It may be the most hated test in Washington history, but the Washington Assessment of Student Learning also has contributed to student achievement and has helped teachers focus on state education goals, according to a study released Wednesday.

Homeowners and credit consumers benefit from two new laws signed this morning by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski. One requires lenders to notify homeowners facing foreclosure of the right to a meeting, and to assess whether the borrower is eligible for a loan modification ...

• Community gardens workshop for faith communities
• PCC National Night Out
• Free Ride for Kids at Providence Bridge Pedal
• Help the Peninsula Children's Center
• Nominate Clark County Leaders

A former Multnomah County deputy prosecutor has been sentenced to two years in prison for stealing a dying woman's house. Randy Ray Richardson, 39, cried Monday as he apologized in court to the woman's granddaughters.

As Tonya Dickens catches up with paperwork in the Brother's and Sister's Keepers office at the King Neighborhood building on Northeast 7th Street, she's surrounded by neighborhood kids watching Michael Jackson videos. This morning, Dickens was at Portland's Gang Violence Task Force meeting, discussing how to end the recent outbreak of gang shootings. Tonight she'll be on the streets, moving from hotspot to hotspot in an effort to promote peace and help young people stay out of trouble ...

For the better part of her four children's lives, Monica Taylor has relied on the state of Oregon's Food Stamp Program to supplement their food budget. When money was tight for the single mom, she would go and see if she qualified for food stamps. "I'm just applying for some assistance," she said. "just need a little help, not much." ...

For the first time in 17 years, the Urban League of Portland has released its long-awaited look at how African Americans are faring in health, housing, education, prison, employment and other areas. Unfortunately, 'The State of Black Oregon 2009' shows not a whole lot has changed for the better ...

Louis Boston, president of The Boston Group, and influential business leader, passed away July 5, 2009 at his home in Tigard after a long battle with cancer. Boston, the son of Henry Lewis and Beulah Mae (Duran-Kirkland) Bailey was born Sept. 13, 1940 in Hackensack, N.J. and later adopted by William (Bill) and Rosa M. Boston of Albany, N.Y.  ...

A celebration of the life of Samuel E. Kelly, the founder and first Vice President of the Office of Minority Affairs at the University of Washington, was held on Monday, July 27, in 130 Kane Hall. Dr. Kelly passed away the morning of July 6 due to congestive heart failure. ...

More families are shopping at area Farmers Markets with Women, Infants and Children (WIC) vouchers from the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. This and other local, state and federal programs seek to provide low-income citizens with healthy fruits and vegetables. Even in the Tri-Cities, which produces a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, access to fresh produce remains an issue.