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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Don't prosecute medical-marijuana use, Obama administration says

A Justice Department memo issued Monday tells federal prosecutors to ease off medical-marijuana users and sellers in states that have legalized the drug.
German businessman smuggled coral into US from Philippines

A German businessman pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Oregon to smuggling 40 tons of coral into the US from the Philippines. Coral reefs are threatened globally.
Leasing the sun

Discount deals and tax incentives help homeowners go solar,
Healthcare tests Obama's grasp of Capitol Hill game

Getting healthcare reform done – the biggest legislative challenge in decades – depends on how well Obama and his team can win over key members of Congress.
Klamath River dam-removal project will be world's biggest

Wednesday's agreement to tear down four Klamath River dams took years to reach. But it’s a costly project, and there may be more conflicts ahead.
Schwarzenegger leads governors' summit on global warming

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is touting efforts to reduce greenhouse gases by states and provinces worldwide ahead of the Dec. 6 UN climate change summit in Copenhagen.
Maine lobsters: $3.50 a pound on Craigslist

Maine's lobstermen turn to new media to sell the age-old state symbol as its price drops.
The time-honored practice of Astroturf lobbying

Grass-roots lobbying, or reaching out to potentially sympathetic groups and individuals, has grown into a huge and sophisticated business.
Democrats may go it alone on healthcare, but must close ranks

Forget Republicans. Democrats need to bring together their own centrists concerned about cost as well as liberals who still want a public option.
Seven cities that surprised in recession

Akron, Ohio, and Pittsburgh have done unexpectedly well, according to a new ranking of the best and worst performing cities. One lesson: There's more to economic activity than housing.
Guest blog: A refreshingly old-fashioned angle on cookbooks
The magical allure of a Japanese maple and a cryptomeria
With Mike Duvall, fall of another ‘family values’ crusader

The California lawmaker caught on tape boasting about his trysts is the latest conservative to disappoint a movement built on upholding marriage and traditional moral values.
Wolf update: Judge rules that hunts can continue
Animal advocates howl over wolf killing

Recovered from “endangered” status, Rocky Mountain wolves are now being hunted. It’s a classic story of human interests versus a competing predator.
On foreign affairs, Kennedy challenged presidential power

His most important vote, he said, was against the Iraq War. But he also had major impact on human rights and other issues.
Out of work? This week's most intriguing job offers.
Oregon's 'death with dignity' law enters healthcare debate

Supporters say end-of-life care, including counseling and hospice, have made the state a model. Opponents look at Oregon and see "medical rationing" and "death panels."
US closes parts of Arctic to commercial fishing

Melting ice caps are exposing more of the Arctic Ocean than ever before. The US moves to halt fishing in the newly ice-free zones even before a fishing industry blossoms there.
A showcase for senior athletes

The national games offer more than 800 summer-sports events. The competition is keen – but the broader focus remains on healthy lifestyles.
An electric chopper? What would Dennis Hopper think?

'Senior' from the reality TV show 'American Chopper' has invented a zero-emission hog. It's 'Easy Rider' minus the ear-splitting roar (and greenhouse gases).
From nets to kilowatts

Recycling program turns an environmental hazard into electricity.
Opinion: Reflections on race

Four writers share experiences that shaped their views.
Earth Talk: Community-wide solar cuts costs

Collective solar groups help entire neighborhoods use clean energy.
Guilt-free sushi

Environmentalists tout sustainable fish for the dish.