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.
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 ...
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...
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. ...
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...
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....
Starbucks takes on the federal labor agency before the US Supreme Court
After Starbucks fired seven workers who were trying to unionize their Tennessee store, a U.S. government agency...
What to know about 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...
A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong one killed 13 earlier this month
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A cluster of earthquakes struck the island republic of Taiwan early Tuesday, the strongest...
Rivers recede but flooding plagues thousands in central Russia
MOSCOW (AP) — Water levels in some overflowing rivers in Russia were starting to drop on Monday, but flooding...
Satellite photos suggest Iran air defense radar struck in Isfahan during apparent Israeli attack
JERUSALEM (AP) — Satellite photos taken Monday suggest an apparent Israeli retaliatory strike targeting Iran's...
Portland Parks & Recreation Wedding Reservations for 2016:
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is the proud steward of more than 200 parks, gardens, and natural settings that can be reserved for weddings and/or receptions. These lovely settings are the perfect locations for ceremonies and celebrations.
Portland Parks & Recreation will begin taking wedding reservations for 2016 events on Monday, January 4, 2016, in person, via phone, and by mail and fax only. The PP&R Customer Service Center opens at 8:00am for walk-in service on weekdays, and on January 4, staff will begin answering phones at approximately 11 a.m.
First come, first served. Walk-in customers will receive assistance before phone callers, mail or faxes are addressed.
We provide hot beverages to those standing in line, to help customers through the early morning chill! Typically, many eager future happy couples stand in line prior to the center’s opening to ensure they get their first choices of PP&R wedding venues and their preferred dates.
Prior to January 4, please go to the PP&R online reservations system and walk through the steps to create an account. You may also call our Customer Service Center to establish your account. Creating your account ahead of time will speed up the reservation process!
We will only begin taking requests for wedding reservations online on Monday, January 11, 2016, at this site. Reservations cannot be made nor held online until Jan 11.
Future newlyweds, please note the following:
A few other things to know:
YWCA Clark County Begins New Volunteer Training on Jan. 7
New volunteer applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming volunteer training cycle. YWCA Clark County volunteers are partners in our mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are able to provide vital and life changing services because of our compassionate and dedicated volunteers.
The programs of YWCA Clark County offer opportunities for volunteers to support survivors of abuse, neglect, and oppression. Opportunities include providing advocacy and support to survivors of sexual assault, representing the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system, and supporting the safety and healing of families experiencing domestic violence.
YWCA is interested in expanding the number of volunteers with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Sexual Assault Program. In addition to providing comprehensive training, YWCA offers a chance to make a positive impact during a difficult time in someone's life.
"Being a CASA starts with a love of children," says volunteer Connie Finck. Connie swore in as a CASA in April of 2013, and in her first year as a CASA, served over 450 hours. The CASA program provided advocacy for 870 children during the 2013-14 year, with the support of 245 advocates.
Winter training for new volunteers will begin on January 7, 2015. To learn how to become a volunteer with either Sexual Assault Program or Clark County CASA, visit ywcaclarkcounty.org or contact Nichole Peppers at 360-906-9112 or npeppers@ywcaclarkcounty.org.
PSUSU Hosts Student Power Event
On Thursday, January 14th 2016 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in Portland State University’s Smith Memorial Student Union in Room 327 the Portland State University Student Union (PSUSU) will be hosting an event entitled STUDENT POWER: Capitalism, Militarism and the International Student Movement.
This dynamic event will highlight the history and evolution of the international student movement and discussion of the rise of student power in our community at Portland State. Featured will be a presentation from students who are engaged in the anti-racist and anti-corporatization of education struggle locally and across the country.