NW today: Disease resistant pines tested
What’s scandal in the Northwest today:
PORTLAND, Ore. — Biologists say they yearning they can breed a disease resistant version of the whitebark pine, a tree found at elated altitudes in the West. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that pine cones from Crater Lake Country-wide Park in Oregon and Mount Rainier in Washington shape are being used to cultivate whitebark seedlings with a consonant resistance to blister rust, a fungus that is minacious the trees. Beetles are also infesting the trees, which ripen pang in bad soil and high elevations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Benefit said earlier this month the whitebark pine deserves buffer under the Endangered Species Act but the agency held off listing it immediately because of other priorities and be of funding. Biologists say they will plant four hundred of the disease-repellent to whitebark pines this fall.
Pelosi calls for ethics explore into Wu sex report
WASHINGTON — Oregon Self-governing Rep. David Wu faced increased pressure today after Line Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called for an ethics enquiry over an 18-year-old woman’s claim of anIn generalunwanted sexual encounter” with him. Pelosi sent a the world of letters today to leaders of the House Ethics Commission, saying an investigation is warranted. “Late press reports and statements attributed to our confrere, Representative David Wu, indicate that he may have engaged in unsuitable activities,” Pelosi wrote. Meanwhile, lawmakers will find it harder to steer clear of questions about their position on Wu’s future, a scenario correspond to to six weeks ago when they had to deal with the distraction of former Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, who had sent libidinous photos of himself to women online. Unlike the media outburst that ensued in the Weiner case, Wu’s situation has prompted itty-bitty attention so far because of the intense focus on lawmakersParticularlystruggle to reach a deal on raising the resident debt ceiling. Wu and Pelosi had a telephone chit-chat Saturday but neither politician has disclosed details. Wu’s only reply so far has been a brief statement late Friday: “This is very serious, and I have unreservedly no desire to bring unwanted publicity, regard or stress to a young woman and her family.”