If a TriMet fare inspector caught you riding the Max train without a ticket any time during the last five years, your punishment likely was a warning. But from now on, even if you're a first-time offender, you risk a fine of at least $175. Or you could be banned from the service for 30 to 90 days. (Check out the graphic below to see fare inspection outcomes by year, including 2011 through June.)

Math is not only good for you, but it's fun – and a free summer tutoring program for kids aged first through fourth grade aims to unlock the doors of knowledge for as many people as are willing to step through. Former Portland School Board member Derry Jackson's company Sankofa LLC offers math tutoring and technology training to people of all ages Mondays through Thursdays at its headquarters ....

"Dear Mrs. Obama, Do you have any idea what you mean to us? By us, I mean the strong, independent, accomplished black women of America. I suspect that on some level you do… but please allow me this small indulgence as I share with you how special you are to us. What I am about to say may seem a bit much, but it is important that you know—that everyone know—how much you have changed and are changing everything for present and future generations of black women in this nation…"

Growing up black in the segregated 1960s, Deborah Goldring slept two to a bed, got evicted from apartment after apartment, and watched her stepfather climb utility poles to turn their disconnected lights back on. Yet Goldring pulled herself out of poverty and earned a middle-class life .... 

The Skanner News Blast

The Skanner News Blast, July 7, 2011

News Blast

NewsBlast