University of Oregon Hosts Second-Third Round of NCAA Basketball Tournament at the Rose Quarter

2015 is the year for Oregon fans to see the NCAA basketball action up front and personal.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - A new season of NCAA men's March Madness tournament action is steadily approaching. With the second-third round of tournament games coming to Oregon, excitement is building.

Where will the games be held? What will tickets cost? For all the latest news on the 2015 NCAA second-third round games in Oregon, look no further.

Reverse the Concert Cancellation of the Gilad Atzmon and The Orient House Ensemble

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” ― Victor Hugo

(LONDON) - Jazz was born as an art form for social commitment through improvisation as a way to express freedom.

If a jazz artist is not able to be free in their expression, then the freedom for everyone is at risk. Silencing an artist is complicit in censorship.

Netanyahu's Farcical Fear Mongering

What Netanyahu really wants is war, an American war, on Iran.

(LONDON) - My Chambers dictionary defines farce (a noun) as "comedy of extravagant humour, buffoonery and improbability"; and farcical (the adjective) as "comical, risible, ludicrous. ridiculous."

Those are my terms of reference for this very short article on Netanyahu's address to the political whorehouse known as the Congress of the United States of America.

SPECIAL SECTION Cannabis De-Classified

PTSD - Medical Marijuana Toxicology - Pharmacology

Flow Beehive Crowdfunding Beats Goal By 3,000%

Too good to be true? Flow Hive invention delivers honey on tap directly from the hive.

(SALEM, Ore.) - For the first time ever, there may be an easier way to extract honey from the hive. A father-son team, Stuart and Cedar Anderson, from Australia has been perfecting their idea for ten years, and it's been in use in experimental bee yards for three years. They began a Crowdfunding campaign yesterday, asking for $70,000.

In ONE day, they raised $2,155,661 USD, which is 3,080% of their goal, with 41 days left (campaign closes April 5).

Dr. Phil Leveque, WWII Hero & Cannabis Warrior Turns 92

Standing up for others has always been something "Doc" does best.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - “I have been studying the medical use of marijuana since 1950 and I am very proud of the fact that I essentially introduced medical marijuana to the state of Oregon,” said Dr. Phil Leveque.

Now, with so many proactive changes going on throughout the United States in regard to rational marijuana laws, Dr. Leveque says he feels like people are finally catching up.

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Announce Bill Introduced in House of Representatives

"Agent Orange is persistent over time at a high toxicity rate, and it was capable of contaminating individuals who handled equipment that had been exposed." ~Institute of Medicine

(WASHINGTON, DC) - New York Congressman Chris Gibson (NY) reintroduced our bill in the House of Representatives on Friday, Feb 13th, along with 130 original House sponsors. Co-sponsors are continuing to be added to that overwhelming bipartisan support.

On the Senate side, we have Sen. Gillibrand (NY) ready to introduce an identical Senate legislation. However, she is waiting for a Republican Senator to step out with her so there will be an initial bipartisan support.

Marijuana Legalization Takes Effect in Alaska TODAY

Law Enforcement Anticipates Public Safety Improvements

(ALASKA) - Last November, Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2, a law to legalize and regulate marijuana for adults, passed with 52% of the vote.

When the measure takes effect today, people age 21 and older will legally be able to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and cultivate no more than six plants at home. Colorado, Oregon and Washington have also legalized marijuana, and medical marijuana is permitted in 23 states and Washington D.C.

Car Crashes into Hagan Hamilton Building

A shocking sight indeed!

(McMinnville, Ore.) - A car crashed into the Hagan Hamilton Insurance building in McMinnville on Monday night.

During the investigation it was determined that the vehicle drove through the concrete barriers that were installed to protect the building, at a high rate of speed, after the driver was unable to negotiate a bend in the road.

Salem Plaid Pantry Robbed Monday Night, MCSO Seeks Information

$1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect

(SALEM, Ore.) - On Monday the 23rd at about 1:00 a.m., a male, portraying to have a weapon in his pocket, entered the Plaid Pantry, located at 4617 Silverton Road NE and demanded cash.

The male is described as mixed race, approximately 6'3" tall, medium build, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, blue hooded jacket, dark colored pants and dark colored shoes.

Federal Officials Close Investigation into Death of Trayvon Martin

“Our decision not to pursue federal charges does not condone the shooting...”

(WASHINGTON, DC) - The Justice Department announced today that the independent federal investigation found insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights charges against George Zimmerman for the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, Florida.

“The death of Trayvon Martin was a devastating tragedy. It shook an entire community, drew the attention of millions across the nation, and sparked a painful but necessary dialogue throughout the country,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.

From a Pile of Rubble to a Dance Center thru Crowdfunding

"We want to replace the piles of rubble, full of death, with a dance academy full of life." ~ Shaark Cb Crew

(GAZA STRIP, Palestine) - We are a group of youths who live in various refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. We are united by art, peace and love. In 2003, we established a dance team and historical art movement for the community of Gaza, and started performing and spreading the art of dance around the Strip.

After the 2009 war, we found our rented dance studio bombed and demolished. But we did not to give up on our dancing.

Kitzhaber Calls It Quits!

