Trying to add a payment method? You can do this on the 
Greetings teachers,
Did you know that students who follow local news are more likely to grow into active, informed citizens? Research shows that engaging with local journalism not only encourages civic participation, like voting, but also sharpens critical thinking, strengthens community connections, and fosters personal growth.
Keeping up with local happenings also helps students see multiple perspectives and develop practical skills that can benefit them in college applications, job interviews and beyond. Lookout is committed to helping Lane County teachers equip their students to be confident, informed, and ready to engage with the world around them.
This week’s featured story breaks down the ins and outs of a divisive local ballot measure, and highlights why it’s important to be as informed as possible before casting your vote.
Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here to receive Educator Newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday.
There are still free Lookout memberships available through our Lookout for Teachers program! Sign up here.
Featured Story of the Week
What to know about the Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights
By Grace Chinowsky and Lillian Schrock-Clevenger
March 17, 2026
Measure 20-373 would allow county residents to take legal action against governments or businesses they […]
Classroom Discussion Questions:
- Who supports the measure and why? Who opposes it, and what are their main concerns?
- Why is it important for residents to understand and vote on local ballot measures like this one?
- How do local decisions, such as this measure, impact your daily life, even if you aren’t directly involved in environmental work?
Writing Prompt: Opposing Viewpoints
Create a dialogue between two residents with opposing views on the measure. Let each character explain their perspective and try to find common ground.
Latest from the Lookout Newsroom
Here’s a roundup of recent articles you could use in your classroom. Use our Current Event Discussion Guide for an easy way to facilitate reflection on these local events. Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
Activist saw J.H. Baxter site as a crime scene long before the regulators did
By Ashli Blow
March 17, 2026
The former executive director of Beyond Toxics listened closely to neighbors about the sickening pollution […]
Marion County prosecutor opens grand jury inquiry into Oregon State Hospital
By Ben Botkin
March 13, 2026
The inquiry comes after five unexpected patient deaths at the state psychiatric facility since 2023, […]
‘David and Goliath’: Doctors, nurses rally at PeaceHealth to keep local ER physicians
By Ashli Blow
March 12, 2026
Doctors and nurses rallied outside PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in their latest attempt to keep the hospital’s longtime emergency physician group under contract. PeaceHealth plans to replace the local practice with a new one supported by Atlanta-based […]
Latest Education & Statewide News
Lilly St. Angelo is Lookout’s dedicated education correspondent. Find more education coverage from her and our partners here. Do you have a story idea for Lilly? Contact her here.
Some advocates say the system that’s teaching Oregon’s teachers is broken
By James Neff / Oregon Journalism Project
March 17, 2026
Some experts tie the state’s poor reading scores to outdated and discredited methods of teaching reading. But they say there are some clear solutions.
Boys & Girls Club poised to take over Shasta Middle School building
By Lilly St. Angelo
March 16, 2026
The after-school care organization would be the anchor occupant of the Bethel School District building, taking up several classrooms and managing the day-to-day operations of the space in exchange for reduced or free rent from the district.
Springfield’s midyear teacher layoffs violated labor law, union says
By Lilly St. Angelo
March 13, 2026
Union leaders filed an unfair labor practice complaint, accusing the district of using the threat of layoffs to undermine bargaining. The new acting superintendent acknowledged that the district has been through “a difficult period” and promised a collaborative, transparent budget […]
Educator & Student Resources
- Free high school student memberships here
- 2026 Student Journalism Scholarship Challenge application here – Deadline to apply is Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Download the Lookout Media Literacy Guide / Current Event Discussion Guide
- Featured resource of the week: UO Libraries
- Download the Lookout Eugene-Springfield app in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
It’s the last week for students to apply for Lookout’s Journalism Scholarship! If it was assigned to just one class this week, 10 of those students would have a great chance at being published on Lookout, with 3 students earning $500 scholarships!
I hope to see more submissions roll in before the Sunday, March 22nd deadline.
Until next Tuesday,
Olivia Desgrange
