Lookout PM: Hoyle on the shutdown

Good evening,

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle talked to the press today about the looming effects of the federal government shutdown on vulnerable Oregon residents, along with other issues. Ben Botkin sat in.

Speaking of the federal government shutdown, have you — or anyone you know — been experiencing any effects? If so, let us know about it for a possible story on how the shutdown is rippling into to everyday lives. Email us at newsroom@lookoutlocal.com

A school psychologist who worked at two elementary schools in the Eugene 4J district has been charged with selling illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine and LSD over the web. Lilly St. Angelo has the story.

The Eugene City Council yesterday heard options for changing how the joint Eugene Springfield Fire department is structured, part of an effort to fix governance and funding problems. City Manager Sarah Medary plans to make a recommendation by Dec. 10.

Ted Kulongoski has resurfaced. Remember Oregon’s governor back in the 2000s? He is among a group promoting a ballot initiative to create open primaries in Oregon, so anyone can vote to choose party candidates for the general election.

EWEB’s Halloween event — Truck or Treat — which happened last year at the utility’s operations yard, will be moved indoors at Lane Events Center this year. The approaching atmospheric river is expected to make things inhospitable outdoors.

A Springfield man, Joshua David Moore, 42, died as the result of a motorcycle crash on I-5 last Saturday.

King Estate Winery co-founder Ed King has been named an American Wine Legend for 2025 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Our prep sports football game of the week features the 6-0 Thurston Colts vs. the North Eugene Highlanders. We also round up all the other games, matches and meets on tap for the weekend.

Two letters to the editor today: A Eugene reader is baffled at opposition to Flock cameras. And a Leaburg resident is appalled at the state of the Springfield post office.

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

Or if you have another tip on something we should cover: newsroom@lookoutlocal.com.

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DAILY DIGEST

As federal shutdown persists, Hoyle says vulnerable Oregonians will suffer

By Ben Botkin

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle is worried about how Oregonians will fare as the federal shutdown that started Oct. 1 continues without an end in sight. The shutdown started after congressional Republicans and Democrats reached an impasse in the Senate and could not agree on whether to extend tax credits that keep costs down for health […]

City manager nears recommendation on governance of Eugene Springfield Fire

By Grace Chinowsky

City Manager Sarah Medary is weighing two options: entering a regional fire district or creating a joint intergovernmental agency. She laid out the two possibilities to the Eugene City Council during a meeting Wednesday.

4J school psychologist charged with selling illegal drugs online

By Lilly St. Angelo

A federal grand jury in Ohio charged Jennifer Blake with five felony counts related to drug trafficking early in October. Blake worked at Chávez Elementary School and Twin Oaks Elementary School in Eugene School District 4J.

Former Oregon governor pushes ballot initiative for open primaries

By Nigel Jaquiss / Oregon Journalism Project

Ted Kulongoski says the current system isn’t working in the best interests of Oregonians. Currently in the state, 44% of voters are not registered as either Democrats or Republicans — and thus cannot participate in deciding who will be the parties’ candidates.