Trying to add a payment method? You can do this on the 
Good evening,
Things just cost more. That’s the message U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley heard from members of Lane County’s business community Friday in Eugene, along with how the increasing prices are making it more difficult to do business. Ben Botkin was there and has this report.
Some good news for Oregon’s rural hospitals: Federal officials signed off on Oregon’s proposal to put a combination of up to $37.5 million of funding into the state’s 21 rural hospitals. Ben has that story, too.
In cops and courts news, Jaime Adame reports that the former baseball coach at Lowell High School has been arrested and charged with luring a minor, a felony, and a Junction City man was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing child sex abuse materials.
In 2023 and 2024, Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission conducted an average of 112 sting operations per month. Last month, that number was 44. In April, it was 18. Our friends at the Oregon Journalism Project look at the numbers.
And finally, today we launched a feature that was the talk of the Lookout newsroom: Adoptable Pets. We are partnering with several local shelters and animal rescues to feature pets that need a forever home. We will feature one in each Friday’s Lookout PM (see below). You can find all of the adoptable pets here.
We are going to set up our tent outside our office by the Saturday Farmers Market tomorrow morning for a few hours. If you are at the market, stop by and say hi to Olivia Desgrange … and I’ll be there too.
Who’s in our Community Voices section today?
What’s on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor (350 words or fewer, please): lte@lookoutlocal.com
Have a news tip on something we should cover: newsroom@lookoutlocal.com
ADOPTABLE PETS
Featured Pet: Charlotte
Charlotte is a 9-year-old, long-haired cat looking for a loving home! Don’t let her age fool you, this sweet kitty loves to play and then will curl up in your lap for snuggles with the loudest purr. She will do best in a calm, […]
See Adoptable Pets from: Greenhill Humane Society | Exotic Bird Rescue of Oregon | Cat Rescue Adoption Network | Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue
Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here to receive Lookout PM in your inbox every weekday afternoon.
DAILY DIGEST
As inflation and fuel prices stay high, region’s business community feels the pinch
By Ben Botkin
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, heard from members of Lane County’s business community about their challenges. Amid a volatile economy, small-business owners say they want a more predictable market for goods and services.
Kotek secures funding for maternity care, including in Lane County
By Ben Botkin
PeaceHealth’s Florence hospital will get a portion of up to $37.5 million the state has secured for 21 rural hospitals across Oregon. The money comes as rural communities face deep federal cuts to Medicaid.
Have a great weekend,
Dann
