UO E-clips, April 3

Playoffs could be big payoff for Ovechkin, Caps (Washington Post): The Washington Capitals are striving for far more than a playoff berth in their final two games. If the Capitals and star left wing Alex Ovechkin reach the postseason, the presence of one of the game's most dynamic players and colorful personalities could increase interest in the league's showcase event and boost the team's profile locally and nationally, according to sports industry experts. … Ovechkin leading the Capitals to the playoffs would "help build more local interest and build momentum for the long term," said Paul Swangard, managing director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon.

U.S. Senate candidates debate at law school (Oregon Daily Emerald): Few sparks flew between three U.S. Senate candidates during a debate at Knight Law School Wednesday. Democrats Steve Novick and Candy Neville and independent John Frohnmayer debated for a little more than an hour at an event sponsored by the student chapter of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and other student law groups. Novick and Frohnmayer acknowledged that they agree on most issues, aside from Frohnmayer's constant criticism of the two-party system of which Novick is a part. "I believe our political system is so badly broken it cannot be fixed by the Republicans or Democrats," Frohnmayer said.

Trio of Senate candidates find lots to agree on (Register-Guard): The tone was mostly cordial Wednesday night when three candidates for the U.S. Senate debated before about 100 students at the University of Oregon School of Law. Democrats Steve Novick and Candy Neville and Independent John Frohnmayer answered questions from Oregon law students and professors, as well as community members, on a universal health care system, bi-partisanship and the importance of protecting civil liberties. The candidates each delivered a two-minute introduction before taking turns offering a two-¬minute answer to each of eight different questions during the 90-minute debate.

It's never too late to apologize, or to forgive (Register-Guard): Sunday’s ceremony at the University of Oregon to award honorary degrees to 19 Japanese-¬American students forced to leave school in 1942 because of World War II and Executive Order 9066 is about a lot of things. Reconciliation. Righting a wrong. Forgiveness. Not the types of things that’ll have the national media clamoring for camera positions atop the Pioneer Father in the same way that a good anti-war riot might. And yet in a world where conflict seems the default format, important things.)

Hazmat team sent to U of O (KVAL.com, news article in its entirety): Three people have been released from the hospital following treatment for possible exposure to chemicals. A hazardous materials crew was called to Huestis Hall at the University of Oregon early Tuesday morning after a report of a person experiencing dizziness and watery eyes. Emergency crews evacuated the building when they arrived. Hazmat crews did a sweep of the premises and then tested the area for chemicals. The hazmat medical team decontaminated the people who complained of symptoms at the laboratories. That means they sprayed them with water and gave them a fresh change of clothing.

Old Town shuffle (Portland Mercury): Old Town is changing fast, with two major new tenants moving in at the west end of the Burnside Bridge, potentially kicking off a makeover for the entire neighborhood. But hold it! Such makeovers don't always suit the poor or homeless, or those struggling to cope with mental health issues, for whom Old Town has historically been a safe haven. … As readers of this newspaper will no doubt be aware, Portland is in desperate need of a flagship journalism school. Fortunately, the University of Oregon started journalism classes on Monday, March 31, in its new premises at the White Stag Building, just north of the Burnside Bridge.