State inaction left Oregon teens vulnerable to fentanyl’s fatal spread
Oregon holds an ugly distinction — its rate of teenagers killed by overdose is growing faster than in any other state. A lack of prevention, education and youth addiction programs opened the door to tragedy as dealers added fentanyl, a potent opioid, to local drug markets. “Professionals in this sector have been trying to wave the flag of warning for 10 to 12 years, with no effect whatsoever,” Heather Jefferis, the executive director at Oregon Council for Behavioral Health, said. (Emily Green/The Lund Report)
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Washington cap-and-trade
The state of Washington made more money from its first cap-and-trade auction than pre-auction projections by the Department of Ecology. Some 6.18 million carbon allowances sold for $48.50 each, Ecology announced on Tuesday, one week after the auction. Ecology estimated in January allowances would sell for about $32. “This is truly historic for Washington and for the global movement toward a low-carbon future,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. (Don Jenkins/Capital Press)
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Vancouver businesses, schools embrace artificial intelligence technology
Some fear artificial intelligence, but many have embraced it. From doctors’ offices to classrooms to small businesses, ChatGPT and similar programs are making a splash. In February, Vancouver-based ZoomInfo announced that the company plans to integrate GPT technology into its go-to-market platform. “The software world is abuzz over what the future of products like ChatGPT can bring, and we’re thrilled to invent the future of go-to-market with generative (artificial intelligence),” ZoomInfo founder and chief executive Henry Schuck said in a statement to the press. (Sarah Wolf and Griffin Reilly/The Columbian)
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Irrigation irritations
The Grants Pass Irrigation District is demanding Josephine County release an annual payment of about $35,000 for wear and tear on its canals that county commissioners have held up for weeks as a bargaining chip. The payment was delayed on Feb. 3 and again during a workshop on Thursday as a way to speed up a separate but similar agreement with the Fort Vannoy Irrigation District. Rob Brandes, county public works director, told commissioners on Thursday that GPID attorneys had sent a “demand letter” seeking payment. (Shaun Hall/The Daily Courier)
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Record-setting rodeo
The Pendleton Round-Up Association set attendance and concession sales records in 2022. Part of that stemmed from people wanting to enjoy events in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, he said, but other factors also played a role. “The weather was phenomenal, with highs in the 70s to low 80s every day,” association President Karl Farber said. “If it’s too hot, people don’t eat as much or stay as long. If it’s cold, rainy or windy it’s detrimental to the experience.” (John Tillman/East Oregonian)
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