04-23-2024  8:10 am   •   PDX and SEA Weather
  • Cloud 9 Cannabis CEO and co-owner Sam Ward Jr., left, and co-owner Dennis Turner pose at their shop, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, in Arlington, Wash. Cloud 9 is one of the first dispensaries to open under the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board's social equity program, established in efforts to remedy some of the disproportionate effects marijuana prohibition had on communities of color. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

    The Drug War Devastated Black and Other Minority Communities. Is Marijuana Legalization Helping?

    A major argument for legalizing the adult use of cannabis after 75 years of prohibition was to stop the harm caused by disproportionate enforcement of drug laws in Black, Latino and other minority communities. But efforts to help those most affected participate in the newly legal sector have been halting.  Read More
  • Lessons for Cities from Seattle’s Racial and Social Justice Law 

    Lessons for Cities from Seattle’s Racial and Social Justice Law 

     Seattle is marking the first anniversary of its landmark Race and Social Justice Initiative ordinance. Signed into law in April 2023, the ordinance highlights race and racism because of the pervasive inequities experienced by people of color Read More
  • A woman gathers possessions to take before a homeless encampment was cleaned up in San Francisco, Aug. 29, 2023. The Supreme Court will hear its most significant case on homelessness in decades Monday, April 22, 2024, as record numbers of people in America are without a permanent place to live. The justices will consider a challenge to rulings from a California-based federal appeals court that found punishing people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

    Supreme Court to Weigh Bans on Sleeping Outdoors 

    The Supreme Court will consider whether banning homeless people from sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to cruel and unusual punishment on Monday. The case is considered the most significant to come before the high court in decades on homelessness, which is reaching record levels In California and other Western states. Courts have ruled that it’s unconstitutional to fine and arrest people sleeping in homeless encampments if shelter Read More
  • Richard Wallace, founder and director of Equity and Transformation, poses for a portrait at the Westside Justice Center, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

    Chicago's Response to Migrant Influx Stirs Longstanding Frustrations Among Black Residents

    With help from state and federal funds, the city has spent more than $300 million to provide housing, health care and more to over 38,000 mostly South American migrants. The speed with which these funds were marshaled has stirred widespread resentment among Black Chicagoans. But community leaders are trying to ease racial tensions and channel the public’s frustrations into agitating for the greater good. Read More
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NORTHWEST NEWS

The Drug War Devastated Black and Other Minority Communities. Is Marijuana Legalization Helping?

A major argument for legalizing the adult use of cannabis after 75 years of prohibition was to stop the harm caused by disproportionate enforcement of drug laws in Black, Latino and other minority communities. But efforts to help those most affected participate in the newly legal sector have been halting. 

Lessons for Cities from Seattle’s Racial and Social Justice Law 

 Seattle is marking the first anniversary of its landmark Race and Social Justice Initiative ordinance. Signed into law in April 2023, the ordinance highlights race and racism because of the pervasive inequities experienced by people of color

Don’t Shoot Portland, University of Oregon Team Up for Black Narratives, Memory

The yearly Memory Work for Black Lives Plenary shows the power of preservation.

Grants Pass Anti-Camping Laws Head to Supreme Court

Grants Pass in southern Oregon has become the unlikely face of the nation’s homelessness crisis as its case over anti-camping laws goes to the U.S. Supreme Court scheduled for April 22. The case has broad implications for cities, including whether they can fine or jail people for camping in public. Since 2020, court orders have barred Grants Pass from enforcing its anti-camping laws. Now, the city is asking the justices to review lower court rulings it says has prevented it from addressing the city's homelessness crisis. Rights groups say people shouldn’t be punished for lacking housing.

NEWS BRIEFS

Mt. Tabor Park Selected for National Initiative

Mt. Tabor Park is the only Oregon park and one of just 24 nationally to receive honor. ...

OHCS, BuildUp Oregon Launch Program to Expand Early Childhood Education Access Statewide

Funds include million for developing early care and education facilities co-located with affordable housing. ...

Governor Kotek Announces Chief of Staff, New Office Leadership

Governor expands executive team and names new Housing and Homelessness Initiative Director ...

Governor Kotek Announces Investment in New CHIPS Child Care Fund

5 Million dollars from Oregon CHIPS Act to be allocated to new Child Care Fund ...

Bank Announces 14th Annual “I Got Bank” Contest for Youth in Celebration of National Financial Literacy Month

The nation’s largest Black-owned bank will choose ten winners and award each a $1,000 savings account ...

Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They're banning the book ban

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As a queer and out youth, Shae Ross was alarmed when she heard that conservative groups were organizing in her community to ban books dealing with sexuality, gender and race. So she and her friends got organized themselves, and helped persuade their school board to make it...

US advances review of Nevada lithium mine amid concerns over endangered wildflower

RENO, Nev. (AP) — The Biden administration has taken a significant step in its expedited environmental review of what could become the third lithium mine in the U.S., amid anticipated legal challenges from conservationists over the threat they say it poses to an endangered Nevada wildflower. ...

