EDITORS' PICKS

The Oregonian's picks for top news from Portland and Oregon

From vintage bumper cars to cotton cancy, families flock to the tourist town for a familiar mix of kitsch and merriment. Full story »

Lincoln High Students use their knowledge of civics and democracy to help legal residents prepare for their naturalization tests. Full story »

This is the first time specialists have descended into the dark, slippery cave of the popular attraction to save a protected pinniped. Full story »

Today, Lincoln City, an amalgamation of five little towns that pooled together 45 years ago to become one, boasts the glass blowing studio, a culinary arts center and a culture center. They've buried power lines, put in new sidewalks, expanded parking and got rid of traffic nuisances. Full story »

Nate Marshall tells how the Scouts have collected information on suspected child molesters, thieves and johns -- and gays, atheists and agnostics. Full story »

Robert Crump, a Brookings native, got off work and headed into the woods to find the 4-year-old girl. After an hour or so of looking, he spotted the child under thick underbrush. "She was so buried and camouflaged under the stickers and salal," he said. Full story »

The 18-year-old, the daughter of Romanian immigrants, realizes how happy she should be to live in America and wants to make the most of her opportunity. Dinu is the last of 15 girls to be named a Rose princess this year, and the queen will be crowned June 12. Full story »

In a March 10 memo written to other school district officials, the principal wrote, "Several parents have called because their child is being hugged, and because there is a 'culture of hugging' here they didn't feel that they could say no." Full story »

Gov. Ted Kulongoski signs into law a raft of reforms meant to reduce the cost of Oregon's generous incentives for green energy projects. Full story »

Weight is responsible for a quarter of all recruits rejected for medical issues, and the number could grow along with waistlines. Full story »

A victim is suing local and national Scouting organizations in a case expected to gain national attention, saying they allowed a Scout leader to continue to have contact with boys after the man confessed to molesting 17 Scouts. Full story »

Hansen, TriMet's director since 1998, leaves the agency as it tells riders to expect more service cuts and a fall fare increase as a way to fill a $27 million budget hole. Full story »

For 30 years, patriarch John Faherty has invited his extended family to join in a holiday luncheon celebrating their Irish heritage.  Full story »

Portland City Council dismisses critics, votes unanimously to approve $20 million in sewer savings for bike boulevards and bioswales. Commissioner Amanda Fritz said it's better to use the $20 million on green streets than to return the money to Portland residents whose sewer bills are among the highest in the country. Full story »