New Effort Against Portland Suicide Epidemic

The 1-800-SUICIDE line already has a strong record in de-escalating suicide calls

2012-09-19

Of The Skanner News

The growing number of suicidal people in Portland has prompted local leaders to put up new public service signs for a local suicide prevention hotline, the Lines for Life crisis line, 1-800-SUICIDE Read the complete article

Federal DOJ Report on Portland Police 'Horrifying'

Q&A with Albina Ministerial Alliance representative Jo Ann Hardesty

2012-09-18

Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News

Former state legislator and police accountability advocate Jo Ann Hardesty spoke to The Skanner News about the US Department of Justice report on Portland police and excessive force. Read the complete article

Fresh Exchange Gives Struggling Families More Access to Fresh Food

Portland Farmers Market will now match SNAP cards with up to an additional $7

2012-09-14

Bruce Poinsette Of The Skanner News

Roughly one in five Oregonians receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, (formerly known as food stamps), according to Oregon Department of Human Services. Putting healthy food on the table is a struggle for many of these families. Read the complete article

Federal Government Finds Cheating on State Highway Construction Contract

Oregon Department of Transportation on the hot seat for hiring of fake minority contracting firm

2012-09-13

Lisa Loving Of The Skanner News

The Oregon Department of Transportation has been stung by a landmark ruling by the Federal Highway Administration Office of Civil Rights that found cheating on minority contracting numbers at a Highway 217 construction project. Read the complete article

Department of Justice: Portland Police Used Excessive Force Against People with Mental Illness

Report finds civil rights violations and notes concerns of communities of color

2012-09-13

By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News

A Department of Justice report has concluded that Portland Police Department violated the civil rights of people with mental illness by engaging in patterns or practices of using excessive force. Read the complete article

Weekend Events Will Observe 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

Free events will highlight Oregon’s connections to Civil War and state’s unique Black history

2012-09-13

Bruce Poinsette Of The Skanner News

The Oregon Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission will be holding a series of free events this weekend to observe the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Read the complete article

Portland City Council Votes Yes on Fluoridation in 5-0 Decision

Eight protesters were ejected in stormy meeting

2012-09-12

By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News

Portland City Council has voted to add fluoride to the city’s water supply. Sponsored by Commissioners Randy Leonard and Nick Fish, the measure was passed in a unanimous 5-0 vote Read the complete article

VIDEO: AG Ellen Rosenblum Signals Support for Sentencing Reforms

Falling crime rates, rising prison costs spur changes

2012-09-11

By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum signaled she is prepared to back major revisions to sentencing guidelines, including those mandated by voters through Measure 11 in 1994 and Measure 57 in 2008. Read the complete article

Voter ID or Voter Suppression? The Battle Comes to Oregon

Both Secretary of State candidates say 'Oregon’s signature matching system works as well as any other identification'

2012-09-07

Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News

Ben JealousOregon, has sidestepped the Voter ID controversy –so far. But a group of activists, connected to the right-wing Cascade Policy Institute and the Oregon Tea Party, is trying to change that. Read the complete article

Sellwood Bridge Project is Exceeding Diversity Goals

Minority hires exceed goal, but women lag in workforce

2012-09-06

By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News

The Sellwood Bridge Project is exceeding its minority hiring goal, project managers told Multnomah County Commissioners Thursday. Read the complete article