The Bay Area Rapid Transit agency has hired an organization of black law enforcement executives to conduct a review of the department following the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by a white transit officer. The agency's board of directors Thursday awarded the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives a $128,000 contract to assess BART police's diversity and the training officers receive about cultural awareness and the use of force, among other things. The group is also expected to review the agency's internal investigation and hiring practices. . . .

Although rapper Nas received backlash over his racial epithet-titled album before switching it to "Untitled,'' he says earning a Grammy nomination for his controversial disc encouraged him to keep speaking his mind. "It showed that I'm here and my voice is relevant,'' he told The Associated Press on Thursday night during an event held by BMI, a performing rights organization. "It shows my work is appreciated.'' Some like the Rev. Jesse Jackson criticized Nas, calling his original title choice, which used a racial slur referring to black people, morally offensive and too degrading. Nas decided to changed the title but the lyrics stayed the same for the gold-selling album, which was released last summer. Nas, who calls himself a "street disciple and political voice of hip-hop,'' feels he was able to get his message across. "It tends to scare people and offend them,'' he said. "That's what it's supposed to do. A record is supposed to do that every once in a while. . . .

Mychal Bell, the central figure in the case of the "Jena Six," is nearly a month away from graduating from Monroe Carroll High School, in Monroe, La., and will be attending a four-year university in the fall. But as he prepares to realize a dream, his family continues to suffer. "I am excited about the opportunity to play football and get an education. I am still looking at other options but my dream is coming true . . .

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 . . . .

With no swine flu cases yet reported in Oregon and Washington, health officials are stepping up education and preparedness efforts in advance of its spread.
The issue is of particular concern as both states face budget cuts that in Washington have already resulted in mandatory county employee furlough days – including within the health department.
So far as of 10 a.m. today, seven confirmed cases have been reported in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with 28 cases in New York City, two cases in Texas, two in Kansas and one in Ohio. . . .

The documents documents filed in court by the attorneys of the guardianship company now in possession of Simpson's affairs, showed errors in the billing paperwork for Simpson's legal representation that went unnoticed by the battery of professionals meant to safeguard her interests. Please scroll down to read the documents for yourself.

Howard joins the Cultural Trust from Portland's Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, where she was managing director for 2-1/2 years.  Prior to that, she was the education/outreach director for Artists Repertory Theatre.  She serves on the board of Northwest Business for Culture and the Arts and represents Oregon on the Western States Arts Federation's regional Multicultural Task Force. . . .

In his timely new book, author and activist Tim Wise explores how Barack Obama's emergence as a political force is taking the race debate to new levels. For many people, Obama's rise signifies the end of racism and a validation of the American ideals of color-blind meritocracy. But is this true? . . .

Growing pressure from poaching and human encroachment has driven hundreds of elephants to migrate across Zimbabwe's borders and at least one leopard to stalk an upmarket suburb of the capital, conservationists said Monday. The independent Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force appealed in its latest monthly bulletin for more action -- and money -- to preserve the troubled nation's wildlife. . . .

The 21 women nervously mingling at the White House were among the best in their fields. They had achieved Olympic gold, Grammy awards and four stars in the Army. One had orbited the earth aboard space shuttle Endeavour. Some had reached the highest outposts of corporate America, or had earned kudos on stage or on the big screen. They were together for one reason: Michelle Obama. . . .