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. . . .

Prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy vision by participating in InfantSEE® Week right here in King and Pierce Counties. The following local optometrists are offering NO-COST, comprehensive InfantSEE® assessments for babies six to 12 months old.  Call the optometrist closest to you and make an appointment for the week of May 11 . . .

Camp Long, located at

, offers many opportunities to discover what you can do to help the planet.
Located in West Seattle, this 68-acre forested park and environmental learning center offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature, hike, camp overnight in rustic cabins, rock climb, and learn about nature. Hours of operation are  . . .

The Seattle Public Library offers free beginning computer classes for people with visual impairments who would like to learn how to use computers with text enlargement software. All classes are held at the Central Library,

, Room 3, Level 4.
The classes are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Parking is available at the Central Library in the garage at regular rates. Class descriptions and times are listed below. . . .

King County Executive Ron Sims is presented with a blanket by the 20 Tribes of Northwest Washington at a going away party April 24 at the Westin Hotel in Seattle. Sims, who was confirmed as deputy director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, received a variety of tributes from the almost 500 people who attended the event.

Tracy Rascoe, a 9-year wind power-training veteran has been named director of Wind Energy Technology for Vancouver's new Northwest Renewable Energy Institute (NW-REI). The program is a separate division of the International Air & Hospitality Academy which plans to begin training wind energy technicians through its courses in Vancouver, Wash. this summer. Rascoe, 46, will join NW-REI from Tucumcari, N.M. where he is presently director of wind energy technology at Mesalands Community College. . . .

Tuesday U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that $54,696,000 has been made available in Washington State by the Department of Defense for infrastructure repairs at Fort Lewis.  This funding was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). "Investing in our military infrastructure here in Washington State is absolutely critical . . .

Sojourner Truth, a former slave who met with Abraham Lincoln and was an early crusader for women's right to vote and an end to slavery, is the first black woman to be honored with a bust at the Capitol.
First lady Michelle Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took part Tuesday in unveiling the abolitionist's statue at the Capitol Visitor Center.
The sculpture will remain on permanent display in the underground center's main space, called Emancipation Hall in part because slaves helped build the Capitol . . .