KC Current owners announce plans for stadium district along the Kansas City riverfront

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The ownership group of the Kansas City Current announced plans Monday for the development of the Missouri River waterfront, where the club recently opened a purpose-built stadium for the National Women's Soccer League team. CPKC Stadium will serve as the hub...

Two-time world champ J’den Cox retires at US Olympic wrestling trials; 44-year-old reaches finals

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — J’den Cox walked off the mat after dropping a 2-2 decision to Kollin Moore at the U.S. Olympic wrestling trials on Friday night, leaving his shoes behind to a standing ovation. The bronze medal winner at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 was beaten by...

OPINION

Op-Ed: Why MAGA Policies Are Detrimental to Black Communities

NNPA NEWSWIRE – MAGA proponents peddle baseless claims of widespread voter fraud to justify voter suppression tactics that disproportionately target Black voters. From restrictive voter ID laws to purging voter rolls to limiting early voting hours, these...

Loving and Embracing the Differences in Our Youngest Learners

Yet our responsibility to all parents and society at large means we must do more to share insights, especially with underserved and under-resourced communities. ...

Gallup Finds Black Generational Divide on Affirmative Action

Each spring, many aspiring students and their families begin receiving college acceptance letters and offers of financial aid packages. This year’s college decisions will add yet another consideration: the effects of a 2023 Supreme Court, 6-3 ruling that...

OP-ED: Embracing Black Men’s Voices: Rebuilding Trust and Unity in the Democratic Party

The decision of many Black men to disengage from the Democratic Party is rooted in a complex interplay of historical disenchantment, unmet promises, and a sense of disillusionment with the political establishment. ...

AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE NEWS

Mississippi lawmakers move toward restoring voting rights to 32 felons as broader suffrage bill dies

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi legislators advanced bills Monday to give voting rights back to 32 people convicted of felonies, weeks after a Senate leader killed a broader bill that would have restored suffrage to many more people with criminal records. The move is necessary due...

With graduation near, colleges seek to balance safety and students' right to protest Gaza war

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — The University of Michigan is informing students of the rules for upcoming graduation ceremonies: Banners and flags are not allowed. Protests are OK but in designated areas away from the cap-and-gown festivities. The University of Southern California canceled...

Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They're banning the book ban

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As a queer and out youth, Shae Ross was alarmed when she heard that conservative groups were organizing in her community to ban books dealing with sexuality, gender and race. So she and her friends got organized themselves, and helped persuade their school board to make it...

ENTERTAINMENT

What to stream this weekend: Conan O’Brien travels, 'Migration' soars and Taylor Swift reigns

Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver” landing on Netflix and Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” album are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as...

Music Review: Jazz pianist Fred Hersch creates subdued, lovely colors on 'Silent, Listening'

Jazz pianist Fred Hersch fully embraces the freedom that comes with improvisation on his solo album “Silent, Listening,” spontaneously composing and performing tunes that are often without melody, meter or form. Listening to them can be challenging and rewarding. The many-time...

Book Review: 'Nothing But the Bones' is a compelling noir novel at a breakneck pace

Nelson “Nails” McKenna isn’t very bright, stumbles over his words and often says what he’s thinking without realizing it. We first meet him as a boy reading a superhero comic on the banks of a river in his backcountry hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia....

U.S. & WORLD NEWS

What to know in the Supreme Court case about immunity for former President Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has scheduled a special session to hear arguments over whether former...

With graduation near, colleges seek to balance safety and students' right to protest Gaza war

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — The University of Michigan is informing students of the rules for upcoming graduation...

From pop to politics, what to know as Sweden prepares for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

LONDON (AP) — It’s springtime in Europe — time for the annual blossoming of spectacle and sound known as the...

2 Malaysian military helicopters collide and crash while training, killing all 10 crew

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Two Malaysian military helicopters collided midair and crashed during a training...

In Vietnam, farmers reduce methane emissions by changing how they grow rice

LONG AN, Vietnam (AP) — There is one thing that distinguishes 60-year-old Vo Van Van’s rice fields from a...

The US is expected to block aid to an Israeli military unit. What is Leahy law that it would cite?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Israel expects its top ally, the United States, to announce as soon as Monday that it's...

Arvie Smith
By Lisa Loving | The Skanner News

PICTURE: Painter Arvie Smith unveils a new showing of his work this month.This picture is a detail from his painting The Courtship. The exhibit will run from June 5 - June 28 (Thurs - Sun noon-5p.m.) at Gallery 114, 1100 NW Glisan, Portland. Visit  www.gallery 114.org  

NNEBA Small Business Roundtable

The North Northeast Business Association holds a small business training and networking event, June 5, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 311 North Ivy St., in Portland.
It’s an opportunity to learn strategic business concepts, maximize your business potential and find partnership with other businesses. Guest speaker is Sanders Anderson, the owner of Be True Design,a  branding and design consultancy in Portland. He'll be speaking on how to market your business and promote your message.
The event is free for NNEBA members, suggested donation of $5 for nonmembers. Free food and wine is provided. Space is limited. Please sign up by calling 503-275-5769.

