As The Skanner News Group launches our new website design, we are also shifting our mission of community service toward a commitment to address the digital divide. Our new online look is geared toward providing more information to our readers around the Pacific Northwest, as well as increasing your ability to comment about the stories, editorials and breaking news that we offer every day ...

Cheers, applause, laughter, repeated standing ovations â€" and even church-like shouts of “Yes!â€" and “Amen!â€" at the NAACP Centennial meeting last week showed the world that amidst the daily responsibilities of the Oval Office, President Barack Obama has not lost his rock star appeal in the Black community.“What an extraordinary night, capping off an extraordinary week, capping off an extraordinary 100 years at the NAACP,â€" he shouted his first words to the applauding crowd in New York City ...

At first Dasha Kinney didn't have much interest in planting food crops. Flowers were more to her interests. But after learning about different plants, what kind of soils they need to flourish, composting and other aspects of gardening, her view changed. "I wanted to give back to my community," she said of the small green sprouts she helped plant that will supply ...

The Portland Police Gang Enforcement Team today announced stepped up patrols and outreach in response to nightly shootings since last Friday . . .

There will be a 26th of July (anniversary of the beginning of the Cuban revolution) picnic on the 26th of July at Meridian park on the corner of 50th and Meridian in Wallingford at 3pm ...

"In an effort to raise awareness and education about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, our organization is producing an hour long television documentary that will explore the history and significance of this disorder that affects hundreds of thousands of combat veterans and many other people who are survivors of traumatic events." -Tim King, Producer

Deportations from Washington, Oregon and Alaska jumped nearly 10 percent from a year ago, according to new figures from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Illegal immigrants with criminal records comprised 60 percent of the total ...

Oregon Lane County authorities say swine flu hasn't taken the summer off. Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend has treated 13 patients for pneumonia, a complication of influenza, including five who are sick enough to be admitted to the intensive care unit, said Administrator Jill Hoggard-Green. The patients range from 14 months to 62 years old. Two have confirmed cases of swine flu, and the rest are suspected cases...

When the national scenic trails system was created four decades ago, the goal was to build a walking path across the United States. That goal has come closer to reality with President Obama's signing of a bill ...

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. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 18, 9:30 A.M. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Northeast 9th Avenue and Alberta Street, followed by a community reception. . . .