Oregon County Plants Trees to Honor Victims of Killer 2021 Heat Wave
Family members of people killed by record-breaking heat in the Portland area three years ago gathered over the weekend to plant trees across Multnomah County in honor of its 72 victims. Authorities say more people died from the heat in the greater Portland area that June than in the entire state over the past 20 years.
Washington State Bar Association OKs Far Lower Caseloads for Public Defenders
The Washington State Bar Association has approved far lower case limits for public defenders in an effort to stop them from quitting, to help with recruiting and to fairly represent defendants. Skeptics agree the system is breaking down but are concerned about finding more attorneys to hire. Many counties, especially rural ones, already struggle to employ enough public defenders and get almost no state funding, which some say should change.
Portland Establishes Monument Review Process
City Council unanimously votes to create policy for questioning public monuments, now classified as separate from public art.
Lawsuit Accuses Portland Police Officer of Fatally Shooting Unarmed Black Man in the Back
According to the complaint, in 2022, the officer shot Immanueal Clark in the back as he ran away.
Black Girls Do Engineer is a nonprofit dedicated to getting more Black and brown girls into STEM ...
Rose Festival Princess From Grant High School Selected
On March 14, Daniela Gray was named a Princess of this year's court. ...
Portland Rose Festival 2024 Court Member from Cleveland High School Announced
The Rose Festival Princess from Cleveland High School, Zora Forsberg, was selected March 14. ...
Portland Rose Festival 2024 Court Member from Central Catholic High School Announced
The Rose Festival Princess from Central Catholic High School, Jayda Jackson, was selected March 8. ...
Portland Rose Festival 2024 Court Member from Lincoln High School Announced
The Rose Festival Princess from Lincoln High School, Isabelle Muresan, was selected on March 12. ...
Oregon man found guilty of murder in 1980 cold case of college student after DNA link
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A man living in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon, has been found guilty in the 1980 cold case murder of a 19-year-old college student. Multnomah County Circuit Judge Amy Baggio on Friday found Robert Plympton, 60, guilty of first-degree murder in the death of...
Oregon county plants trees to honor victims of killer 2021 heat wave
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Family members of some of the people killed by record-breaking heat in the Portland, Oregon, area three years ago gathered over the weekend to plant trees across Multnomah County in honor of its 72 victims. The event, coordinated by county and local officials...
Georgia ends game on 12-0 run to beat Missouri 64-59 in first round of SEC tourney
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Blue Cain had 19 points, Justin Hill scored 17 off the bench and 11th-seeded Georgia finished the game on a 12-0 run to beat No. 14 seed Missouri 64-59 on Wednesday night in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Cain hit 6 of 12 shots,...
Georgia faces Missouri in SEC Tournament
Missouri Tigers (8-23, 0-18 SEC) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (16-15, 6-12 SEC) Nashville, Tennessee; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Bulldogs -3; over/under is 147 BOTTOM LINE: Georgia plays in the SEC Tournament against Missouri. ...
OP-ED: Congress Is Right: Federal Reserve’s Reg II Will Hurt Minority Communities in America
The Fed is taking every effort to promote income equality and workplace diversity and inclusion, but Regulation II would undercut its great work in this respect and cause potential harm to millions of minority families. Now that a congressional coalition has...
OP-ED: A Silent Killer No More
Data from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City shows that more than 13 percent of African American men between the ages 45 and 79 will develop prostate cancer in their lifetimes. And Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing...
Message from Commissioner Jesse Beason: February is 'Black History and Futures Month'
I am honored to join the Office of Sustainability and to co-sponsor a proclamation to mark “Black History and Futures Month” ...
Ending Unfair Contracts Harming Minority Businesses Will Aid Gov. Kotek’s Affordable Housing Goals
Senate Bill 1575 will protect small businesses from state and local government’s unfair contract practices while also allowing the building industry to help the governor meet her affordable housing project goals. ...
Buddhists use karmic healing against one US city's anti-Asian legacy and nationwide prejudice today
ANTIOCH, California (AP) — For one afternoon, on Antioch’s main street and tranquil riverbank, the fragrance of burning incense was paired with the sound of Buddhist and Tao chants. Their cumulative calming energy was meant to be a balm of sorts to soothe the racial and religious hate that cast...
Ned Blackhawk’s 'The Rediscovery of America' is among books honored by the Lukas prize project
NEW YORK (AP) — An exploration of racism on social media and a history of Native Americans are among the winners of J. Anthony Lukas Prize Project Awards, which celebrate literary excellence, social relevance and original reporting. Ned Blackhawk's “The Rediscovery of America:...
