Topic: Oregon

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6 ways to make tax reform happen

Here are six ideas that can guide Congress to a tax reform-deal that both parties should be able to live with – a deal that will raise necessary revenue and help pay down the debt.
Debt-ceiling showdown: 4 reasons it's not a replay of 2011

In 2011, Congress and President Obama went to the brink of government default when congressional Republicans balked at raising the nation's debt ceiling. The spring of 2013 appears to have another debt ceiling fight in store. Here are the top four things that have changed.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
15 best books of 2012 – nonfiction

Here are the Monitor's picks for the 15 best nonfiction books of 2012.
Voter turnout: the 6 states that rank highest, and why

Which state will have the highest voter turnout on Nov. 6?On average, about half (51.6 percent) of eligible US voters cast ballots, but six states averaged more than 60 percent. The policies and attitudes in these states may hold lessons for those trying to get out the vote around the country.

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Hawaii tsunami a no-show. Tsunami warning lifted for Hawaii

The Hawaii tsunami turned out to be more bark than bite as the tsunami warning for Hawaii has been lifted.
Hawaii tsunami warning: Hawaii begins evacuation on coasts

Evacuation efforts have begun in Hawaii because of a tsunami warning that was issued following a massive earthquake in Chile.
Bust up the health insurance trusts

The health-insurance industry is exempt from anti-trust laws. It's time to change that.
The nursery industry is facing tough times

The wilted economy, especially the weakened housing market, has taken a toll on nursery operators from Oregon to Florida.
Permeable paving: Good for the environment and your landscape

Less runoff, replenished groundwater levels, and tax savings are a few of the reasons why your home needs permeable paving.
US missionaries: Lessons from Haiti adoption or 'child kidnapping' case

Experts in child kidnapping and global adoption hope that the Haiti incident involving American Baptist missionaries provides lessons for future disasters.
White House asks US clothing companies to 'Buy Haitian'

The Obama administration on Tuesday asked US clothing companies to source 1 percent of their production from Haiti. The 'Plus One' effort is designed to help the earthquake-ravaged country get back on its feet.
Energysavers.gov offers cash for more-efficient appliances

Patterned after 'cash for clunkers,' the Energysavers.gov program has allocated $300 million in rebates for consumers who buy Energy Star-rated appliances.
Oregon civil rights group offers scholarships to white students

The Oregon League of Minority Voters is trying a new civil rights tactic: offering scholarships to white students to take classes in race relations.
Dow closes below 10000 for first time in three months

Concerns about the ability of Greece, Spain, and Portugal to pay their debts caused the Dow Jones Industrial average to drop more than 100 points, closing below 10000 for the first time since early November.
In Pictures: Snowmobiling
Why are Galapagos sea lions moving to Peru?

A colony of sea lions from the Galapagos Islands recently migrated 1,000 miles southeast to Peru, say a Lima-based ocean group. Was this migration – and others like it – caused by climate change?
Great seed companies you may not know, part 1

Eight small-staffed but high-quality seed companies to consider for this growing season.
The Monitor's View: Super Bowl betting can’t be a goldmine for states

Revenue-hungry states are asking why Congress bans sports betting. Their attempts to repeal a 1992 law must be resisted. Sports must not be corrupted by gambling.
Six Picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

The final season of 'Lost,' Garrison Keillor's radio show in movie theaters, Laura Veirs's lovely homespun 'July Flame' CD, and more.
The great electric car race of 2010

This year, more automakers will roll out electric cars to American roadways.
Five tips for creating natural-looking waterfalls

Most gardens are enhanced by waterfalls, but you want them to look natural. Here are five tips to show you how.
Obama's high-speed rail plan: Which states get the money?

President Obama announced 13 high-speed rail projects worth $8 billion Thursday. It is an 'important beginning,' advocates say, aimed at several key population centers.
Oregon voters raise taxes on wealthy, businesses

Oregon voters Tuesday approved Measures 66 and 67 that would raise taxes on the wealthy and on businesses. The vote suggests Americans may be willing to accept some types of tax hikes even in these hard times.
What Wall Street wants from Obama in State of the Union address

President Obama has responded to recent setbacks by striking a more populist tone, and his primary target has been Wall Street. Bankers are hoping he takes a more inclusive line in his State of the Union address Wednesday.
Will Americans raise taxes to curb deficits? Oregon a test case.

A ballot before Oregon voters Tuesday would raise taxes on high earners to lower the yawning state deficit. It is being seen as a snapshot of the national mood.
Marijuana in the classroom? Sometimes it's legal

Medical marijuana legally prescribed to young people is showing up in classrooms. This is putting teachers and principals in a new and challenging position.
New green wonder: the Hanging Gardens of ... Portland?

A portion of Oregon's federal stimulus money is being used to create the world's largest 'living wall.'
El Nino prime culprit for severe weather in California

Three days of severe weather, including mudslides and flooding, is largely courtesy of El Nino, say meteorologists.
After US Airways 'miracle on the Hudson,' concern grows about bird strikes

For the first time since records have been kept, the number of instances in which aircraft hit birds or other wildlife could top 10,000 for 2009. Increasingly, pilots worry about 'feathered bullets'.