What is Jury Nullification?

Before legalization of recreational cannabis, west coast defense attorneys saw a lot of jury nullification.

(SAN DIEGO, Calif.) - Jury nullification is a concept where a jury on criminal case can hear the entire case, and then find the defendant not guilty because they do not agree with the law or punishment.

If you have ever been to jury duty you will hear often the court saying that as a juror it is your job to “follow the law”, however, the case law in this area says that jury nullification is actually following the law.

2017 Portland Hempstalk Festival is Officially Cancelled

Hempstalk is a casualty of a hostile corporate takeover

(SALEM, Ore.) - Why? This is a successful festival that causes no harm and has proven to be well-organized and an economic benefit to Portland. Everyone wants to know what happened.

Mystery solved. The major sponsor who has backed the festival for ten years is unable to continue, a consequence of the hostile corporate takeover of Paul Stanford. They cannot afford to produce the annual event without new funding.

Merkley Statement on Anti-Rohingya Persecution in Burma

Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley calls on the Government of Burma (Myanmar) to cease its persecution of the Rohingya ethnic minority

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - "There are significant ties between Oregon and the Rohingya community, and I share Oregonians’ concern about the escalating violence in Burma, which has led to the recent displacement of nearly 400,000 Rohingya and horrific death and suffering.

"The persecution of vulnerable Rohingya minorities, who are at risk of statelessness due to having been denied citizenship by the Government of Burma, bears the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing..."

SPECIAL SECTION Cannabis De-Classified

PTSD - Medical Marijuana Toxicology - Pharmacology

Thirty-Five Years after the Sabra-Shatila Massacre: Where is The Resistance?

A massive crime against humanity which has yet to be adjudicated.

(Shatila Palestinian Refugee Camp, BE) - This week commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Wednesday, Sept. 15 to Saturday, Sept. 18, Sabra-Shatila Massacre in the Fakhani neighborhood of Beirut.

For many of the families and loved ones of the victims, as is certainly the case with this observer, it seems as though the Sabra-Shatila Massacre was committed at most four or five years ago. So vivid still in our memories are the horror images of that orgy of slaughter.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower Warns of Military-Industrial Complex in Farewell Speech

Known as the "last great conservative Republican", Eisenhower gives advice to future generations.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jan 17, 1961

...In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Eagle Creek Fire Containment Increased to 11%

On the high ridges to the south, away from populated areas, the fire continues burning at low intensity.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Last night, about 8:00 p.m., skies cleared and burning fuel pockets west of Herman Creek created an impressive plume visible for miles along the Columbia Gorge. The plume was caused by active fire, as light winds funneled up the Herman Creek drainage.

With darkness and cooling temperatures, winds were expected to blow the fire back down the drainage across already burned areas.

Washington Pot Shop Employee Kidnapped after Shooting

Police are searching for the suspect, and the car, and the employee.

(CHENEY, Washington) - According to police, a man walked into the Lucid Cannabis Company and attempted to make a purchase but he had no ID, so he was denied.

The man (the suspect) then approached a store employee that was sitting in their car, and he pulled out a gun, and a shot was fired into the car.

Utah Man Arrested For NW Fires Wildland Arson

Authorities say it is possible Wilson may be responsible for other fires in the northwest.

(LA PINE, Ore.) - An investigation began on August 29, 2017 into four wildland fires that occurred along the Highway 97 between the area of Lava River Cave and Mile Post 180 south of La Pine, Oregon.

Through a collaborative law enforcement effort and information obtained from the public, a suspect was developed.

Two Men Die When Boat Capsizes in Pacific Ocean Near Depoe Bay

The cause of the capsized boat is still under investigation.

(DEPOE BAY, Ore.) - The US Coast Guard responded with a motor lifeboat and recovered the body, a deceased male identified as 69-year old Robert Lawrence Zimmel, from Forest Grove.

The Coast Guard notified Oregon State Police and local partner agencies and a search of the area continued. The crew of a US Coast Guard helicopter spotted a second deceased male subject floating nearby.

Motorcylist Crashed into a Bear near Breitenbush

The motorcyclist was flown by lifeflight to the nearest hospital.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - Sunday afternoon, a motorcyclist was riding on Breitenbush Rd near mile post 18.5 when he crashed into a black bear who was in the middle of his lane of travel.

The motorcyclist was flown to a hospital to be treated for their injuries. It is unknown the extent of injuries to the motorcyclist at this time. The black bear died at the scene.

Tragic Accident Kills Lebanon Farmer by Electrocution

43% of all occupational electrical fatalities can be attributed to contact with overhead power lines.

(LEBANON, Ore.) - Deputies say Prock's son was using his foot to steady the end of the pipe as Prock lifted the pipe to a vertical position. The pipe struck an overhead 12,000 volt electrical wire, approximately 22 feet above the ground and both were shocked.