Since Oregon's Secretary of State was called home earlier this week, it has been clear that the torch was being passed.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon's only Governor to be elected for a fourth term is resigning.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned effective next Wednesday, Feb. 18, in a letter submitted to Secretary of State Kate Brown. He met with his staff late this morning, then released this statement just after noon today.

Oregon Farmers can Legally Grow Hemp as of Now!

Oregonians will soon be looking o'er fields of Hemp, after nearly 60 years.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Hemp hasn't been grown in Oregon since 1957, when prohibitionists went on the offensive and demanded a total ban on hemp production...  but this spring that all changes.

As of today, the State of Oregon has accepted the rules presented by the committee and will accept applications to become a hemp farmer, handler, or hemp seed producer.

Wyden Praises Senate Passage of Bill Helping Veterans At Risk of Suicide

Caring for the needs of our American Veterans is a must

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today released the following statement after the Senate unanimously approved the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act:

“I was proud to cosponsor and to vote for this bipartisan bill, which I’m convinced will save lives in Oregon and across the country,” Wyden said.

Oregon's Lady Macbeth

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Oregon’s governor lets his scandal-prone fiancé ruin his political career.

(WASHOUGAL, Wash. ) - On the surface, Cylvia Hayes looked like the perfect First Lady of Oregon: neat, brown hair; wide, toothy grin; conservative clothing and a warm demeanor.

She came from made-for-campaign-literature beginnings and had a cause to which she devoted her life. But Hayes also had secrets...

Local FASTSIGNS Named One of the Top Centers in the Country

Signage company is well known for its top-notch quality and service.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The locally owned and operated business received the Pinnacle Club Award, which is given to the centers ranked 26 to 125 in the U.S. and Canada for sales volume from the previous year.

“This award commemorates all of the hard work and excellent service our team at FASTSIGNS of Salem provides every day,” said owner Mark Smith.

Marijuana Legal to Grow and Possess in Nation's Capital

Congress Does Not Block D.C. Legalization

(WASHINGTON, DC) - A marijuana legalization ballot initiative, Initiative 71, approved by 70 percent of District residents, completed the Congressional review period and became law Thursday Feb 26 2015 at 12:01a.m.

Initiative 71 legalizes the possession of two ounces of marijuana for adults over the age of 21, and allows them to grow up to six plants in their home, three of which can be mature at any time.

Malaysia: Open Letter to the Prime Minister

Stop Arrests and Harassment on Those who Exercise Their Constitutional and Internationally-Recognized Right to Freedom of Expression

(LONDON) - Mr. Prime Minister,

We, the undersigned human rights organisations and individuals, write to you to register our grave concern over the continued crackdown on freedom of expression in Malaysia, including the latest arrests and investigations against those who criticised or commented on the Federal Court’s decision to uphold the conviction of Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy charges earlier this month.

Brilliant Director-Producer-Truthteller Anthony Lawson Remembered

Salem-News.com is sad to share this news of Anthony's passing, the 8th of January, 2015 in Phuket, Thailand, at the age of 79.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Anthony Lawson was an international prize-winning commercial director, cameraman, ad-agency creative director and voice over talent. He used to be known for shooting humorous commercials, but as he learned more about the world and why things are the way they are, he found less to laugh about, and instead found his passion about sharing the truth.

He spent his final years using his vast experience to shed light on the events of 9/11 and the terrible world events that have since followed.

SWAT Stand-off with Suspect in Drive-by Shooting Ends in Arrest

OSP troopers are continuing the investigation of a drive-by shooting in Northern Klamath County

(LA PINE, Ore.) - Information from on-scene commanders indicates that just before 2:00 A.M., Sunday morning, 9-1-1 call centers received a report of shots being fired at or into a residence, south of La Pine. Troopers learned the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Gary Davis, of La Pine, had threatened a man at that location previously.

Shortly before 7:00 A.M., troopers tracked Davis to a residence in La Pine where he was staying with his girlfriend.

Cuba Uncensored

Answers to some very pointed questions about Cuba

(WASHINGTON, DC) - This evening, February 9, 2015, a handful of visitors from the land to the north asked an assistant professor of philosophy about his studies and his teaching experiences here in Cuba.

One of our group made the mistake of asking whether this philosopher thought of Fidel as a philosopher. The result was an almost Fidel-length response that had little to do with philosophy and everything to do with criticizing the president.

Former CIA Officer Convicted for Unauthorized Disclosure of National Defense Information and Obstruction of Justice

CIA Whistleblower found guilty on all counts

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - A former CIA officer was convicted Monday by a federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, of illegally disclosing national defense information and obstructing justice.

“This is a just and appropriate outcome,” said Attorney General Holder. “The defendant’s unauthorized disclosures of classified information compromised operations undertaken in defense of America’s national security.

UPDATE: OSP Traffic Stop Turns Into Pursuit with Shots Fired

Both Troopers involved in the pursuit have been placed on paid administrative leave.

(SALEM, Ore.) - 22-year old Gustavo Isabel Vega (CORRECTED NAME), of Boring, has now been lodged at the Marion County Jail. He is facing the charges of Parole Violation, Attempt to Elude the Police and Resisting Arrest.

The investigation into last week's event is still on-going and there is no additional information regarding this case at this time. Mr. Vega is scheduled for court on 02/04/15 at 3:00 p.m., at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.