Melorie Begay

The Eugene City Council listened to over 40 community members during a public hearing on a new panhandling ordinance last night. If passed, the city could start fining motorists $50 for handing out personal property, including money, to pedestrians on the street.

The Oregon Center for Public Policy says the state’s low unemployment rate doesn’t necessarily mean fewer families are living in poverty. The group’s newest report suggests that over 68 percent of households with one working parent live below the poverty line.

Minority Voices Theatre, in collaboration with the University of Oregon and the Very Little Theatre, will produce its first full production this month. The play is a part of an ongoing effort to increase theatre involvement among marginalized communities. 

Several immigrant rights groups testified to Lane County’s Board of County Commissioners, on Tuesday.  They expressed concerns about allegations the Lane County Sheriff is unlawfully assisting in Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, today. They demanded that the sheriff address allegations that officers used state resources to aid arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office denies allegations made by several immigrant rights groups, suggesting his department unlawfully aided Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Sheriff Byron Trapp says at no time was anyone instructed to violate any policy, referring to Oregon’s sanctuary laws.

The Lane County Sheriff’s department is accused of working with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or I.C.E. Over a dozen organizations, including immigrant law groups, say this violates Oregon’s 32-year-old sanctuary law.

A coalition of environmental and civil rights groups have teamed up to create a list of climate actions they want the state legislature to consider in this year’s session. Both the Eugene-Springfield NAACP and Beyond Toxics have joined in on the Oregon Green New Deal campaign.

An art installation aimed at disrupting racism with history and self-reflection is coming to the Runyan Gallery in Newport this Friday. ‘I Am My White Ancestors: Claiming The Legacy of Oppression’ by Portland-based artist Anne Mavor features life-sized portraits, narratives and audio stories. 

After 8 years, Shelley Corteville has stepped down as director of Egan Warming Center, a network of sites where homeless people can keep warm when temps fall below freezing. Now, the advocate plans to focus on helping unaccompanied youth.

In Eugene, over 300 hundred marchers came out to honor the legacy of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. this morning.  The event centered on youth and the responsibility to carry on Dr. King’s teachings.

Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits may have noticed some extra funds on their EBT cards today. The Department of Human Services wants those folks to know, that that money is for February and to budget accordingly. 

In 2018 there were close to 15,000 people serving time in prisons across the state, according to the Oregon Department of Corrections. As of last month over 500 people were released into Lane County.

Oregon State University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration week starts Saturday in Corvallis. As part of their longest running event, organizers chose Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, as this year’s keynote speaker.

People in Central Oregon who are interested in low-income housing vouchers can apply for the waitlist starting Monday. Folks will have one week to register, or update their information if they’ve never applied before.

Oregon’s Attorney General wants to tackle hate crimes across the state. At a listening session last night in Eugene, the AG encouraged locals to share stories that touched on themes of fear, violence, and hatred. 

The Oregon State Attorney General and the Task Force on Hate Crime will be in Eugene Tuesday night. They’ll gather accounts from people who’ve been targeted by hate crimes, or hateful incidents. 

For employment providers, finding work for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, known as I/DD, can be challenging.

Advocates say businesses hesitate to employ people with an I/DD because they see them as liabilities and are unsure people with an I/DD would fit in. Both state and local programs are working on changing this mindset.

Senior residents of Eugene’s tallest building will see some much needed renovation next year. The city closed on a $1.5 million loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

About a dozen people gathered in the rain to honor Major Thomas Egan, tonight. It’s been ten years since the homeless veteran’s death, and organizers say more needs to be done for people like him. 

Lane County Youth Services held their annual community holiday dinner on Wednesday. The event was part of a culinary program that juvenile offenders can participate in.

Public comment ended Monday (12/10) on the Trump Administration’s proposal to change how the federal government oversees the use of public benefits by immigrants. The Oregon Health Authority says the application status of people using their services won’t be at risk.

A Lane County partnership has developed a new framework for reducing recidivism. If all goes well, that plan could become a national model.

A new monument for Eugene’s historic Mims House is being celebrated this weekend by the local NAACP. The organization is holding the event to encourage inclusion.

Thanksgiving preparations are underway at the Eugene Mission, where 700 people – including families – are expected to arrive Thursday.  It’s a part of the organization’s services for the homeless.

The innovative music duo Black Violin is stopping in Eugene this Sunday as part of their Classical Boom tour.