Students from the Media Arts Training Institute at Open Meadows School are starting their own newspaper this fall – so they took a tour of The Skanner's offices to learn a little more about how it's done. Accompanied by their advisors and teachers, the kids discussed the Oct. 31 kick-off of their new publication, and asked many, many questions.

ACORN members rally for safety at the corner of North Midway and Fessenden Streets as cars zoom past on Friday, Sept. 26 during rush hour. All summer, ACORN members say, they've sent letters to the Portland Traffic Engineer, Robert Burchfield, and Commissioner Sam Adams, inviting them out to the streetcorner to see the need for a crosswalk – so far no officials have taken them up on the offer. The group argues that school children are forced to cross the dangerous street many drivers drive well over the posted 25-mile per hour speed limit. Left to right, Cassandra Patterson, Aimee Olin, Dan Bell, and Robert Simmons escorted pedestrians across the street while holding up signs calling for street safety.

Shantel Monk is a 17-year-old foster child, the eldest of four children born to a teen mom with drug and alcohol problems.  Joe Halloran is a cancer patient, only alive because of a stem cell transplant, who will  need medical care for the rest of his life -- Victims? Not so you'd notice....

If you're the type of biker who doesn't like to ride with lights, think again. This fall, the Portland Police will begin stopping and citing cyclists who are riding at night without proper lights -- they'll also be giving out free lights....

During periods of economic decline entrepreneurs are most likely to bear the brunt economically. Do not bury your head in the ground waiting for things to get better. Look how your business can leverage this time to actually increase your opportunities to outsmart larger competitors who, during a downturn, carry on with business as usual or are unable to adapt quickly. Proactive small business entrepreneurs can actually thrive....

LifeWorks NW, non-profit provider of mental health and addiction services throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clatsop counties, announced today that it has elected its 2008-2009 officers on the board of directors.

Portland Community College's Small Business Center is a community-based resource offering everything from classes to useful marketing tips. Based at the Lloyd Center Mall in Northeast Portland, the center is part of a statewide network funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.

The Metro Council last week voted to reappoint Ellis "Ray" Leary to serve a second term on the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission. Leary was nominated by the City of Portland as its representative on the regional Metro commission overseeing the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Expo Center and Portland Center for the Performing Arts....

Los SuperSones Trio will perform traditional Cuban dance music at "The Sounds of Cuba: Afro-Cuban Folklore in the Countryside to Salsa in the City" from 3  to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at The Seattle Public Library, South Park Branch, 8604 Eighth Ave. S.

Minority, women and emerging small businesses involved in construction contracting can attend a meeting next week to find out about upcoming projects looking for competitive bids in their fields....