CHARLESTON, S.C. — After being elected House majority whip last Thursday, Rep. Jim Clyburn recalled how, as a child growing up in Sumter, S.C., he once revealed to a family friend he dreamed of going into politics.
He was quickly told to keep such aspirations to himself. As a Black in segregated South Carolina in the 1950s, he was told he had no chance to be elected.

WASHINGTON — Americans would have to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 if the incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has his way.
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars and to bolster U.S. troop levels insufficient to cover potential future action in Iran, North Korea and Iraq.

An average refund of $831 is waiting for 2,469 Washington State taxpayers whose refund checks were…

It was a sequel few had asked for or dared conceive, a television and book project with Simpson describing how he would have killed his ex-wife. Any fascination with Simpson's shocking return to public life was overcome by revulsion and disbelief.
Even Rupert Murdoch, a media king with a famous taste for scandal, couldn't stand it anymore. On Monday, he canceled the whole thing, less than a week after it was announced.
"I and senior management agree with the American public that this was an ill-considered project," said Murdoch, whose News Corp. owns both Fox Broadcasting and publisher HarperCollins. "We are sorry for any pain that this has caused the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson."
"If I Did It" had been scheduled to air as a two-part interview Nov. 27 and Nov. 29 on Fox, with the book to follow on Nov. 30. HarperCollins spokeswoman Erin Crum said some copies had already been shipped to stores but would be recalled, and all copies would be destroyed. Should any turn up, they will become instant collectors' items.

PATIENT SERVICES STAFFPLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE COLUMBIA/WILLAMETTEseeks Patient Services Staff…

Black Student Union representatives Lomingo Andrews, left, and Erica Battles serve a blend of traditional African and African American fare to the students of Portland Community College Cascade during their celebration of the college's international students on Tuesday.  Food included beignets, macaroni and cheese, Congolese Black-eyed peas and rice.

Working families who can barely stretch a paycheck to pay for rent or a mortgage may soon find help through a new policy the Portland City Council has approved for affordable housing.
The council recently adopted an ordinance that will set aside 30 percent of urban renewal funds for affordable housing. In the next five years, the city estimates the new policy will result in $125.5 million for housing for working families, people of color, seniors and those with disabilities or in recovery. The additional revenue represents more than a $10-million-a-year increase over past spending for affordable housing.
The 30 percent set-aside is the highest set-aside figure for affordable housing in the United States, said Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten, who oversees the city's Bureau of Housing and Community Development.

In a world with almost pervasive violence, event organizer and psychotherapist Paul Stretch is trying to make a difference. Along with his wife, Alicia Richards, Stretch is putting together the 11th annual Children's Peace Fair.

In an effort to boost African American student achievement and involvement, REAP, Inc., a youth development organization, hosted Challenge 2006, a day-long event with workshops , speakers and a panel discussion featuring a variety of successful African American professionals.
The voluntary, second annual African American student conference was held for students at Grant High School on Nov. 9 — a day when students at the school had the option of staying home.

Many Hats Collaboration is planning the world premiere of "Mutt" by Lava Alapai, an…