Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris was rebuffed in the U.S. Senate today as he tried to enter the venerated chambers and take his seat, as the successor to president-elect Barack Obama appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
"My credentials were not in order, I will not be accepted, I will not be seated," Burris, 71, told a reporters ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - President-elect Barack Obama will be hosting a Youth Inaugural Ball, five Regional Inaugural balls, and a ball for his Home States - Illinois and Hawaii on Jan. 20. Vice President-elect Joe Biden will host a ball for his Home States as well: Delaware and Pennsylvania. These balls round out the list of official inaugural balls to be held on Tuesday, January 20, along with the previously announced Neighborhood Inaugural Ball and Commander in Chief's Ball ...

On Friday January 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. there will be an MLK Youth Hip Hop event at Garfield Community Center. The Seattle King County NAACP is looking for artists to be in the show.
Historically, says Ashley Dunn, membership chair of the Seattle NAACP, the Hip Hop Event was geared towards a younger generation to allow them to participate in the celebration -- especially planning ...

Are you a minority student who is interested in studying chemistry? The American Chemical Society is now accepting applications for scholarships for high school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2009, for the 2009-2010 school year ...

Town Hall Presents 'From Odetta To Obama: Celebrating A Changing America'
An Inauguration Day Gala Concert
Tuesday, January 20 At 7:30 PM ...

The entire Seattle City Council will present to the public its 2009 legislative themes and priorities at its meeting next Monday, Jan. 12. The meeting will include an overview of major priorities from each City Council member, and the opportunity for public comment ...

In a bid to help expand minority access to public-contracting opportunities, Metro officials announced today they have hired Coast Office Products to provide office supplies for the agency. The minority-owned firm, based in northeast Portland, recently signed on with Office Depot and is one of only twelve minority-owned firms in the country selected for the corporation's Supplier Diversity Program ...

If you have a gift card for KB Toys, shop now.  The Washington Attorney General's Office reported today it has been notified by legal counsel for KB Toys, Inc., that the company is liquidating its stores and will no longer accept gift cards or store credit after Sunday, Jan. 11 ...

The American Red Cross wants people to be aware of the possibility of flooding in the Seattle area and to be prepared if a flood should happen. 
Red Cross officials say they will work with community and government partners to determine any sheltering needs which will be disseminated to local media.
"The forecast for the coming days includes a lot of rain so people should be aware to the possibility of flooding," said Carol Dunn, a community disaster educator for the American Red Cross.  "Now is the time to make sure all family members know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water. You also should practice and plan an evacuation route ...

Clark County Public Works staff is prepared to respond if heavy rains cause flooding and landslides over the next 48 hours. Road crews will be watching low-lying areas for road blockages or threats to bridges, and responding to reports of slides.
People living in areas with a history of flooding or with steep slopes should pay careful attention to the situation during and after the storm, according to the county. Roads blocked by high water or slides will be barricaded if considered unsafe for travel. People should not try to drive around or move barricades.
Residents or businesses that see flood water or slides obstructing roadways should report to the Public Works Customer Service line at 360-397-2446 ...