Oregonians respond to shootings with more gun purchases, and Intel wants to rebuild trust.
OREGON NEWS
Gun purchases increase. At least among Oregonians since the recent massacre in Orlando. The Statesman Journal reports while 573 guns were sold on the day of the shooting, June 12, that number skyrocketed to 1,364 five days later. Statistics don’t explain why people purchase guns after a mass shooting, but some speculate it’s because gun owners fear additional restrictions after such an incident.
Making the sale. Leaders in a Eugene company that provided medical services for low-income residents made $34 million from its sale to an out-of-state buyer. Agate Resources ran the Trillium Community Health Plan in Lane County, using federal and state money to fund health care for 94,000 Lane County residents. The company sold for $109 million in September, but documents recently showed that the $34 million chunk went to 11 executives in the company. The Register-Guard has more.
Intel to focus on employee morale. Two months after announcing layoffs, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich says the company wants to focus on rebuilding trust to improve employee morale. The Oregonian reports Krzanich acknowledges the firing of 784 Oregon workers was “harsh and quick,” but defended the decision.
One person’s garbage. Marion County could turn to medical waste to increase revenue. The Brooks garbage incinerator near Salem currently burns 400 million pounds of municipal garbage annually, but medical waste is more lucrative. The Board of Commissioners will vote on a proposal to take 50 million pounds of out-of-state medical waste Wednesday. The proposal could net $3.4 million a year. Read more from the Statesman Journal.
Passing. Michael Leming, a former Nike talent scout, died while BASE-jumping in Norway. Leming is also known for working as a rescue climber on Mt. Hood. He left Nike in 2015 after 15 years. Read more from the Portland Business Journal.
NATIONAL NEWS
Brexit aftermath. British Prime Minister David Cameron is trying a go-slow approach to the county’s European Union exit, saying it could take two years to complete the break-up. But other leaders are advocating for a faster approach, concerned a slow approach will only impact the economic market further. The Washington Post has more.
Flavor change. PepsiCo removed aspartame as a sweetener last year as a result of safety concerns when studies shows a risk for cancer. But sales have dropped, likely due to a flavor change from the altered sweetener formula in diet sodas. The Los Angeles Times reports Pepsi will now reintroduce aspartame into some of its formulas this fall.
