Chata Addy, left, S. Renee Mitchell, Evelyne Ello Hart, Jensine Larsen and Jessica Tomforde share a moment after the recent "Kikumbatio: An Embrace Between Portland's African and American Women," a program of music, dance, storytelling and theatre held March 15 at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center.

ATLANTA—The Rev. Jesse Jackson is touring Southern cities this week to rally opposition to next month's mayoral election in New Orleans, saying too many Hurricane Katrina victims scattered around the country will be unable to vote.

On the outside, it looks like an ordinary 40-foot TriMet bus, but under its engine panels is a one-of-a-kind cooling system that makes it unique in the transit industry.
"TriMet is the first in the nation to combine cutting edge technologies from the racetrack and military field in a bus that should get better fuel economy and require reduced maintenance," said Fred Hansen, TriMet's general manager.

CORVALLIS—Oregon State University will once again this summer offer high school students the experience of living on campus in a residence hall, attending college classes, meeting with advisers and getting a jump on what college life is all about. And they'll earn two college credits.

A delegation of activists, government officials and professionals from French-speaking Africa dropped by The Skanner's offices in North Portland March 20 to discuss the role of investigative journalism in transparent societies. While the group was forced to cut its visit short due to a scheduling conflict, they nonetheless got to take a look around The Skanner's offices and hear about the paper's purpose and readership.

The race to be Oregon's next governor heats up this week when two leading candidates face off at the City Club of Portland's Friday Forum.

Newly crowned Grant High School Rose Festival Ambassador Maggie Simpkins, center, is congratulated on her selection by her mother, Susan Schuster, left, and her father, Franklin Simpkins, right, after her recent coronation.

The Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will celebrate 50 years of service to the Portland community on March 17 in the Acadian Ballroom, 1829 N.E. Alberta St.

Youth between 13 and 21 years old who are interested in influencing government and changing society may want to serve on the Multnomah Youth Commission.