The Target of a Hate Crime, She Was Labeled as a Witness
As Walio Mohamed found herself shunted from the center of a terrifying attack to its margins, her world began to unravel Continue reading The Target of a Hate Crime, She Was Labeled as a Witness
The US has empty buildings it could use to tackle homelessness. Why is it selling them off?
A data-visualized analysis of red tape in Title V, meant to help homeless people and migrants, using vacant federal buildings. Continue reading The US has empty buildings it could use to tackle homelessness. Why is it selling them off?
Confessions of a Journalist Haunted by a Double Killing
Three years ago this week, a couple named Nate and Cassy were brutally stabbed to death, and I soon began reporting their story. I now realize it will never leave me—for reasons you might not expect. THACHER SCHMID “The ‘Insane Pirate’ Drifter and the Double Killing at the Fourplex” — my third piece for Narratively — began to torment me after I took on the assignment. Whether I’m writing about housing, the lack of housing, or a bloody double homicide in a basement, a sense of place is crucial. And this place I spent so much time investigating just has an ominous feeling to … Continue reading Confessions of a Journalist Haunted by a Double Killing
The ‘Insane Pirate’ Drifter and the Double Killing at the Fourplex
In the midst of Portland, Oregon’s “dumpster fire” chaos of 2020, two transient lovers met a quirky hustler offering a dream apartment deal. But it soon became a grisly nightmare. Continue reading The ‘Insane Pirate’ Drifter and the Double Killing at the Fourplex
Discussing homelessness and homicides on OPB
Talking live on the air with Dave Miller, host of Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “Think Out Loud” program to talk about the recent data-driven story in The Nation about homeless homicides. Continue reading Discussing homelessness and homicides on OPB
Homeless Homicides Are On the Rise
Homeless homicides are on the rise. This data-visualization story for The Nation explores this terrible trend. Continue reading Homeless Homicides Are On the Rise
Unsheltered: Eric Tars On The Human Right To Housing
Eric Tars, the legal director of the National Homelessness Law Center, on U.S. homelessness and issues including network impoverishment, the racialized view of public assistance, Martin v Boise, polarization, Unhoused Bill of Rights, the criminalization of homelessness. Continue reading Unsheltered: Eric Tars On The Human Right To Housing
Rap v. United States
The Young Thug case could prove a watershed moment in the fight for Black artists to own the power of metaphor. Continue reading Rap v. United States
‘I Made My ADHD Into My Strength’: Understanding The Link Between Rap & Neurodivergence
While a growing number of rap songs address mental health, little attention has been paid to the connection between hip-hop and ADHD. GRAMMY.com explores the discussion of neurodivergent artists, from Nicki Minaj and Diddy, to underground rappers. Continue reading ‘I Made My ADHD Into My Strength’: Understanding The Link Between Rap & Neurodivergence
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Is Just a High-Budget Military Recruitment Tool
On May 24, the same day the blockbuster “military-entertainment complex” film Top Gun: Maverick came out, a man shot and killed nineteen students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Continue reading ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Is Just a High-Budget Military Recruitment Tool
Old Town Homeless Village Will Close After Nonprofit Operator Says Conditions Too Dangerous
The news of the closing raises questions about a dozen existing and planned officially-sanctioned homeless villages in the region, as well as a key local services provider. By Thacher Schmid May 28, 2022 at 4:35 pm PDT in Willamette Week Old Town’s homeless village is permanently closing, Multnomah County officials say, after its services provider, All Good Northwest, decided it could not continue running the site. The director of the nonprofit, Andy Goebel, blames its decision on “daily and nightly gunfire and gun activity” in the area. The decommissioning, which officials confirmed after an inquiry from WW, also comes a … Continue reading Old Town Homeless Village Will Close After Nonprofit Operator Says Conditions Too Dangerous
Homeless People in the US Are Being Murdered at a Horrific Rate
Homelessness is one of the most grotesque horrors of US capitalism. And even worse, according to new reporting by Jacobin, the rate of murders of homeless people has spiked to appalling new highs. Continue reading Homeless People in the US Are Being Murdered at a Horrific Rate
‘Portland Goes Harder’: How PDX’s Disparate, Diverse Music Scene Has Coalesced Around Progressive Politics
The city’s scene may not have a coherent sound, but from hip-hop to alternative, and jazz to reggae, Portland music packs a protest-fueled punch THACHER SCHMID | GRAMMYS | APR 18, 2022 – 10:51 AM In front of a Black … Continue reading ‘Portland Goes Harder’: How PDX’s Disparate, Diverse Music Scene Has Coalesced Around Progressive Politics
Homelessless is a moral and societal failure. Here’s how I’d fix it.
Homelessness is a moral and societal failure. Here’s how I’d fix it. Continue reading Homelessless is a moral and societal failure. Here’s how I’d fix it.
Hundreds of Portlanders Are Living in Their Cars. Here’s How They Do It.
Even as the numbers keep growing, Portland and Multnomah County officials have repeatedly failed to create a program or location where people living in vehicles can legally park overnight. Continue reading Hundreds of Portlanders Are Living in Their Cars. Here’s How They Do It.
Songs & Stories Scrapbook 