Today on Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter covered a little bit of everything – from Oregon’s increasingly competitive governor’s race and the potential cost of universal health care to “hydro hogs,” Darth Vader, weed-smoking Baby Boomers and the growing number of dogs showing up where people eat.
One Oregon story really got our attention: the decision to publish information about some of the Portland area’s biggest residential water users – the so-called “hydro hogs.” With Oregon burning, does that justify publicly identifying families and scrutinizing how much water they use on property they own while paying their own water bills?
The governor’s race was also front and center. We discussed criticism of Christine Drazan for using Oregon’s vote-by-mail system while having previously advocated changes to it. Our take on the controversy: candidates still have to campaign under the laws and rules currently in place. We also looked at the developing three-way race involving Tina Kotek, Drazan and Brett Smith, including Kotek securing another minor-party nomination and the potential role minor-party candidates could play in November.
Another potentially huge Oregon issue: the emerging numbers surrounding a proposed universal health care system and what taxpayers could ultimately be asked to pay. Meanwhile, Portland is looking at home sharing as one response to housing affordability and construction challenges.
On the lighter – and stranger – side, Darth Vader showed up at a San Diego City Council meeting to testify in “support” of Flock cameras. Yes, really. We also looked at a ranking of America’s “most fun” states and the claim that where you live can actually affect your physical and emotional well-being.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom continued his WNBA trolling and reportedly got tossed from the Fever-Sky game after an altercation courtside. And apparently Baby Boomers are smoking more marijuana, which isn’t necessarily thrilling their neighbors.
Finally, Denise had a question that probably resonates with a lot of people: Why are there so many “service dogs” suddenly appearing in coffee shops, restaurants and other places where people are eating? Legitimate service animals are one thing – but are people increasingly abusing the designation just so Fido can come everywhere?
Sometimes you look at the day’s news and realize satire has a hard time keeping up.
Links from Today’s Show
“Hydro Hogs” — Willamette Week
Kotek Snags Final Minor-Party Nomination — OPB
Oregon Universal Health Care Plan — Tax Discussion
Ranking of America’s Most Fun States — KOIN
Enes Kanter Freedom at Fever-Sky Game
Baby Boomers Are Smoking More Pot. Their Neighbors Are Fuming.
Dogs in Restaurants and Coffee Shops Discussion
