Lookout PM: 4J budget cuts

Good evening,

First, a bit of in-house news: Lookout correspondent Ashli Blow will be on OPB’s “Think Out Loud” radio program at noon tomorrow talking about the PeaceHealth emergency department controversy she’s been covering for the past three months. “Think Out Loud” is broadcast locally on KLCC as well. Listen in.

Education correspondent Lilly St. Angelo reports on the 4J Budget Committee meeting Wednesday, where members unanimously OK’d a budget for the 2026-27 school year. It slashes $29 million. Teachers, students and others spoke out against planned layoffs and program cuts. It’s not officially a done deal. The school board takes up the budget next, with a public hearing May 13 and adoption of a final budget on May 27.

Police yesterday used a “decoy” pedestrian to cross Patterson Street at 17th Avenue repeatedly, citing drivers who misbehaved. Officers issued 12 tickets for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, two for passing a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk, and about a dozen more for violations such as: distracted driving, speeding and illegal window tint. Jaime Adame reports on the operation.

Tomorrow evening in Springfield, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. at Guy Lee Elementary School. The event is free, family friendly and will feature food, performances and hands-on activities. Lillian Schrock-Clevenger has the details.

On Tuesday, a 35-year-old Junction City pedestrian was struck by a vehicle as he walked on the shoulder of Highway 99 West near Junction City a little before 5 p.m. Joel Robert Benjamin Coriell was taken to a hospital and later died, police said. Jaime has this story as well.

In our opinion section, the letter-to-the-editor inbox is busy:

Ralph J. Pledger of Eugene likes Eric Dziura for the at-large EWEB commissioner seat that’s on the May 19 ballot.
Lynne and Denny Hellesvig of Eugene urge support for the Eugene library levy.
Betsy Datri of Eugene prefers Jennifer Smith for the Ward 3 Eugene council seat, saying her opponent is too business friendly.
And Anne Bridgman of Eugene agrees.
Shaun Hyland of Springfield supports David Loveall’s reelection as a county commissioner.
Carrie Frazier of Eugene is disappointed that Eugene School District 4J is retreating on its hard-won in-house food program.

What’s on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor (350 words or less, please): lte@lookoutlocal.com

Have a news tip on something we should cover: newsroom@lookoutlocal.com

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DAILY DIGEST

4J budget panel advances 2026-27 budget, slashing $29 million

By Lilly St. Angelo

Administrators fielded questions about the cuts amid confusion and anger over how staff were laid off or transferred.

Police pedestrian safety operation on Patterson Street results in 27 citations

By Jaime Adame

Police using a “decoy spotter” walking in a Eugene crosswalk issued 27 citations Wednesday, May 6, as part of an interagency targeted patrol effort focused on pedestrian safety.