In today’s news, Trump presidency leaves Superfund cleanup uncertain, A Better Oregon hatches new revenue plan and Oregon has one of highest food insecurity rates.
1. Future of Portland Superfund unclear in Trump’s wake
The Environmental Protection Agency says it will issue a Record of Decision on the Superfund cleanup plan before Donald Trump takes office, but stakeholders question how the new administration will implement that plan, the Portland Business Journal reports. Trump has called the EPA a “disgrace,” which sparked national speculation on the impact to climate policy. Locally, some think Trump will turn the plan implementation over to the state.
2. Measure 97 supporters push forward despite failed initiative
A Better Oregon, which led the push for Measure 97, says it intends to push for legislation to increase state revenue and corporate income transparency, according to the Capital Press. Coalition leaders say they will unveil a budget plan before the end of the year, including proposals to boost revenue. Another ballot measure, however, is unlikely.
3. Oregon experiences increase in food insecurity, despite economic recovery
New data from the Oregon Center for Public Policy found food insecurity in Oregon increased 18.4% since 2012, Willamette Week reports. That increase is the highest in the U.S. Oregon now has the sixth highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, and eighth highest rate of hunger.
4. Sellwood Bridge complete — finally
On Wednesday, Oregon’s busiest two-lane bridge will be ready to test drive after more than a decade of construction. The new Sellwood Bridge is reportedly the largest project Multnomah County has completed and cost about $325 million, the Portland Tribune reports. The bridge is the only Portland bridge for cars that can withstand the looming Cascadia earthquake.
5. Comcast boosting Oregon internet speeds for free
Existing customers will see an increase in speed from 75 to 100 megabits per second or 150 to 200 megabits per second, the Register Guard reports. Customers will receive the faster speeds after restarting their modems.
6. Portland anti-Trump protests continue; resistance leaders arrested
Protestors again blocked downtown Portland Monday evening to protest the President-elect. Portland’s Resistance (the primary protest group) leader Gregory McKelvey and other activists were allegedly “ignoring police direction” and arrested by police, the Oregonian reports. Last night’s protest, which began in Holladay Park, was organized primarily by high school students and dubbed a “student solidarity protest.”
In other protest news, Mayor Charlie Hales cancelled today’s March of Hope in light of a planned counter demonstration.
7. Snowstorms on the menu for Thanksgiving
Heavy snow is in the forecast beginning this afternoon and into the weekend for the Cascade Range passes, the Statesman Journal reports. Up to 18 inches could fall in mountain passes. The heaviest snow is expected Thanksgiving day.
8. Reader Forum
Readers respond to articles about the future of hunting, the demographic divide and the aging of the workforce (the “Silver Tsunami).
