Police staffing increased in presence of Oregon senator

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker who threatened the Senate president and Oregon State Police on the eve of a revolt by GOP senators over a climate-change bill must give notice before coming to the Capitol, where state troopers will beef up their presence, a Senate committee decided Monday.

The committee of two Democrats and two Republicans unanimously passed the motion near the close of a hearing into Sen. Brian Boquist’s conduct that lasted several hours. The hearing room in the Oregon State Capitol was jammed with onlookers, including many of his supporters who held small American flags.

Boquist, a Republican from Dallas, warned on June 19 that if the Oregon State Police were sent to force him to return during a walkout by GOP senators that they should “send bachelors and come heavily armed.” He also told Senate President Peter Courtney that “hell is coming to visit you personally” if he sent the state police after him. He apologized minutes later for his comments.

Detroit event tickets initially more for whites than blacks

DETROIT (AP) — A group has been told by a global ticketing and event platform that it could not charge whites more than blacks to attend a Detroit event advertised on the firm’s website.

AfroFuture FEST organizers initially promoted on Eventbrite that early bird POC — people of color — tickets for the Aug. 3 event were $10. NONPOC tickets were $20. NONPOC is referred to as “white people.”

Eventbrite says once it became aware of the ticket price difference it requested that the event’s “creator” alter “ticket prices accordingly.” On Monday, only $20 general admission tickets were listed.

AfroFuture FEST organizers wrote on the Eventbrite page that its ticket structure ensures that people of color in Detroit have equal opportunity to enjoy events “in their own community.” The Associated Press left an email seeking comment from organizers.