News
Deaths in Oregon prisons rise, while prison population falls
This is part 1 of a series examining what's driving the deadliest period in Oregon Department of Corrections' modern history An average of 49 prisoners died each year in Oregon’s state prisons since 2020, a 45% increase over the 33.8 annual deaths reported in the previous 20 years, despite a decreasing prison population. Throughout a 20-year…
Opinion
Opinion | A Street Roots legend retires
To everyone who supported me and Street Roots over the years, making it a social capital engine, I love you very much. This is why the following is the most difficult article I've ever written, as I embark on a new direction in my life starting June 30. I’m retiring June 29 from selling Street…
Last Month in Oregon Labor | May 2024
Labor activity in Oregon picked up in May with eight more union wins and one more new campaign than in May. The state did see a decline in labor actions, with one less than the month prior. “Last month in Oregon labor” is a monthly installment by Aurora Biggers covering all things Oregon labor. Biggers…
Opinion | Civic Circles allow housed and unhoused people to meet each other as neighbors
For a few months now, Street Roots vendors Sonya Aho, Robin “Shaggy” Douglas, George McCarthy, Craig Preston and Robert Waters have taken turns folding into my old Volvo so I can drive them across town. The occasion is always unique, but the goal is always very similar: to talk to people about the experience of…
Vendor Profiles
Street Roots vendor profile | Sobriety, health and helping others
Street Roots Vendor Donnie Osmer, at just 59 years old, has led a life rich with experiences. Departing from his humble roots growing up in Oregon City, Donnie traveled the world, including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and even lived on the island of Maui, before returning to the Pacific Northwest. An accomplished student, he…
