Journalism that matters starts when journalists show up

A core part of our editorial philosophy at Lookout Eugene-Springfield is showing up.

We show up at meetings — the routine and the special.

We show up at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.

We show up at the Saturday Market and the Lane County Farmers Market.

We show up at shops, restaurants, plays, concerts, schools, parks and playgrounds.

Showing up matters. It’s fundamental to telling stories that matter.

Annie Aguiar interviews artist Jud Turner as he gives treats to his two “gallery pigs,” Piggert and Boris, at his gallery The Oblivion Factory in west Eugene, Aug. 29, 2025. Piggert is the black pig; Boris is the white one. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield

Showing up takes time, and it takes journalists. Lookout Eugene-Springfield is fortunate to be the largest local newsroom outside of Portland. This is possible because of our members and our marketing partners.

For those of you who are members or marketing partners: Thank you. Thank you for enabling us to show up. To explain. To inform. To challenge.

If you are not a member, but value strong local journalism, now is a great time to join Lookout and support an independent, local press. It’s a great time to help us keep showing up.

Become a Lookout member

Now is also your final chance to become a Lookout Eugene-Springfield Founding Member and join more than 350 people who believe in showing up and believe in journalism that makes a difference in Lane County. Founding Membership is available through Dec. 31, as we complete our first year of publishing.

The rise and fall of Flock

The biggest local story of the year is likely the arrival — and subsequent departure — of Flock Safety in Lane County. And we showed up for it.

It started with Eugene Police agreeing to purchase 57 of these cameras in May. This announcement was followed by similar agreements in Springfield and then Lane County.

Jaime Adame, our justice correspondent, showed up at a Eugene Police Commission meeting in June where the cameras came up for discussion.

What followed was months of Lookout Eugene-Springfield following the story. We listened to community members talk about fears associated with these cameras being in our community. Then we listened to similar concerns in Springfield.

Several people gave public testimony in opposition to Flock Safety cameras during a Springfield City Council meeting, Sept. 2, 2025. Credit: Ashli Blow / Lookout Eugene-Springfield

The public outcry continued to grow through the summer and into fall. We were there listening and telling those stories.

We also reported on how local law enforcement used these cameras to apprehend suspects in crimes.

Cities revisited contracts to emphasize privacy.

We weren’t satisfied, and in October, the Lookout Eugene-Springfield Editorial Board called for the cameras to remain off.

It all came to a head earlier this month when Eugene dropped a late Friday evening press release announcing it had terminated the contract with Flock Safety. Springfield soon followed. A few days later, Lane County said it would suspend its contract.

We have spent hours showing up. Listening. Reporting.

On this story alone, we have published more than 30 stories, letters and columns. We didn’t let up, and we won’t let up — this story is not finished.

Each morning, our team shows up at our newsroom in downtown Eugene, prepared to cover stories important to Lane County.

It’s what we do and we do it because of our members, our marketing partners and our readers.