Morning Lookout: LTD electric buses are heading to the Olympics

Good morning, Lookout Eugene-Springfield,

In November, Michael Zhang reported that the electric buses purchased six years ago — for $30 million — were being phased out after suffering from a litany of problems. He now reports that most of these buses are being transferred to Los Angeles for use during the 2028 Olympics.

William Sullivan has an interesting story about how Eugene’s first library — a 1904 gift by the very wealthy Andrew Carnegie — is responsible for the funding situation it finds itself in today. Also, did you realize Lane County is one of the few counties in the nation that does not offer a countywide library card? I did not know that.

A lot of arts and a lot of laughs. Annie Aguiar has her best bets for things to do and it starts with the First Friday Art Walk tomorrow night. If you’d rather get your chuckle on, there are two comedy shows this weekend: Friday night at The Hybrid Gallery and Saturday at Olsen Run. And yes, I also can’t believe I used the word “chuckle.”

Ashli Blow will be at the Oregon Capitol this morning as representatives from Eugene Emergency Physicians testify before the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs about the decision by PeaceHealth not to renew its contract in favor of Atlanta-based ApolloMD. Check back later this morning for her story.

The Oregon Ducks started the Women’s Big Ten Tournament by knocking off Purdue 82-64. Tyson Alger is following the action.

And in the ongoing Robert Pamplin Jr. saga, a story the Oregon Journalism Project has been closely following, the state of Oregon told the former newspaper publisher he owes $13.9 million for damage caused to the Willamette River.

Stories you might have missed Wednesday …

Finally, a quick note: Michael Zhang’s last day with Lookout Eugene-Springfield was Wednesday. He joined Lookout right after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and is returning home to work as a data reporter with the Austin American-Statesman. Michael, our resident angler, will definitely be missed at 771 Willamette St.

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