The Lorax Would Be Pleasantly Surprised by Our Tree Policies

UN reports that land area covered by forests in Northern Hemisphere has increased over the last 20 years

2012-04-25

Todd Myers, Environmental Director at Washington Policy Center

This spring, a motion picture version of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax hit the big screen with a not-so-subtle environmental message about the threat timber harvesting poses to the environment. Published in 1971, the book tells the story of a business, led by the “Once-ler,” that cuts down all of the trees in the Truffula forest, destroying wildlife habitat, the air and water in the process. Read the complete article

Why Can't Baseball Catch Tolerance?

Lack of openly gay player shows MLB remains more committed to profit than equality

2012-04-23

Joel Trambley, San Diego LGBT Weekly

Most Americans think of April 15 as tax day. But for baseball fans, it's Jackie Robinson Day, a celebration of the man who 65 years ago broke baseball's color barrier. The players all wear number 42, and stadiums around the country have pre-game events. Read the complete article

We Want Michael Vick Type Justice for Trayvon!

White allies need to speak out on justice for Black boys and men

2012-04-18

Elizabeth Parker and Andraé L. Brown, PhD

Where's the White outrage over Trayvon? Read the complete article

Dear Teachers of Portland Public Schools: Please Consider Furlough Days to Balance the Budget

'We recognize the sacrifice this takes on your part, but we believe there is simply no other option'

2012-04-17

Dear Teachers of Portland Public Schools, How are you doing? If you’re like us, you’re probably worried about the budget cuts that are going to hit our schools again this year. Read the complete article

Vote: The Skanner News Endorsements for the May 15 Primary Election

One thing is clear: Whoever is elected to office had better be ready to stop attacking their colleagues and start engaging in the real issues

2012-04-16

Of The Skanner News

This election season is rolling out at a time when our local communities are facing an economic and social catastrophe. We ask ourselves: What kind of political leadership will lead us out of this mess? Read the complete article

Statement from Mayor Sam Adams: The Next Steps in the Ron Frashour Case

'I believe Frashour violated our policy and training protocols regarding allowed use of deadly force'

2012-04-13

'Our standards for the allowed use of deadly force are more restrictive than national standards and the local standards of other police departments. Our policy and training requires Portland Police Officers to use restraint when we receive a call to check on a person’s well being, as was the case with Aaron Campbell.' Read the complete article

Unfinished Business: You Can Lose the Old Hurts that Hold You Back

Man Up! Don't judge your feelings deal with them!

2012-04-12

Pastor Cliff Chappell of St Johns All Nations COGIC

“Man-Up” is a caring, listening support system where nobody is judged, criticized or categorized. It is a place and time to complete unfinished business and be made whole. Read the complete article

Vote Our Choice for the Upcoming City Commissioner Race

For our Endorsement read on

2012-04-12

You can’t go wrong with either one, we think it’s too bad these two women are running against each other because the city could benefit from having both on the council. For our Endorsement read further ... Read the complete article

NAACP Comments On Decision To Charge Zimmerman In Death Of Trayvon Martin

'Forty–five days after Trayvon Martin’s life came to a violent end, the wheels of justice have finally begun to turn'

2012-04-11

Benjamin Todd Jealous, President & CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People issued the following statement on the charges filed against George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin Read the complete article

Young Blacks More Optimistic About Race Relations

The hip-hop generation has a uniquely transcendent view of oppression, but the nation as a whole still faces challenges

2012-04-11

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist

Over the past 11 years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Godfather of Hip-Hop, Russell Simmons.  We co-founded the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) in 2001.   We have convened more than 75 Hip-Hop Summits across the United States, Canada, and in South Africa, all dealing with such empowerment issues as education, financial literacy, civic engagement, housing and cultural transformation. Read the complete article