Good news for average families. Homes are becoming more affordable as sales slip.
Home sales in early 2008 continued to ease compared to both late 2007 and a year ago, according to statistics prepared by the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at Washington State University ...

For the second year in row, police will again take to the streets at night to pull over and ticket drivers who aren't wearing their seatbelts. The campaign will be waged between May 19 and June 1.
A recent analysis by the WTSC said that the Click It or Ticket campaign may be helping to reduce fatalities on Washington roads. During 2007, both daytime and nighttime vehicle occupant fatalities were lower compared to the previous 10 years ...

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

For the last year, Danielle Tucker spent nearly 18 hours a week studying for one class. But she wasn't alone. Thirty-five other students also joined the Constitution Team for what some could consider an extreme academic endurance competition.
And for the second year in a row, Grant High School – with one of the most diverse teams in its history — placed third in the nation at the "We the People" competition in Washington, D.C. on May 5.
At Grant High School, the Constitution Team is a highly competitive class. According to instructor, Geoffrey Henderson, 96 kids tried out for the 36 slots. The students are selected after submitting an essay and undergoing an oral interview. Then comes the training for the competition — students are broken up into six units of study – ranging from the foundations of the constitution to the bill of rights to case law and spend the rest of the year studying....

Portland Community College President Preston Pulliams (right) helps Art Beat featured artist Harry Widman unveil his featured art work at the festival's Art Beat kick-off ceremony at the college's Southeast Center, 2305 SE 82nd and Division. The painting, "Mother and Daughter," will be permanently installed at the center in honor of Widman, a resident of Cedar Hills. Every year, organizers select a featured artist who creates a work of art in their field that permanently resides at one of PCC's campuses.

Sen. Barack Obama visits the Vernier Software & Technology in Beaverton on Friday to talk to workers about the country's economic future. Former presidential candidate John Edwards, D-S.C., endorsed Obama this week.

Described as a powerful, positive and larger-than-life personality, inspirational speaker Iyanla VanZant comes to Benaroya Hall in Seattle Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m.
She appears as part of the "Five Evenings with Extraordinary People" lecture series.
Her work, VanZant says, "Teaches people how to move beyond whatever has happened in their lives in order to do and be what we came to life to do and be."
In 1998, VanZant founded InnerVisions, a network of holistic and spiritual practitioners of multicultural backgrounds and all religious faiths who present inspirational, life-affirming workshops and events.
VanZant says that one cannot evolve politically, socially or economically until one evolves spiritually.
Her speaking style is renowned for passion, humor, strength and humility.
For ticket information call the Seattle Symphony Box Office at 206-215-4747.

A cross-cultural convergence of music, both traditional and groundbreaking, is the heart and soul of the Northwest Folklife Festival. With more than 800 performances, workshops, dances and family activities scheduled, the four-day festival will also feature Urban Indian culture, local Hip Hop, Folk Punk and a Northwest Independent showcase, along with much more.
The 37th annual Northwest Folklife Festival, Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26, is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. While admission is free, visitors' donations make the Festival possible.
The entire program is available at www.nwfolklife.org. A new "Performers Search" function makes the weekend's schedule searchable by performer or by genre. Highlights include ...

The NAACP board of directors has chosen Ben Jealous, a former news executive and lifelong activist, as the organization's next president and the youngest in its 99-year history.
The 64-member board met and voted in Baltimore on Friday and plans to formally announce its decision on Saturday at a noon press conference.
NAACP national spokesman Richard J. McIntire confirmed the vote with The Associated Press early Saturday after the 8-hour closed door meeting....

Portland Fire Bureau estimated more than 70,000 people gathered in Waterfront Park to hear Obama speak.

After sharpening his attacks on Republican John McCain, Barack Obama is ready to lay a symbolic claim to the U.S. Democratic presidential nomination following Tuesday's round of primaries.
The upcoming primaries in Oregon and Kentucky should leave Obama less than 100 delegates away from reaching the total 2,026 needed to secure his party's nomination after an epic battle with Hillary Rodham Clinton....