Profiling questions lead to troubling complaints, liaison’s dismissal

It was just part of the job, guiding students through the Springfield Police Department facilities, a way to familiarize local youth with law enforcement in the growing and traditionally blue-collar town neighboring Eugene. But for Thelma Barone, the department’s community liaison, this July 2014 tour was her first chance to extend the opportunity to a group of Latino high schoolers.

Next gig for band: Defending its name

Ken Shima of the band The Slants warms up during a recording session in Eugene, Ore., in December 2016. The band is challenging the Patent Office’s decision to reject a trademark for their name, arguing that the government cannot make the decision on what kind of speech is disparaging.