WASHINGTON (AP) -- Days from becoming the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, Lehman Brothers steered millions to departing executives even while pleading for a federal rescue, Congress was told Monday.
As well, executives who feared for their bonuses in the company's last months were told not to worry, according to documents cited at a congressional hearing. One executive said he was embarrassed when employees suggested that Lehman executives forgo bonuses, and cracked: "I'm not sure what's in the water."
The first hearing into what caused the nation's financial markets to collapse last month, precipitating a $700 billion bailout, opened with finger-pointing and glimpses into internal company documents from Lehman's chaotic last hours....

Don't know how the local candidates for city and county differ? You're not alone. The Skanner, partnering with the North Portland Multimedia Training Center, is working to help voters understand the views and positions of local candidates a little better with videos ...

At the beginning of the Race for the Cure's 5k walk, "Team Peggy for Mammograms" takes off at full throttle and full tilt.  With about 35 team members from all around the state and Texas, Peggy Ross' team was ready to roll to make it to the finish line and head for breakfast together after the race. Ross is a local cancer survivor, an inspiration to many, and director of the Oregon Affirmative Action Office. 
Photo By Julie Keefe

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives – is taking steps to reach out to the local community with supportive programs, projects and trainings. "It is not just for Black law enforcement — it's for everyone in law enforcement,"....

In 1993, Hamedah Hassan was sentenced to live the rest of her life in a federal penitentiary. Hassan – then known as Stephanie Lomax -- didn't rape, murder or kidnap anyone. Her crime? She was marginally involved in her cousin's crack cocaine business. She babysat the kids, ran small errands and occasionally wired money for him – she says she never touched the drugs ....

Jefferson High School Alumni Association is planning a huge tailgating party for the Oct. 3 Homecoming Game against Roosevelt. The cars will begin lining up on the west side of the football field for the school's 100th birthday festivities.
Alumni are encouraged to bring as many of their fellow classmates, friends, and family as they can. Organizers are also trying to find people with old cars that represent the 10 decades the school has seen....

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

Imagine the chaos if a tremendous earthquake …

The Bayer Corporation survey found that women, African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and that the result could hurt the nation as a whole. The findings of the study should alarm whoever is going to be the next president of the United States the report stated. Minorities are seen as perhaps the saving grace for the country if America is going to keep its place as the leader in the STEM industry, the report noted.
 "What is most dramatic about this survey is the extent to which the Fortune executives speak with one unequivocal voice on these issues," said Dr. Attila Molnar, President and CEO of Bayer Corporation.  "Almost without exception, they overwhelmingly recognize this country's great need to tap the potential of the entire STEM talent pool, and the importance of doing so at every point on the development continuum...

See a film and help fight hunger at the 28th annual Cans Film Festival, Thursday, Sept. 25.
Donate three or more cans or boxes of nonperishable food at any Regal Cinemas in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., and receive admission to a movie and a small popcorn..."As the cost of food and fuel rises, more people seek emergency food," says Rachel Bristol, the food bank CEO. "The food that moviegoers donate during Cans Film Festival helps regional food banks of the OFB Network fight hunger in their local communities."...