Morning Lookout: Tough-love coach

Good morning,

Today, sportswriter Tyson Alger introduces us to Ducks’ running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples, who is not all that much older than his players. But that doesn’t mean he’s buddies with them — he’s more of a “tough love” kind of guy.

A draft budget for the city of Springfield, for the fiscal year starting in July, would cut two positions from the city’s public library. The proposal next goes to the city’s budget committee. Lillian Schrock-Clevenger reports.

Lane Education Service District is available to help the 16 school districts in Lane County, especially smaller rural ones, with services such as special education, administrative tasks and technology. Lane ESD has hired a new superintendent: Tenneal Wetherell will start the job in July. She has been working at the Oregon Department of Education. Lilly St. Angelo reports.

Oregon’s tourism industry has seen a drop in foreign visitors, especially Canadians. Some travel officials blame President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and other criticisms aimed the U.S.’s northern neighbor. Our partners at the Oregon Capital Chronicle have the story.

In case you missed it over the weekend:

A modest industrial building in the Whiteaker was donated to a local transportation advocacy group in 2021, with dreams it could become a hub integral to work promoting a future with fewer cars and more bikes. Grace Chinowsky has the story of how the dream fell apart — and the fallout that continues.
Eugene Saturday Market kicked off its 57th season this past weekend under warm and sunny skies. Ashli Blow was there.
Columnist Dorcas Smucker explores how we can often feel opposing emotions at once in a world full of contradiction. “In the middle of grief, sunsets are more beautiful, friends more precious and kindness more deeply appreciated,” she writes.

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For UO running backs coach, being ‘mean’ comes with the territory

By Tyson Alger

He’s 31 and not far removed from his playing days, but when it comes to making sure his players are reaching their potential, Ra’Shaad Samples learned from his dad that being nice doesn’t cut it.

Proposed budget would cut two Springfield library positions

By Lillian Schrock-Clevenger

The proposed cuts, which would take effect July 1, include one librarian and one vacant manager position. The plan next goes to the city’s budget committee. Meanwhile, the City Council is set to review a proposed payroll tax rate, which would also help in closing the city’s budget gap.