Today on Newsmakers at Noon, forget the polls for a minute; the number that got our attention was diesel over $6 a gallon. With oil around $91 a barrel, Denise and Hunter kicked around the obvious question: what exactly is driving what consumers are paying at the pump, and how much of that price comes from crude oil versus refining, distribution, taxes and regional supply?
Closer to home, Mike Allegre from Salem Elks Lodge #336 joined us with a much better reason to spend some money. The Elks are holding an end-of-summer dinner and dance fundraiser Friday, September 25, supporting Christmas gifts for military families and deployed Guard members’ children, along with assistance for a local family facing medical needs. There’s a prime rib dinner from 5:30–7:30 p.m., followed by local favorite JFK at 8 p.m., with the band donating its time. Dinner is $20, the JFK cover is $5, and reservations can be made at 503-364-3769.
Salem’s ongoing data-center debate took another turn. The City Council’s new 120-day moratorium really does put the proposed $5.1 billion Verrus project on hold for now. City Attorney Dan Atchison told councilors the first phase cannot begin construction while the moratorium is in effect, and the council has the option of extending it another six months. Salem Reporter That moved our conversation beyond simply being “for” or “against” data centers: What should Salem actually accomplish during those 120 days? Power and water standards? Noise limits? Infrastructure costs? Tax policy? The clock is running.
We also talked about a disturbing Utah case involving the mail. Federal prosecutors have charged a former postal worker with allegedly dumping mail entrusted to him, including approximately 300 mail-in ballots that were being sent to registered voters for the June primary. Important distinction: these were ballots being mailed to voters, not completed ballots voters had already cast. The indictment contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Department of Justice
Then we got to two issues on which America may finally be able to find common ground: stop changing the clocks, and perhaps put a cat in charge. Nineteen states have enacted legislation providing for permanent daylight saving time if federal law allows it, although the current federal system remains in place. NCSL Meanwhile, White Salmon, Washington, has Huxley, a 15-year-old cat who has become the town’s unofficial mayor. He makes the rounds of downtown businesses, hangs out at the police station and apparently has constituent relations pretty well figured out. opb
And one programming note: Phil Kerpen of American Commitment was scheduled to join us today, but we had trouble getting connected. We’ll chat with Phil next Wednesday at 12:30.
Links from Today’s Show
Salem Reporter — Verrus Can’t Build During Data-Center Moratorium
OPB — Meet Huxley, White Salmon’s Unofficial Cat Mayor
KPTV — Postal Worker Charged in Utah Ballot Case
Facebook — Utah Postal Worker Discussion