A California city wrestles with its history of discrimination against early Chinese immigrants
ANTIOCH, Calif. (AP) — In 1939, after attending the Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco, Alfred Chan and his friends were headed back home to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. “They got really hungry and decided to stop halfway in Antioch for a meal,” his son...
The Lionheart: Dan Wheldon documentary covers grief, loss, love and familial legacy
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — It was 10 years after the death of their father that associates of filmmaker Laura Brownson brought her an article to read about the late Dan Wheldon. Standing below the monument on Dan Wheldon Way along the downtown St. Petersburg race course that honors...
Music Review: Kacey Musgraves’ 'Deeper Well' trades country-pop hooks for deep, folk-y meditation
Just over a decade ago, Kacey Musgraves emerged as a fresh new voice in country music – a mid-tempo storyteller with an incredible acuity both in her lyrics and in her instrumentation, knowing just when to pick up the harmonica, whistle a tune or break out the vocoder. In the years...
A new generation of readers embraces bell hooks' 'All About Love'
NEW YORK (AP) — In the summer of 2022, Emma Goodwin was getting over a breakup and thinking hard about her life and how to better herself. She decided to try a book she had heard about often, bell hooks’ “All About Love: New Visions." “I loved it. It takes seriously a subject...
Housing Secretary Fudge Resigning. Biden Hails Her Dedication to Boosting Supply of Affordable Homes
The average bonus on Wall Street last year was 6,500. That's down slightly from 2022
NEW YORK (AP) — The average Wall Street bonus fell slightly last year to 6,500 as the industry added...
US defense chief vows continued aid to Ukraine, even as Congress is stalled on funding bill
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed Tuesday that the U.S. will continue to...
Tuesday's primaries include a key Senate race in Ohio and clues for the Biden-Trump rematch
NEW YORK (AP) — Five states will hold presidential primaries on Tuesday as President Joe Biden and former...
The UK's contentious plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda is close to clearing Parliament
LONDON (AP) — The British government hopes one last push can revive its stalled plan to send some asylum-seekers...
South Korea will suspend licenses of 2 senior doctors in first punishment for doctors' walkouts
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean authorities will suspend the licenses of two senior doctors for allegedly...
Notre Dame Cathedral's restoration has been a 5-year journey of dedication and recovery
PARIS (AP) — The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris following a tragic blaze in April 2019 is a story...
Seattle University Women’s Basketball players Cydnee Ceballos and Jasmine Johnson help pass out backpacks at the 11th Annual Rainier Back 2 School Bash, Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Plaza at Rainier and Henderson. Hundreds of families showed up for an afternoon of free activities that included a free backpack and school supplies. The event was sponsored by nine organizations including The Rainier Beach Community Empowerment Coalition, an alliance of local businesses, organizations and community members. Susan Fried photo
“The Incredibles” at Bellevue Outdoor Family Games and Movie Night
The public is invited to celebrate superheroes at a free screening of “The Incredibles” at the Once a Hero, Always a Hero-Outdoor Family Movie Night at Highland Community Park, 14224 Bel-Red Road, Friday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m.
The event, sponsored by Bellevue YMCA and Highland Community Center, will provide opportunities to meet Bellevue fire and police heroes, and participate in pre-movie activities, including sack races, game shows, mini golf, arts and crafts, face painting and other activities for superheroes of all ages and abilities.
Bring blankets and chairs, enjoy the activities and then settle in around 8:30 p.m. to watch the movie on a 16-foot screen. Admission is free, and free popcorn will be provided by Regal Bella Bottega.
RSVP at the YMCA Welcome Center by calling contact Bellevue YMCA at 425-746-9900 or Highland Community Center at 425-452-7686.
Fall ‘Back to School’ Kid Activity Grants
Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund available to support back-to-school activities
Program awards up to $1000 for neighborhood-initiated projects
Is your school or neighborhood planning an activity to celebrate the fall “back-to-school” season? If so, your group may qualify for support from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Matching Fund program. Its Small Sparks Fund provides matching dollars of up to $1000 for neighborhood-initiated projects that promote community engagement.
Activities could include a back-to-school barbeque, autumn festival, or recruitment for parent organizations, but the ideas are endless. The application is online at seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/webapplication.htm, and the deadline to apply is at least six weeks before your activity. To learn more about the Small Sparks Fund call 206-733-9916 or visit our website at seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/smallsparks.htm.
Final Life Jacket Sale at Evans Pool Saturday, Aug. 16
Seattle Parks and Recreation will sell low-cost life jackets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16 at Evans Pool, 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N. This is the last sale of the season.
