Conrad Wilson

Ray Spaulding cooks apples in front of a class on cooking healthful desserts at the Portland VA withJessica Mooney, right, a clinical dietitian. About 80 percent of veterans are overweight and obese and another quarter have diabetes, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In Portland, A Boot Camp To Help Veterans Cook Healthier Food

Conrad Wilson

The VA says many veterans who use its services are overweight, obese or suffer from diabetes. The agency's Portland branch wants to help veterans manage health issues by offering cooking classes.

Tribal Chairman Bill Iyall stands on Cowlitz Tribe reservation land with a rendering of the casino the tribe hopes to build on the site near La Center, Washington, just north of Portland, Ore.

National & World News

'Location Is Everything' In Tribal Casino Dispute

Conrad Wilson

The dispute between two Native American tribes comes down to historical claims on a casino's proposed site — and also business.

About three trains containing oil from the Bakken oil fields currently pass through the Vancouver, Wash., region every day. That number would more than double if the Vancouver Energy Project is approved.

Health, Science and Environment

Northwest Oil Terminal Plan Would Mean Jobs — And More Oil Trains

Conrad Wilson

Oil companies hope to build the nation's largest oil-by-rail terminal on the Columbia River in Washington. Proponents say it will bring economic growth, but others fear it could mean fiery accidents.