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Ban on Flag Draped Coffins to be Lifted

The DoD apparently didn't confirm the information, but it is generally accepted that the ban was initiated after the December 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama to depose Dictator Manuel Noriega.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The Pentagon is lifting a Bush Administration ban on media coverage of the flag-draped coffins of war casualties killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is welcome news to countless Americans who have had the reality of war officially blocked from view by an administration bent on public perception.

NAPA Finds National Drug Strategies Since `99 Inconsistent, Based on Single Source Data

Too much time spent rallying against marijuana have allowed actual drug problems to spiral out of control, National Academy of Public Administration says.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - In a report released today, a panel of the National Academy of Public Administration found the national drug control strategies since 1999 have been inconsistent.

The group says the feds were heavily reliant on data from a single source, and did not focus on comprehensive assessments of the status of the drug problem.

Biden, Duncan Urge Accountability, Speed in Spending AARA Education Funds

Meeting brings together state school heads with Vice President and Education Secretary.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Speaking with state school superintendents from around the country yesterday, Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan urged swift action and exceptional accountability in the disbursement of education-related recovery funds.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law last week, represents America’s largest-ever investment in education.

Beginning of the End: US Attorney General Says Ending DEA Raids `Now American Policy` (VIDEOS)

"What the President said during the campaign...is consistent with what we will be doing here in law enforcement" - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Speaking at a press conference on Feb. 25 with DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters that ending federal medical marijuana raids "is now American policy."

The AG’s comments are the latest sign of a sea change in federal policy prompted by a groundswell of grassroots pressure by Americans.

Nurses Welcome President`s Call for Comprehensive Health Reform

But they say only one reform, Medicare for all, will solve crisis and cut costs.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - The nation's largest organization of registered nurses praised President Obama's call for "comprehensive" healthcare reform in his speech to Congress Tuesday night, but emphasized that only genuine reform, as in expanding Medicare to cover everyone, will actually solve the crisis.

They say that means reining in the skyrocketing costs that the president noted are bankrupting Americans and costing jobs.

Wagging it at the Waterfront...Newport Beach

Great ideas when visiting Newport Beach, California.

(NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.) - The pet friendliest place to stay in Newport Beach when you and your pooch need some luxurious pampering is the Island Hotel, located adjacent to the Fashion Island Mall.

Pet amenities include a freshly baked fragrant and chewy dog bone made by Executive Pastry Chef Michael Owens. Each bone is handcrafted from wheat and rice flour and chicken stock.

Food Stamp and Cash Assistance Demand Continues at Record Levels

A total of 535,000 people – or 277,000 households – received the benefit in Oregon last month.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The increase in the number of people receiving food stamps in Oregon during the past year is greater than the population of Medford; workers continue to scramble to help struggling Oregonians.

January 2009 brought the biggest increase of the recession in the demand for temporary cash assistance and food stamps in Oregon - - and the need continues at record levels.

Overall Agricultural Sales Increased in 2008 Although 16 Counties Show Decline

Agriculture still a big player in all 36 Oregon counties.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County remains the runaway leader, two eastern Oregon counties have cracked the top three, and more than half of Oregon's 36 counties have reported an increase in agricultural sales in 2008 according to statistics released by Oregon State University this month.

Many counties reported dramatic growth last year buoyed by high prices and good yields.

Oregon Snow May Fall to Sea Level At The Beach (VIDEO)

Sticking snow will continue Above 500 Feet tonight and Thursday as a cold low pressure system moves into the Pacific Northwest, below 500 feet snow showers can be expected but little or no accumulation is expected.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A steady onshore flow of moisture combined with cold temperatures in the upper levels of the atmosphere continue to be the trigger for snow across the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.

Accuweather.com reports that by tonight, a foot or more of new snow will have fallen across the Washington and Oregon Cascades, while a general 3-6 inches of new snow is forecast for the mountains of northern California and northern parts of the Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet.

Salem Police Mourn the Death of Canine `Granit`

The loss has left the Salem Police Department with the unexpected need to obtain and train another canine for our program, a cost of approximately $14,000.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It is with great sadness that the Salem Police Department announces the unexpected death of one of their patrol canines, Granit.

Lt Dave Okada with Salem Police, says Granit died on the evening of February 4th from "bloat," which is a condition of the esophagus and lower intestine.