Indigenous language conference begins this weekend in Bend
The Native languages spoken by members of the Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs are in danger of extinction. And that worries Valerie Switzler, general manager of the tribes, so she’s organized an Indigenous language conference to help preserve them. The event, Healing Through Our Native Languages, takes place Sunday through Wednesday on the Oregon State University-Cascades student campus in Bend. Switzler said it’s the first time since the 2000s such a conference has occurred. She hopes this year’s event promotes networking among Indigenous and non-Indigenous language teachers and helps Indigenous youth connect with their heritage, as she’s noticed it reaps benefits in all aspects of their lives. “It is the foundation of our sovereignty,” Switzler said. (Janay Wright/The Bulletin)
Semiconductor aid plan advances another step
Oregon’s plan to aid businesses in search of federal money for domestic semiconductor manufacturing has advanced another step. A House-Senate budget subcommittee has moved the plan in Senate Bill 4 for a vote by the full budget committee, which has scheduled it for Friday, March 24. Then it goes to up-or-down votes of the Senate and House. The plan includes $210 million to aid businesses and others seeking a share of federal grants or other incentives for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, help fund universities in innovative research and training, and set up a revolving loan fund for the development of industrial sites. It also includes Gov. Tina Kotek’s much-debated temporary authority to designate up to eight sites suitable for industrial development. It’s the first time in Oregon’s land-use planning process that a governor has been given such authority. (Peter Wong/Portland Tribune)
E-scooter rentals to roll out soon in Eugene
Eugene’s first-ever e-scooter rental program is set to roll out later this month. About 600 yellow, battery-powered scooters will be available to rent for 39 cents a minute plus a $2 up-front charge. They go up to 15 miles per hour. The city-approved program is a partnership between local nonprofit Cascadia Mobility and Superpedestrian, a company that offers e-scooter rentals in about 60 cities worldwide. Eugene will represent the company’s first operations in Oregon, but the company also offers scooters for rent in Seattle and four locations in California. “The goal for us is to improve access to alternative modes of transportation,” said Justin Sandoval, the community engagement manager for Cascadia Mobility, which also oversees the city’s bike-share program. (Chris M Lehman/KLCC)
Hearing delayed on bill to clarify exceptions in Idaho abortion law
A bill that attempts to clarify exemptions in Idaho’s abortion law did not get a hearing Wednesday as scheduled. Rep. Brent Crane (R-Nampa), the chair of the House State Affairs Committee, said he was holding it to work out some issues. The move came after the Idaho Republican Party sent an email Tuesday night, claiming the bill was an attempt by doctors to “have more leeway to perform abortions in Idaho.” The email called on people to tell committee members that Idaho’s abortion law is working as is. The measure introduced this week by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) and co-sponsored by Sen. Todd Lakey (R-Nampa) would change the wording in Idaho’s criminal abortion law. It would get rid of the need for doctors to provide an “affirmative defense” in front of a judge for abortions in cases of rape, incest or to save a patient’s life. Violating Idaho’s criminal abortion law is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. (Rachel Cohen/Boise State Public Radio)
Clark County schools to receive payouts as part of Juul settlement
Four school districts in Clark County are set to receive payouts over multiple years as part of a nationwide class-action lawsuit against Juul Labs Inc. and affiliated companies for deceptively marketing vaping devices to minors. The lawsuit alleges that Juul Labs and one of its major investors, Altria, contributed to rises in teen and youth nicotine addiction through advertising campaigns that intentionally appealed to children. The settlement is intended to hold the companies accountable for costs that school districts have incurred in order to address the increased issue among students and fund further education about nicotine abuse, support interventionists and more. Evergreen Public Schools, Battle Ground Public Schools, the Camas School District and Woodland Public Schools are among 1,600 school districts involved in the lawsuit. Evergreen, the county’s largest district, will receive about $600,000, though some of that will go toward legal fees. Battle Ground is getting about $320,000. It is still uncertain how much Camas and Woodland are set to receive. (Griffin Reilly/The Columbian)