Federal officials have approved two requests from the state that will improve access to health care for more than 30,000 children enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Another 8,800 of Oregon's poorest adults enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan Standard benefit package also will benefit.

"When more of our citizens have health insurance, health care is more affordable for all of us," said Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

A new peace park on the east side of the Steel Bridge will be dedicated on Memorial Day by Mayor Tom Potter and Veterans for Peace.

Ceremonies will begin at noon Monday, May 29, in the Rose Quarter Memorial Coliseum, where the World War II and Korean War memorials are located. Another ceremony will be at the Portland Memorial Peace Park, corner of North Interstate Avenue and Oregon Street.

Richard Howard, Father, Musician, Poet, Dies at 74Portland resident Richard Howard passed away at…

"SENSE OF DIRECTION"FARNELL NEWTON-MARCUS REYNOLDS QUINTETDiatic Records* * * *…

This year's Art Hop on Alberta will buzz with art events — from visual displays to performances — for a complete weekend.
The festival, themed "Art of Surprise/Surprise of Art," runs Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21. Festivities kick off both days at 10 a.m. and run into the evening. The fair takes place along Northeast Alberta Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 31st Avenue, making it one of the longest street fairs in Oregon.

This year's festival, put on by Northeast Alberta's local business owners and artists, features four stages of music, international and city-sponsored art retrospectives, strolling performers, food vendors, gallery and street art sales and more.

Government leaders with "green" agendas hope to see King County become the first in the nation to join a national market for buying and selling credits to help curb global warming.

County Executive Ron Sims is pushing for the county to join the Chicago Climate Exchange, a market in which the commodity is the reduction of greenhouse gases. He also pushed for a county government commitment to reduce its production of gases that aggravate climate change.

"Global warming ... affects our economy, the way we live, the future and the future of our children," county Councilor Larry Phillips said at a meeting with Sims on Monday. "King County has the chance to lead the way to effective solutions." The proposal would make King the first county to join the exchange, also called CCX.

LACEY—After months of combing through insurance plans, comparing drug prices and breaking into tears as she sought advice, Beth Beck joined thousands of Americans who signed up for the government's new prescription drug program Monday.

Margaret Carter

Oregon State Sen. Margaret Carter is joining The Skanner as vice president of corporate affairs and will lend her clout, intellect, connections and energy to The Skanner's mission of Challenging People to Shape A Better Future Now.

Two Portland Development Commission employees have filed complaints against the commission, claiming race discrimination and retaliation.

Tyrone Henry, a contract/appliance manager, and Christina Cain, a senior executive assistant, have filed complaints with the state Bureau of Labor and Industries.

City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, center, talks with reporters Tuesday night after successfully running for re-election.

Although only 34 percent of Multnomah County voters cast their ballots in Tuesday's election, the election went on anyway. As a result, Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski will run against Republican Ron Saxton in the governor's race in November; county chair Diane Linn will give up her seat to newcomer Ted Wheeler; and city commissioners Erik Sten and Dan Saltzman will remain on the Portland City Council.