Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ new elementary health curriculum
Salem-Keizer Public Schools is in the process of adopting a new health curriculum for grades K-5, called The Great Body Shop, which was selected by a committee of educators, parents, a community member and a school board member. The new curriculum is being taught in seven pilot schools this school year and will be implemented in all Salem-Keizer elementary schools next year. (Sydney Wyatt/Statesman Journal)
Police investigate bomb threat against Portland schools, deemed not credible
The Portland Police Bureau is investigating a citywide bomb threat to schools after responding to reports of an emailed threat Wednesday afternoon. But after a preliminary assessment, police say there is no reason to believe the threats are credible. Officers are working with administrators in multiple schools and districts, and have notified the FBI of the threat. In a press release, the bureau says officers have asked school staff to check their property. They have not reported anything suspicious. Portland Public Schools officials emailed all families of students in the district early Thursday morning. They asked parents and students to share any information regarding the threats with the police bureau or by texting, calling, or emailing Safe Oregon. On Monday, PPS officials confirmed a bomb threat reported through SafeOregon towards Franklin High School in Southeast Portland. School officials said they notified PPS security services, PPB, and Franklin school staff, but nothing unusual or suspicious was found. PPS officials said that threat was “completely separate” from the citywide threat. (Elizabeth Miller/OPB)
Newport considers paying its city council members
Members of Newport’s City Council don’t get paid, but city officials are considering a proposal to change that. The only hitch is that the council in the Oregon Coast town isn’t legally allowed to vote to pay themselves. Officials say they could vote for a stipend to take effect after the next election or put the question before Newport voters. City officials want to make serving on the council appeal to a wider cross-section of Newport residents. The council is planning to create a work group to explore the issue and gather community input. (Chris M. Lehman/KLCC)
Formula E racing in Portland
Portland is welcoming a new motorsport to the city for an event next summer. Organizers of the all-electric “Formula E” World Championship say the Portland International Raceway will host a race on June 24. Portland is the only U.S. stop on next year’s Formula E tour, which highlights the latest advancements in electric racing technology. Other cities on the tour include Rome, Monaco and Cape Town. Race officials say they chose Portland for its passionate pro sports fan base and its strong environmental credentials. (Jeff Thompson/OPB)
Eugene to weigh decommissioning of Leaburg Hydroelectric Project
The Eugene Water & Electric Board says it’s considering a proposal to remove a 90-year-old hydroelectric dam on the McKenzie River. An EWEB spokesperson says the board was receptive to general manager Frank Lawson’s recommendation to decommission the Leaburg project. EWEB plans to petition the Bonneville Power Administration to replace Leaburg’s energy generation, at a lower cost. (Brian Bull/KLCC)