Prock collapsed and went unconscious, sustaining exit wounds on the bottom of his feet. Prock's son was uninjured.

Portland Mini Maker Faire at OMSI

Record-setting number of participants will introduce attendees to new ways of making, while old favorites return

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - In what has become a Portland tradition, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) will present the sixth annual Portland Mini Maker Faire.

The Mini Maker Faire is a family-friendly showcase of creativity and cool DIY technology taking place on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Does Salem Have Prime Real Estate?

Find the best homes for your budget

(SALEM, Ore.) - The real estate market is a hugely interesting one, and it intrigues a lot of people. Most may not consider buying a home as an investment in the traditional sense, comparable with stocks and shares.

Instead, a property purchase is commonly thought of as providing a place for people to stay and ensure their loved ones are taken care of.

How Oregon Residents are Saving Money Through Coupons

Couponing has become a whole lot faster and easier on consumers

(SALEM, Ore.) - If it seems like the cost of living is increasing yet your salary isn’t keeping pace then you’re part of the many who feel the same way.

Times are tough and people are doing what they can just to get by and survive. Oregon residents seem to be taking full advantage of a simple and quick way to save money and that’s the use of coupons.

Trump's Nomination of Tom Marino for Drug Czar is a Disservice to America

Rep. Marino withdrew his name back in May for the same position.

(MYRTLE BEACH, SC) - President Donald Trump has announced that he intends to nominate Rep. Tom Marino (R) of Pennsylvania to head the Office of National Drug Control Policy -- second time for nomination.

Marino has been a longtime supporter of the president -- so much so that Trump nominated Marino back in the spring for the same position -- drug czar.

Passing the Dream Act -- a long shot at best

Unless House Speaker Paul Ryan and Trump get behind the Dream Act, it probably won't pass now.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Trump has decided to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) over six months unless Congress steps in with its own plan for these childhood arrivals.

If Trump has a "great love for DACA recipients," he would have called on Congress to pass the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act or Dream Act, and if it did, promise to sign it into law.

The Cost of Weddings Reaches New High in the US - What it Means for Couples

The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study surveyed nearly 13,000 US brides and grooms married in 2016

(SALEM, Ore.) - While the number of weddings may be on the decline in the US, it appears the budget is growing, as a record new high of wedding spending is set in 2017.

According to a survey done by The Knot, couples are now spending more per guest than ever before. The average price of a wedding in the US is now $35,329, despite the fact that the average number of guests has dropped.

Portland Police Bureau to Rescind Gang Designations and Purge the Database

About 300 names currently on the list will be purged.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Gang Designation Policy was implemented more than 20 years ago when gun and gang violence rates had escalated dramatically in the city.

Today, new processes and technologies allow police to investigate crimes in a manner that our community supports and that will not have the unintended consequences of potentially harming those who may need services and help the most.

Four-Alarm Grass Fire Closes Roadways in SE Salem

The fire appears to be under control at this time.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Salem Fire Department along with units from the cities of Sublimity, Turner, Keizer and Marion County are battling a four alarm grass fire near Corban University.

The grass fire, which sparked in a field, led crews to close Deer Park Road between Aumsville Highway and Turner Road and Turner Road SE south of Kuebler Boulevard SE.

Purdue Pharma's Killer Surprise for American Children

Addicting 7 to 16 year olds to hard drugs is not a happy surprise.

(MYRTLE BEACH, SC) - On September 14, the FDA Advisory Committee will be holding a hearing on Purdue Pharma's new "blockbuster" opioid called Butrans. It is targeted for severe pain in children ages 7 to 16 years old.

There is not a doubt in my mind that once the FDA approves this latest killer opioid presented by Purdue Pharma, it will be off-labeled marketed as OxyContin was for all pain levels.

Climate Change is Happening -- the Time to Act is Now

Climate change denial is a self-interested political decision, not a scientific one.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Jose collectively represent the most hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, in terms of strength and size, in recorded history.

The National Hurricane Center scientist Eric Blake pointed out the three hurricanes are threatened land at the same time. Again, that’s never happened before.

Anti-Racism Donations Spike for ADL Amid Their Own Racism

ADL works to maintain oppression and discrimination against Palestinian Muslims and Christians

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - In the wake of Charlottesville, numerous Americans have come forward to oppose racism in a variety of ways. In some cases this has taken the form of donations.

As a result, some allegedly anti-racist organizations have seen a financial bonanza. The main one seems to be the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which saw a 1,000% spike in donations – more than half by first-time donors.

Wildfire Causes Level 1 Evacuation for Breitenbush Hot Springs Area

A burn ban remains in effect in Marion County.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners authorized a Level 1 Evacuation notice for the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort area and a portion of the Willamette National Forest.

The notice is in response to wildfires currently burning within approximately three miles of the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort area.