Ear to the Ground Blog

By David J. Petersen – The idea of banning gas stoves has gained national traction lately, mainly as a Republican talking point to generate outrage. But is there any merit to the idea that reducing...

By Sam DeBaltzo – What if an owner pays its general contractor (GC), but the funds never make it to the subcontractors who subsequently lien? The owner can go after the GC for defaulting in...

By Josie Jeremiah, Kate Roth, Sherrill Corbett, and Jessica Morgan – The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently published the “Final Rule” (effective Jan. 1, 2024) under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), part...

By David J. Petersen – For years, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has championed the SAFE Banking Act, a federal bill that would make banking services available to cannabis businesses in states where cannabis is legal....

By MIck Harris – The residential real estate market across the United States has slowed and the Oregon market is no exception. However, as always—location, location, location—plays a significant factor in determining the impact of...