Several years before the word "maverick'' was attached to a certain Alaska governor, Democrat John Kitzhaber was a proud and successful bearer of the same moniker. He served two terms as Oregon governor before leaving politics in 2003.
And now he's launched a comeback, announcing that he's a candidate in the 2010 gubernatorial race. He probably has a better chance of winning than any Democrat or Republican in the race so far.

Seattle's entire library system, from its branches to book drops to its Web site, is shut down all this week to save money. The public library is trying to cut 2 percent, or about $1 million, and the weeklong closure of its downtown central library and 26 branches aims to save $655,000. About 700 library employees are forgoing a week of pay, with the system to reopen the day after Labor Day.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is urging consumers to verify the licensing status of any payday lender they're considering doing business with...

While giving praise to Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer's latest plan to end racial profiling, critics still say there are issues that remain unaddressed by the police bureau ...

Wake Gregg's bike shop is a shining example of sustainable living. And the products he sells – electric bicycles – are about the most efficient form of motorized transportation that exists ...

Attorney General John Kroger last week shut down the Oregon operations of a Texas-based charity collecting money in the name of helping law enforcement agencies – but which kept most of the money for itself.

Although Better Business Bureau complaints regarding robocalls have become increasingly more common in recent years, a new law could drastically reduce complaints of this nature. The Federal Trade Commission recently announced a rule that prevents unsolicited robocalls to consumers ...

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) _ A rare appearance before home-town fans ended in disappointment for Randy Couture, who lost an unanimous decision to Brazil's Antonio Nogueira in the main event Saturday at UFC 102...

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) _ Former members of the State Board of Higher Education say Oregon's public university system needs a major overhaul. John von Schlegell, who resigned from the board recently, sent Gov. Ted Kulongoski a letter this week calling for fundamental changes in the way the state manages and funds its seven universities....

A former Army Ranger who led a terrifying takeover-style bank holdup pleaded not guilty Thursday to new federal charges that he tried to kill a fellow robber behind bars because he thought the one-time colleague had ratted him out.