JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Tony Blair enjoyed a friendly meeting Thursday with former South African President Nelson Mandela on his last trip to Africa as British prime minister. Mandela, 88, and his wife, Graca Machel, greeted Blair and his wife, Cherie, at his Johannesburg foundation, The Times of London reported. "I look forward to welcoming a young man to the club of retired presidents," Mandela said. "I need to warn you, however, that some of ... [full story]

The Humane Society of Central Oregon will showcase some of their "live art masterpieces" during the June 1 First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Bend, at the Birkenstock of Bend location, 836 NW Wall Street.  The featured ‘live art’ (adoptable dogs and cats) will be anxiously waiting to captivate your imagination from 5-9 p.m. The ‘live art’ will include dogs and cats in a variety of colors and sizes to fit any home.  Art lovers will ... [full story]

Many historians consider the Seven Years' War the first truly global conflict, and when it ended in 1763 representatives of the world's most powerful nations gathered in Paris to carve up the planet. France essentially gave most of modern-day Canada to the British in exchange for control of Guadeloupe, a group of five tiny islands and a 4,800-foot volcano on the eastern edge of the Caribbean. Nearly 2 1/2 centuries later, it makes perfect sense. ... [full story]

BEND, Ore. –-  Mt. Bachelor ‘s consistent snowfall allowed for another long snow season for skiers and riders.  From the season opening on Friday, November 17 with the second annual Ski for Schools event, through the season’s end on Sunday, May 20; Mt. Bachelor saw an above average 397 inches of snow. The 10-year average is 370 inches. While many resorts across the country struggled to stay open, Mt. Bachelor snow levels allowed the resort ... [full story]

Bend-La Pine Schools to serve more than 31,000 meals this summer The Bend-La Pine Schools Summer Lunch Program will kick off June 18 at ten locations throughout Bend and La Pine. The program, which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, expects to serve more than 31,000 nutritious meals to children during summer vacation. “School lunches are the main source of nutrition for many students,” said Terry Cashman, director of Nutrition Services for ... [full story]

A1 to Aa3 upgrade for Bend-La Pine Schools attributed to sound fiscal planning and strategic long range planning A Wall Street credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service, raised its rating for the Bend-La Pine Schools (BLS) general obligation bonds to Aa3 today. BLS joins an elite few Oregon schools with a rating of this caliber. Moody’s cited the area’s strong economy, high real market value per capita, the Schools strengthening financial position and continuing growth, as ... [full story]

For the second consecutive year, a Summit High School sophomore has earned top honors at a state math competition. Tadd Phillips beat out students from nearly 80 Oregon public and private schools to take the top award in the precalculus division of the Oregon Invitational Mathematics Tournament (OIMT) this month at Oregon State University.   Tadd Phillips - submitted photo Math students from throughout the state are selected by their schools to compete in regional tournaments. Those ... [full story]

Legislation will mean healthier snack options for students SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Senate recently passed House Bill 2650, legislation that sets standards for what kind of snack food may be sold in schools. Foods with fat and sugar content beyond a certain level will not be allowed in school vending machines or to be sold by school stores. “With child obesity rates becoming a greater and greater health concern, this legislation is just common ... [full story]

Bend-La Pine Schools will welcome two new leaders starting July 1. Stephanie Bennett will take over as the new Pilot Butte Middle School principal and Jim Boen will become the vice principal at La Pine Middle School. The announcement comes after a comprehensive, nationwide search and demanding interview process. "It's exciting to find such talented leaders to bring to our schools," said Superintendent Doug Nelson. "We had many qualified applicants, and the experiences both bring ... [full story]