Free Training for Entry-Level Manufacturing Skills

The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council is funding a new pilot program to provide free training to give individuals skills to help them obtain jobs in manufacturing.

Students will develop skills in core areas of safety, quality practices and measurement, manufacturing processes and production, and maintenance awareness.

Individuals who complete the program will also be eligible for career counseling and job placement assistance at no cost through WorkSource.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a GED or high school diploma. Classes will be held at Clark College’s Columbia Tech Center campus Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from June 16 through Sept. 22.

Space is limited and individuals are encouraged to contact WorkSource immediately for details. 

Learn more at www.swwdc.org.

Portland Fighting Fillies Season Finale

The Portland Fighting Fillies Women’s Full Contact football team will be taking on the Tacoma Trauma this Saturday, June 7 in their season finale. Kick off is at 5pm at Milwaukie High School. The Fillies will be honoring educators, who will receive $5 admission with supporting identification. The first 100 fans will receive a Fillies Rally Towel sponsored by the The Warrior Room Kettlebell Studio.

Ticket prices are $10 general admission, $8 military/senior (65+), $5 children age 6-12, children 5 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or by emailing fightingfilliesinfo@gmail.com.

For more information, or questions regarding the team or tickets, please email the Fighting Fillies at fightingfilliesinfo@gmail.com or call 503.974.4719. Visit the Fillies at www.fightingfillies.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/fightingfillies

Black Rose Books Presents Children’s Book Fair

Sunday, June 8, Black Rose Books Presents “The Read All Summer .Children’s Book Fair,” 2-4 p.m. at the Glyph Cafe’ & Arts Space, 804 NW Couch St.

Reading will be Valerie Pearce, whose books where kids are the problem solvers. Also on hand will be Nikki Brown-Clown, and Black Rose Books, with over 100 African American Children’s Books.

American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs

One of Malcolm X’s best friends, Grace Lee Boggs cradled the civil rights leader’s head as he died from an assassin’s bullet.

A new documentary about her life is screened at Lewis & Clark, Sunday, June 8,

 6:30 p.m.at Lewis & Clark College, Graduate Campus, York Graduate Commons, Portland.

Boggs is a 98 year-old Chinese-American philosopher, writer, and activist in Detroit with a thick FBI file and a surprising vision of what an American revolution can be.

The documentary film screening will be followed by a dialogue focused on how the film informs educational change-work in Detroit, and its relationship to Portland, place-based education, and work for educational change across the state of Oregon

Admission is free and open to the public. Donations will be welcome.

Sponsored by Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling, Sunnyside Environmental School, and Institute for Democratic Education in America (IDEA).

For more information about this and other opportunities available through the CCE, click here.

Dr. Lisa Bates on Racial Wealth Gap

Portland Housing Center and REACH CDC celebrate NeighborWorks Week with a special breakfast event.

Lisa Bates, PhD speaks on the racial wealth gap in Portland's African American community and innovative strategies aimed at bridging the gap.

The event is 8:30a.m., June 10 REACH Community Development's Station Place Tower, 1020 NW 9th Ave., Portland.

Bates is an Associate Professor in the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University. Her research on housing policy and planning is particularly focused on social justice and issues of institutionalized racism in policy design and implementation. Bates has engaged in research and policy formulation with a variety of community partners, including ACORN Housing Corporation in New Orleans and Chicago, the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Portland Housing Center, and PolicyLink.

Please RSVP to info@portlandhousingcenter.org by June 6 to attend.

City of North Plains Announces Smokehouse Summit

June 7- 8 will see the Oregon State BBQ Championship event in North Plains. A World Foods Qualifier and a Jack Daniels Invitational Draw Qualifier, the Smokehouse Summit: Brews, Blues, & Championship BBQ also features additional entertainment, such as live blues music, eight regional breweries and a winery, a kids' zone and family-friendly activities, a fire-dancing performan ce, a poker run, charity auctions, and the Family First Insurance Ghost Flames & Grills Cruise In. This event is free and open to the public and will occur rain or shine with BBQ available for the public to purchase.
Saturday has special category competitions - the Reser's Potato Salad Challenge, the L-Bar-T Build a Better Bison Burger Challenge, and the Painted Hills Natural Beef Any Way You Want It Challenge - and celebrity guest judges.

Sunday morning opens with a pancake breakfast offered by and benefitting the North Plains Senior Center. The BBQ Championship awards will also be featured on Sunday. Teams from across the Pacific Northwest, Montana, and Western Canada are competing for the PNWBA-sanctioned title, which guarantees the winner a state championship title and qualification into two of the biggest and most prestigious BBQ competitions in the world - the World Foods Championships and the Jack Daniels Invitational.
More information can be found online at www.SmokehouseSummit.com.

Also, check out the Skanner News Community Calendar for family fun events under $10. 

The Skanner Foundation's 38th Annual MLK Breakfast