Investigation reveals toxic lead at armories, Amazon considers Troutdale for new facility and Oregon evaluates suit against Monsanto.
1. Oregon, U.S. armories, encased in lead
An Oregonian investigation found toxic dust was emitted each time a soldier discharged a weapon at an armory. The lead castoffs from bullets endangered soldiers and armory visitors for nearly two decades as the National Guard failed to address the problem. Read the full Oregonian report here.
That report is already having an impact. The Friends of Astoria Armory made a $500,000 offer to buy the old National Guard Armory building, but the O’s recent investigation compelled the group to push pause on the sale, the Register Guard reports. The group will wait for lead testing results before moving forward with the purchase. Friends of Astoria Armory intend to redevelop the space into an events center.
2. Amazon could open facility in Troutdale
Amazon is apparently considering a new Oregon facility in Troutdale, the Gresham Outlook reports. If Amazon did choose to locate in the Reynolds Industrial Park, the e-commerce retailer would share a space with FedEx’s distribution center. Amazon’s Troutdale facility isn’t the first under-the-radar project for the industrial park. Earlier this year, the Portland Development Commission considered relocating the USPS distribution center from the Pearl to the East Multnomah County industrial park.
3. Oregon might join Monsanto suit
Portland has already joined a suit against Monsanto for polluting water, soil and air with polychlorinated biphenyls. But after the state of Washington signed on, Oregon is considering filing suit as well, the Portland Business Journal reports. A Department of Justice spokesperson says they are evaluating their options.
4. Nike, Adidas could face tax hikes under President-elect
Although Trump has proposed a corporate tax cut from 35% to 20%, deductions for importers would be eliminated, the Oregonian reports. These changes would cost more to the athletic and apparel industry than rate reductions save.
5. Prosecutors must decide if seeking second Malheur trial today
Federal prosecutors have a trial scheduled in February for the remaining seven defendants in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation case. Prosecutors must now decide how to proceed, OPB reports. There are three options: move forward with conspiracy charges (charges which Ammon Bundy and fellow defendants beat), bring new charges or drop charges altogether.
6. Marijuana lab accreditation head stepping down
Gary Ward’s retirement comes after he argued the agency was overburdened by new regulations requiring cannabis testing, the Statesman Journal reports. Ward says his retirement stems from health issues related to a lack of resources allocated to his department.
7. Study shows public support for cannabis banking
New survey indicates financial institutions could bolster image by accepting deposits and lending to legal marijuana businesses.
