Daily Archives: July 15, 2017


One More Republican Defection Would Doom Senate Health Care Bill

President Donald Trump turned up the heat Friday on fellow Republicans in the U.S. Senate to pass a bill dismantling the Obamacare law, but with their retooled health care plan drawing fire within the party even one more defection would doom it. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has planned for a vote next week on revised legislation, unveiled on Thursday, and he has his work cut out for him in the coming days to get the 50 “yes” votes needed for passage. Republicans control the Senate by a 52-48 margin and …


Ick-free and Ready for Dip: Portland Touts Revived River

Portland is well-known as a tree-hugging, outdoorsy city, but the river that powers through its downtown has never been part of that green reputation.     For decades, residents have been repulsed by the idea of swimming in the Willamette River because of weekly sewage overflows that created a bacterial stew.   Now, the recent completion of a $1.4 billion sewage pipe has flushed those worries — and the river once shunned by swimmers is enjoying a rapid renaissance. The city has partnered with a civic group called the Human …


‘Live Aid’ Concert for Ethiopia Marked Use of Celebrity in Responding to World Crisis

“Don’t go to the pub tonight,” Irish pop musician Bob Geldof pleaded in the months leading up to Live Aid, the world’s biggest concert that took place on two continents, included 72 rock bands, and raised an estimated $125 million to feed starving Ethiopians caught in a historically severe famine. “Please, stay in and give us the money,” Geldof said 32 years ago. “There are people dying now, so give me the money.” The pictures of skeletal and dazed, malnourished children gathering in Ethiopian camps set up by aid agencies …