On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized hemp's historical benefits and cited the recent U.S. Farm Bill, which permits states to regulate production and allows universities to conduct studies.

The legislation passed with an 88-5 vote. Following its approval, Faison distributed various hemp products, such as breakfast cereal, soap, cooking oil, and twine, to legislative leaders, showcasing the plant's diverse applications.

An upcoming forum will address what's working, what's not, and potential improvements for homelessness by next year. Panelists include Multnomah County Chair-Elect Deborah Kafoury, Portland City

An upcoming forum will address what's working, what's not, and potential improvements for homelessness by next year. Panelists include Multnomah County Chair-Elect Deborah Kafoury, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Suzanne Hayden (Citizens Crime Commission), Traci Manning (Portland Bureau of Housing), Matt Morton (Native American Youth and Family Center), and Leo Rhodes (Street Roots). KGW's Reggie Aqui will moderate.

This initiative builds on past efforts, such as Nan Roman's (National Alliance to End Homelessness) April 4th presentation on causes and solutions. A City Club research committee is also studying how Multnomah County's homeless population can benefit from healthcare reforms, with results due in January. The City Club of Portland has dedicated 2014 to finding practical solutions to end local homelessness through research, advocacy, and public forums.

This spirited interview features U.S. Hemp Industry pioneers at the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA/ACCC) National Hemp Convention, "Hemp

This spirited interview features U.S. Hemp Industry pioneers at the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA/ACCC) National Hemp Convention, "Hemp 2014: Paving the Way," held November 16-19, 2014, in Delta Winnipeg.

Interviewer Edgar Winters (Oregon Agriculture & Food Rural Consortium & COO of Natural Good Medicines) speaks with Anndrea Hermann and Doug Fine. Hermann, President of the Hemp Industries Association and Oregon State University professor, discusses building a "solid legitimate industry" through agronomy and global partnerships. Journalist and hemp advocate Fine highlights sustainability and a community-based tri-cropping blueprint from his book, Hemp Bound. This essential conversation should not be missed.

Judith Rodin emphasizes that future preparation requires building better cities. Dozens of global cities, from

Judith Rodin emphasizes that future preparation requires building better cities. Dozens of global cities, from New York to Dhaka, have recently endured large-scale catastrophes, including natural disasters, conflicts, and disease. In our interconnected world, these events harm vulnerable individuals, destabilize communities, and threaten entire societies.

Facing increasing city-wide risks, we must improve our ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Dr. Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation and author of *The Resilience Dividend*, offers groundbreaking research. She guides individuals, companies, and societies in averting disaster by fostering more dynamic, resilient urban environments.

Rodin's work explores critical questions, such as lessons from Japan's 2011 tsunami and Haiti's humanitarian aid. Her book, *The Resilience Dividend*, is available for order.

RSA Spotlights presents an excerpt from the January 2015 event, 'How to Build Better, More Resilient Cities.' In this segment, Dr. Judith