Nancy Metcalf of Consumer Reports says insurance industry is broken. As the debate over health care reform heats up in Washington, D.C., a report released Wednesday could make a major blow to private insurance companies' credibility . . .

Last fall, Nickels proposed the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative with the goal of reducing incidents of youth violence by 50 percent. In his State of the City speech last February, Nickels promised to hold a summit to explore best practices and call our entire community to action. "This gathering will bring together parents, young people and community members to motivate and support each other in our efforts," Nickels says. "It will take everyone working together to engage our young people and offer them a better path." . . .

Last weekend when the National Newspaper Publishers Association ("the Black Press of America") held its annual convention in Minneapolis, The Skanner walked away with an armful of coveted national awards. We dominated," said publisher Bernie Foster, gleeful . . . .

The Seattle City Council today launched a new website to help people cope with the current economic crisis. Recession Resources for Seattle Residents offers links to a variety of informational sites and resources for those seeking job training, debt assistance, help with housing issues, and health care. This new service is designed to help people hold their ground in what looks to be a continued stretch of difficult financial times.  "Our goal is to make it easier for Seattle residents to find the help they need, and find it quickly," Council President Richard Conlin said. . . .

Eric Stanford (far right) directs volunteers at a benefit car wash for the First AME's Annual Richard Allen Brotherhood Summer Camp. The camp provides an opportunity for the men of the church to mentor the boys while enjoying the outdoors. 

What's happening for you in your city this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below . . . .

Members of the cast of Hairspray joined over 200 other groups June 28 during the annual Gay Pride Parade.  Thousands of people lined the parade route from downtown to Seattle Center.  Organizations as diverse as the ACLU, Half Price books, PFLAG and the Seattle Public Library participated in the Parade. . . .

Sharon Jones performs with the Dap Kings at this year's Blues Festival. Photo courtesy of Waterfront Blues Festival. The largest blues fest west of the Mississippi will kick off this Thursday at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The 22nd annual Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival will welcome more than 100,000 attendees from July 2 to 5 to listen to more than 100 performances from some of the best performers in the nation. . . .

The King of Pop died on June 25, 2009. Michael Jackson created some of the best-selling records and song hits the world has ever known. From his collaboration as a child with the Jackson 5 to "Thriller" and beyond, Jackson was a pioneer of voice, dance and style ... In Portland on July 11 at the Someday Lounge, there will be a Prince vs. Michael Jackson show . . .

The graceful, and beloved, dancer choreographer Keith Goodman died suddenly Saturday afternoon after a dance performance in Beaverton. He was 54. The celebration of his life is Thursday, July 2 from 4-6 p.m. in the Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland. Goodman had worked for years with children at Buckman Arts Magnet School, collaborated with the Conduit dance collective, and led his own troupe, Dance Gatherers. . . .