with other agencies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on health, the Oregonian reports. The plan spans five years.
Bend home to the greenest house in the world
Known as the “Desert Rain House,” the home received the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building certification, the Bend Bulletin reports. The home — which cost $3.48 million to construct — is the first to receive the certification.
OB Original Blog: On The Scene — Organicology snapshot
The three day Organicology Conference focused on the future of organic food and farming.
PGE natural gas opponents overwhelm Oregon Energy Siting Council
Just before the Friday deadline, more than 7,000 comments had been submitted to the Council, which is considering PGE’s application to expand its natural gas power plant near Boardman. The previous record of comments was 1,000, the Portland Business Journal reports. PGE is currently evaluating its options for the Boardman Coal Plant, which was forced to close by 2020 under Oregon’s clean energy plan.
