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
Oregon, 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