🌫️ An air quality concern near rural data centers

Air Quality Concern Near Data Centers

Some Oregon data centers have procured diesel generators to use as a backup power source in the event of a blackout. That has the potential for massive amounts of air pollution in rural areas. Amazon’s 14 data centers in Northeast Oregon’s Lower Umatilla Basin could generate the equivalent of 38,000 semi-trucks driving in the area, potentially clouding rural towns along the Columbia River. Amazon says that’s an unlikely scenario. [OPB]

Mistrust Complicates Measles Prevention

Mistrust and lack of cooperation are obstacles to preventing further Portland measles cases — so are budget cuts from the federal government. Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Richard Bruno shared details of a measles case where parents had been warned not to send their kids to school if they developed symptoms after an exposure; they did so anyway. The school wasn’t named, but Centennial Middle School had multiple exposures earlier this year. [OPB]

$7.5M in Damages for Nike’s Sex Discrimination

In a high-profile case, a jury found that Nike paid a woman employee less than her male colleagues and also failed to promote her as quickly as the men. Heather Hender was awarded the maximum allowed in economic damages — $19,739.52 — and at least $7.5 million in punitive damages, with the judge able to add to the punitive damages. [Oregonian]

This tiny guy is on Southeast Division Street between 33rd and 34th Avenues.

“There are several of these miniatures along Southeast Division between 12th and 39th,” writes reader Leo. “They may have arrived as part of the FX bus route redesign. I like it when they get yarn-bombed.”

“Love these little guys,” says reader Generalist Jane.

The “artist was from the neighborhood,” adds reader Ethan Seltzer.

A shoutout to Melissa Sharp, Danielle M., Raeann, Surly Johnson, Christine Moore, and Joe G., who all identified Southeast Division Street as his location.

This week’s scavenger hunt comes from reader Chris Houghton:

Do you know where this mural is?

Please click here to submit the location — and, for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt every Friday. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll reveal the answer and shout out the first 10 readers who respond correctly.

📸 Want to submit a photo? Please email me a snapshot of somewhere in the Portland metro area, and we’ll consider it for an upcoming “Where Is It?” segment!