As summer heats up and yields thousands of unemployed teenagers anxious for a break from school and looking for something to do, Black leaders and state governments are hoping that President Obama's investment in youth initiatives will help put them to work – boosting the economy and away from crime. "Unemployment among youth has far reaching consequences across society. . . .

For people convicted of a crime, they'll tell you the punishment rarely ends at the jailhouse gates. Legal histories, especially those with more serious felonies, can follow people decades, impacting their ability to find adequate housing and employment. "Widespread homelessness reappeared in America in the early 1980s for the first time since the Great Depression," said Sally Erickson, manager of the Ending Homelessness program at the city . . .

The $2 million renovation of the Billy Webb Elks Lodge is complete, and festivities marking the achievement are Tuesday, June 23, from 3 - 7 p.m. at the lodge, 6 North Tillamook St. The public is invited to a walkthrough of the completed facility, and to enjoy a wine and cheese tasting catered by Pans Pots and Skillets, with valet parking and music. Members of The National Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon, which spearheaded the renovation, say they hope attendees at the event "who build, remodel, and develop seek the work of members and consider using the members of NAMCO so that we can continue to reinvest in our community.". . .

Terrell Shegog waits to enter the auditorium at Summit K-12 in Seattle, Friday, June 12, for his high school graduation. The Class of 2009 will be the last graduating class from Summit because it is one of the five schools scheduled to close at the end of this school year.

What's happening for you in your city this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below . . . .

John Godey's best-selling novel, "The Taking of Pelham 123," revolves around a quartet of armed crooks who hijack a New York City subway train and threaten to start killing passengers one-by-one if their ransom demands are not met in an hour. Beyond that basic outline however, each director who takes on the project seems inclined to alter the terrifying tale of suspense however he sees fit. . . .

Philemon Timothy Reid, who was recently awarded a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from North Portland's Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, died Tuesday. He was 63, less than a month shy of his 64th birthday.
 Reid's love for blues and jazz, particularly musicians John Coltrane, Miles Davis and singers Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, was reflected in his colorful paintings and sculptures. Although Reid's only formal art training was in high school, he developed his own unique style that was heavily influenced by Cubism and the artist Picasso. . . .

Allen Temple C.M.E. Church is the honored host of the 43rd Annual Conference of the Alaska Pacific Region in Portland, through Saturday, June 20, at the Airport Holiday Inn.  The Ninth Episcopal District Theme, "From Good To Great: The Jesus Challenge – Building Leaders  For Today and Tomorrow" sets the tone for the Quadrennial  National Conference scheduled for  September,  2009  in  St. Louis, Mo. Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. . . .

The weak economy means that an increasing number of retailers and service providers are shutting their doors – including, this week, Eddie Bauer stores. If you paid your deposit with your credit card, you may be able to request a refund known as a "chargeback" from the card issuer. But if you paid by cash or check, your option is file a claim with the bankruptcy court and wait to see what happens. . . .

Maryland Native Jada Pinkett Smith studied dance and acting at the Baltimore School for the Arts and the North Carolina School of the Arts before getting her big break when she landed a role on the long-running NBC-series, "A Different World." The multi-talented actress, producer, director and philanthropist continually challenges herself in a variety of ways.
Now, not only is she playing her first lead role in a TV-series on "HawthoRNe," but she is also the show's executive producer. Pinkett Smith's recent work includes . . .