The Skanner News Blast, June 2, 2011

Kyeron Fair: State Investigation Details Beating, Tasing of Teen in Mental Health Crisis
On Sept. 13, 2010, Parkrose High School senior Kyeron Fair went to school. Within 24 hours he was incarcerated and in the middle of a nightmare so deep he couldn't eat, sleep or track what was going on around him. The 17-year-old had no prior arrest record. Criminal charges against Fair are scheduled for a settlement hearing this Friday, June 3, at the Multnomah County Justice Center. Meanwhile questions about what happened to him in custody have generated an 1,151-page Oregon State Internal Excessive Force Investigation, obtained by The Skanner News … For all the information click here

Rose Festival Starlight Parade Kicks Off Festivities This Weekend
It's that time of year again. Rose Festival season. The time of year when people from across the Portland metro region descend into downtown and pray that it doesn't rain. So far for this weekend's big Starlight Parade, the news is looking upbeat with meteorologists predicting sunny skies across the region. This will hopefully make it a lot easier for people to bike, bus or take the train into the city center for the festivities … To read the whole story click here

The Seattle Public Library Appoints Marcellus Turner as the New City Librarian
The Seattle Public Library board has named Marcellus Turner as its new City Librarian. Turner, who comes to the job from Jefferson County library system in Colorado, will manage a budget of $50 million and 640 employees in 26 branches. Originally from Mississippi, Turner earned his master's degree from the University of Tennessee. He has 20 years of experience in libraries including three years supervising the reference library in Tacoma. The Skanner News caught up with him this week in this phone interview … For all the interview click here

VIDEO: Teens Walk as Adults Plan How to Stop Violence Hurting Minority Youth
Three events Friday and Saturday brought together men, women and youth in a community-led campaign to stop the violence that has taken the lives of five Black teens this year. Organizers are pushing to strengthen support networks in Portland's African American and minority communities. Advocates say the increase in shootings, is simply the most visible sign of an environment that is failing many children and teens. … To check the details click here

Family Planning – An Essential Part of American Life
If you're an average woman, you want two children, according to various surveys. That means you'll spend about five years of your life trying to become pregnant, being pregnant or recovering from pregnancy, and 30 years trying to avoid it. You can do that thanks to the June 1965 landmark Supreme Court decision Griswold v. Connecticut, which affirmed the right of married couples to use contraceptives -- and more importantly, recognized an individual's right to privacy in family planning matters. Universal usage and acceptance of contraceptives followed, transforming the lives of millions of Americans … To read all about it click here

Experts Say Cellphones are Possibly Carcinogenic
An international panel of experts says cellphones are possibly carcinogenic to humans after reviewing details from dozens of published studies. The statement was issued in Lyon, France, on Tuesday by the International Agency for Research on Cancer after a weeklong meeting of experts. They reviewed possible links between cancer and the type of electromagnetic radiation found in cellphones, microwaves and radar. The agency is the cancer arm of the World Health Organization and the assessment now goes to WHO and national health agencies for possible guidance on cellphone use … For all the information click here