The Iraq war has demonstrated anew the indispensable role of National Guard and Reserve units as vital augments to America's active duty military forces. Yet, years of inadequate budgets and the stresses of prolonged, repeated deployments on a too-small force have left the Guard and Reserve so short of equipment, training and sometimes personnel that their ability to perform missions at home and abroad is increasingly in jeopardy. At present, 88 percent of all Army National ... [full story]

Bend, Oregon saw the highest home price appreciation in the nation from fourth-quarter 2005 to fourth-quarter 2006 -- 21.4 percent, far above the national average of 5.9 percent.  Over the last five years, Bend’s home prices have appreciated 104.4 percent. According to the Home Price Index (HPI) report released by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) on Thursday, two other Oregon Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) also made the “Top 20” list.  Within the ... [full story]

A K-9 police dog aided in the capture of a fugitive Thursday morning, giving chase and apprehending the suspect when the man led officers on a foot pursuit from a local motel.  Shortly before 10 a.m., Bend Police officers learned that a wanted and possibly armed man was at the Holiday Motel at 880 SE Third Street, Lt. Cory Darling reported.    Shawn Jay Moore – DCJ photo Officers set up a perimeter in the area and ... [full story]

WASHINGTON - A former Department of Defense (DOD) official pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of theft and embezzlement of public money, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher for the Criminal Division announced today. John Taylor was a civilian DOD employee who worked as an intelligence contingency funds officer and admitted today that he stole over $100,000 in intelligence contingency funds from DOD. He was assigned to the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade ... [full story]

One Year Extension Needed Now to Avert Crisis in Rural Counties Senator Gordon H. Smith (R- OR) continued his fight to extend the county payments safety net for Oregon’s rural counties.  During a hearing of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests yesterday, Senator Smith raised concerns over potential formula changes and heard testimony from Undersecretary Mark Rey of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Douglas County Commissioner Doug ... [full story]

Apparel from Brand Jordan, Apple Bottom, G-Unit Clothing, The Steve Harvey Collection, Monif C., LRG, Baby Phat and Amaya Swimwear also Featured Television's best dressed hour returns to show what's "in" during BET's annual fashion and music fete, “Rip the Runway” at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, March 6, 2007. Hosted by R&B singers Chris Brown and Ciara, “Rip the Runway” will a mix and match urban, high-end, and swimwear against a backdrop ... [full story]

We all know that shopping is one of life's greatest pleasures - well, at least for most of us girls. But when a new season rolls around, taking off to the mall is even more fun. There are so many clothes and so little time or money. So, you've got to make time. Take a spring break and get some retail therapy. Here are some tips from Amy Elliott, a shopping expert and author of ... [full story]

Fashion Wars continue: a hemline drawn in the sand ZOOZOOM, The Original Online Glossy, launches a new season of Fashion Wars, an interactive addition to their award-winning online fashion magazine, where designers go head-to-head with viewers voting for their favorite outfits.  Last season Michael Kors was victorious but there were plenty of surprises. As The New York Times noted, Patrik Rzepski, a relative newcomer to the New York fashion scene, came in third overall. ZOOZOOM ... [full story]

The story on diesel emissions [“New Report Details Diesel Danger For Commuters,” Feb. 28] regrettably neglected to mention the technological innovations the diesel industry has made over the past several years to vastly reduce emissions.Diesel has received an entire facelift. The entire clean diesel system is brand new -- from the fuel, to new clean engines, to advanced exhaust emission control devices. Commercial trucks sold this year have 90 percent fewer emissions of fine particles ... [full story]

SAN DIEGO - Police have found the head, the hand and a suspect. Now they're looking for a motive. Acting on a tip, investigators arrested a 61-year-old former porn shop worker yesterday in the shooting death of a homeless man whose head and hand were later dismembered. Gerald Michael Nash was taken into custody about 5:20 a.m. at his home behind an adult bookstore that once employed him, San Diego police Lt. Jeff Sferra said. ... [full story]