Rep. Tina Kotek becomes the state’s new Speaker of the House, on the support of a Democratic majority and the expectations of a state in need of change By Joanne Zuhl, Staff Writer To mark her swearing in as the state’s newest House Speaker, Oregon Rep. T ...
31 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
Associated Press photographer Barry Sweet chronicles four decades of contemporary American scenes from the Pacific Northwest and beyond By Rosette Royale, Contributing Writer Our concept of contemporary history is forever married to the storytelling power ...
30 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
Now living in Chicago, the Scottish author talks about his new novel, homelessness and drugs By Billy Briggs, Contributing Writer Speaking to a street paper reporter during a recent outing in Edinburgh, Scotland, author Irvine Welsh described the street p ...
30 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
By Ann-Derrick Gaillot, Contributing Writer It is not hard to find Johnny Williams and Paula Ramirez at their spot across the street from City Hall. Johnny joyfully calls out greetings and jokes to passersby beside his partner Paula. We sit inside the Sta ...
29 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) They say life doesn’t come with an instruction booklet. Well, it also doesn’t come with a map, compass or a protractor. So not only do we not know what’s going on, we also don’t know where we are, where we’re going, or how we’re ...
29 Jan 2013 - Soup Can Sam
Staff reports Outreach workers from organizations throughout Portland and Multnomah County will be out at the end of January trying to determine exactly how many people are homeless in this area. The work is in partnership with Portland and Multnomah Coun ...
28 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
Alison McIntosh, Contributing Columnist In a few weeks, the Oregon Legislature will convene for the 2013 Legislative Session. The Housing Alliance and our members see an Oregon where everyone has the safety, security and opportunity that having a stable h ...
28 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
By Israel Bayer, Staff Writer Homelessness in our community and cities throughout the country has become the new normal. That’s a problem. Three decades ago, the federal government began slashing housing and mental health programs. The bleeding has never ...
25 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
By David Rogers, Contributing Columnist On Nov. 30, Gov. John Kitzhaber released his proposed budget for 2013-15. The budget included no money for prison expansion — despite the fact that the state projects it will need more than 2,000 new prison beds at ...
23 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff
By Robert Britt, Staff Writer Every military veteran who’s served since the Reagan years is familiar with the MRE, the pre-packaged Meal, Ready-to-Eat. Inside the nearly indestructible brown bag, among the packets of crackers, jalapeno cheese and entrées ...
23 Jan 2013 - Street Roots Staff