Carlsbad, Calif - In the world of faith, which speaks in the language of forgiveness and deals in the currency of hope, the request would seem simple enough: An ex-con introduces himself in church and asks to become a part of the congregation. Except when the ex-con is a registered sex offender. The request has plunged Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, Calif., into the center of a gathering storm, fueled by an explosion ... [full story]

WASHINGTON - You've heard about it. You've read about it. Now see it for the first time. It's the Postal Service's newest consumer innovation -- the Forever stamp. The stamp was previewed today at the National Postal Forum, the premier trade show for advertising, marketing and mailing executives. Featuring the Liberty Bell image and the word "forever," the stamp will be good for mailing one-ounce First-Class letters anytime in the future -- regardless of price ... [full story]

SAN DIEGO - The Navy is spending $9 million to rebuild the heating and air conditioning system at San Diego Naval Medical Center after finding disease-causing mold growing inside ventilation ducts, the hospital's officials have confirmed. A routine inspection last spring revealed colonies of 10 to 12 types of mold, Capt. David Tam, the hospital's deputy commander, said in response to an inquiry from The San Diego Union-Tribune. Some molds can cause allergies and irritation, ... [full story]

Clackamas, Oregon - Based on recent catches, sturgeon retention will close at midnight, Wednesday, March 28 on the Columbia River, from The Dalles Dam to the John Day Dam. The retention closure remains in effect through the end of the year.This stretch of the river is managed for a recreational harvest guideline of 100 white sturgeon. Sturgeon retention in tributaries of The Dalles Pool also closes starting at midnight March 28. Catch-and-release angling for sturgeon ... [full story]

YUMA, Ariz. - It is one of the world's largest desalination plants, big enough to provide water to 500,000 people. But since 1993, the Yuma Desalting Plant has stood idle at the edge of this quiet agricultural community. Now, for the first time in 14 years, the $250 million reverse-osmosis facility is back in operation for a three-month test run. And that is prompting a key question: How would this affect the Cienega de Santa ... [full story]

NEW YORK - More consumers are filing their taxes online, and fewer are concerned about Internet security, The Conference Board and TNS report today. This year, 39 percent of consumers intend to file their 2006 federal taxes online, up from 28 percent just three years ago. Online tax filing is a growing trend. Close to two-thirds of consumers report having filed online for three or more consecutive years, of which nearly half have been filing ... [full story]

The City of Bend is holding an open house on the Murphy Road Corridor Study on Thursday, April 5. The Open House will take place from 4-6 p.m. Presentations will take place at 4 and 5 p.m. in the Pines Room of Bend Golf & Country Club.The Murphy Road corridor study is analyzing needed improvements to Murphy Road between Third Street on the west and 15th Street on the east. The public is invited to ... [full story]

The city of Bend has announced paving projects at two intersections will necessitate road closures on Thursday, March 29.  Signs and cones will be set up along with detours to maintain and control traffic throughout the work zone. The affected areas include the intersection of NW 12th Street and Baltimore from 7-11 a.m., and at Burnside and SE Third St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  [full story]

New Principals Bring Dynamic Leadership Skills to Bend-La Pine Schools  Three more Bend-La Pine Schools will have new leaders in the principal seat this fall. After a comprehensive, nationwide search and demanding interview process, Superintendent Doug Nelson is pleased to announce the names of the schools’ newest principals. "We are fortunate to have been able to both promote from within, as well as bring in a leader from outside the state for these positions," says ... [full story]

A body was found early Friday morning floating in the surf at Lincoln Beach about two miles north of Depoe Bay, and prior to positive identification there is strong speculation that it may be a Woodburn man missing since Saturday from a plane crash. An area resident reported seeing a body floating at Lincoln Beach south of Gleneden Beach near daylight on March 23, Oregon State Police (OSP) reported.  The body was retrieved with the ... [full story]