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 – 14 years old. Wearing life jackets saves lives. Washington State law requires children ages 12 and younger to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket or life vest on vessels shorter than 19 feet, and there must be a life jacket on board for each person older than 12.
The cost for life jackets, sizes infant to youth large, is $20. Teens to adult size XXXL is $30. The life jackets are comfortable, high quality vests in fashionable colors. All sales are final. Seattle Parks cannot offer refunds or returns.
Customers younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fitters will be on-site to help people choose the correct size. The person for whom the jacket is being purchased must be present for proper fitting.
Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase a stylish, Coast Guard approved jacket! For more information, please email Diane Jones, diane.jones@seattle.gov.
Seattle: Sign Up Your Child for Kindergarten Today
It’s time for children who turn five before Aug. 31, 2014 to sign up for kindergarten for the next school year.
To sign your child up for Kindergarten, it is important to bring:
Your child’s birth certificate
Proof of your address (rental agreement, purchase agreement, or utility bill)
Your child’s immunization records
Two emergency contacts, including addresses and phone numbers
Several districts have collaborated to produce checklists for families to use to get an idea of what skills and activities are typical in our Kindergarten classrooms. These checklists are available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Cambodian, Arabic, Marshallese, Somali, Oromo, Tigrigna and Amharic.
Parents and families should contact their local school district for kindergarten registration information.
Auburn School District – Phone: 253-931-4900
Federal Way Public Schools – Phone: 253-945-2001
Highline Public Schools – Phone: 206-631-3153 and 206-427-2905
Kent School District – Phone: 253.373.7235
Renton School District – Phone: 425-204-2300
Seattle Public Schools – Phone: 206.252-0760
Tukwila School District – Phone: 206-901-8000
PHOTO: Singer Kevin “KJ” Jones and Planet Fly were one of six bands that played Sunday, Aug. 10, at Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill as part of the 34th Annual Peace Concerts Series. Some of the other bands included The 350’s, Contempo, NRG and Funky2Death. The concert series continues through Sunday, Sept. 21, with concerts at Volunteer Park on Aug. 24; Magnuson Park on Sept. 7 and Gas Works Park on Sept. 21. All concerts are on Sunday noon until 6 p.m. and admission is free and open to all ages. Susan Fried photo
Option For Washington Consumers Having Difficulty with Health Coverage
Any consumer experiencing payment issues with their health care coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder has the option to pay their health insurer directly.
Issues with Washington Healthplanfinder have prevented payments from being correctly applied to customer accounts or distributed to insurance companies. It may also continue to result in customer notices from Washington Healthplanfinder requesting payment or insurance companies being unaware of completed payments.
Consumers who are currently experiencing payment problems may take the following steps:
n First, contact the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633 to ensure they are aware of your issues.
n Clearly communicate any medical emergencies or urgent prescription needs to the Customer Support Representative.
n If you have called in previously, please provide your issue “ticket number” to the representative.
n Next, you may submit your monthly premium directly to your health insurer.
n If you enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan after April 1, 2014, you’ll need to submit supporting documentation to prove you’re eligible for a special enrollment period. Both enrollment information and monthly payments for these customers will not be sent to the insurance company until this information is received and reviewed by Exchange staff.
If you’re having trouble using your coverage, contact the Insurance Commissioner’s Office at 1-800-562-6900.
Seattle African American HistoryMakers Included in Groundbreaking Archives Move to the Library of Congress
The HistoryMakers, the nation’s largest African American video oral history archive (www.thehistorymakers.com), is proud to announce that effective immediately the Library of Congress will serve as its permanent repository.
This unique collection of thousands of hours of interviews captures African American life, history and culture as well as the struggles and achievements of the black experience.
The HistoryMakers’ collection comprises 2,600 videotaped interviews with African Americans in 39 states, 380 cities and town.
The interviews, which average three to six hours in length, span across subject areas ranging from science, politics and the military to sports, music and entertainment.
It also boasts a long list of notables, including President Barack Obama, who was interviewed when he was an Illinois state senator, General Colin Powell, child advocate Marion Wright Edelman, baseball legend Ernie Banks, entertainer/activist Harry Belafonte, poet/writer Maya Angelou, historian Lerone Bennett, Massachusetts Senator Edward Brooke, movie producer Reuben Cannon, historian John Hope Franklin, and many more.
For more information on The HistoryMakers and its video oral history collection, visit www.thehistorymakers.com.
Find more events in Portland and Seattle on The Skanner News' Community Calendar