Northwest

Northwest News

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 29 November 2023

Pastor Dennis Payne

As physical attendance dwindles, First African Methodist Episcopal Zion is joining the growing trend of churches that are re-imagining how best to use their facilities.

Details: Written by CLAIRE RUSH, JANIE HAR and MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press; Published: 28 November 2023

A man pushes items while a homeless encampment is being cleaned up in San Francisco, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Homeless people and their advocates say encampment sweeps are cruel and costly, and there aren't enough shelter beds or treatment for everyone. But government officials say it's unacceptable to let encampments fester and people need to accept offers of shelter or treatment, if they have a severe mental illness or addiction.

Details: Written by Associated Press; Published: 27 November 2023

Teachers hold signs and chant in front of a middle school. (AP Photo/Claire Rush, File)

The agreement must still be voted on by teachers who have been on the picket line since Nov. 1 over issues of pay, class sizes and planning time. It must also be approved by the school board.

Details: Written by CLAIRE RUSH Associated Press/Report for America; Published: 22 November 2023

The law is one of the toughest in the nation. It requires people to undergo a criminal background check and complete a gun safety training course in order to obtain a permit to buy a firearm. It also bans high-capacity magazines.

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 22 November 2023

Former Police Accountability Commission member Aje Amaechi

Police Accountability Commission members feel their work is being negated.

Details: Written by CLAIRE RUSH Associated Press; Published: 21 November 2023

Striking Portland Public Schools teachers march along East Burnside St. after blocking traffic on the Burnside Bridge on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023 in Portland, Ore. (Dave Killen /The Oregonian via AP)

The Portland Association of Teachers union and their supporters stopped in the middle of the Burnside Bridge for about 15 minutes.

Details: Written by CLAIRE RUSH Associated Press/Report for America; Published: 19 November 2023

Oregon's pioneering drug decriminalization law is facing a backlash amid a surge in public drug use fueled by fentanyl and an increase in synthetic opioid overdose deaths. The measure will be among the top issues in the upcoming legislative session starting in February. Republicans have proposed reimposing criminal penalties for drug possession and top Democrats who back the law now say they're open to amending it. Federal data shows Oregon saw the biggest increase in synthetic opioid deaths since 2019 among states that have reported their numbers

Details: Written by NATHAN GILLES, Columbia Insight; Published: 16 November 2023

Dead needles hang on a western red cedar tree in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Iconic red cedars — known as the "Tree of Life' — and other tree species in the Pacific Northwest have been dying because of climate-induced drought, researchers say. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

Iconic red cedars — known as the “Tree of Life” — and other tree species in the Pacific Northwest have been dying because of climate-induced drought, researchers say.

Details: Written by The Skanner News; Published: 16 November 2023

First Street in Mount Vernon, Wash. (Photo/Joe Mabel)

This change would make it easier for Skagit, Snohomish and Island County residents to access federal justice system services and attend court.

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 16 November 2023

An Other World: The Fight for Freedom, Joy, and Belonging draws from Fazal’s experience growing up BIPOC in Oregon to create a holistic approach to diverse work cultures.