As fall arrives, reflecting on the changing seasons of life

The Vaux’s swifts, queer birders, and finding a safe place to land

As old-growth forests and brick chimneys disappear, Vaux's swifts are running short on roosting habitat. Each fall, their stop at the University of Oregon's Agate Hall chimney draws crowds, including queer birders, who know, too, what it's like to look for spaces to gather.

The Eugene Y's betrayal of tennis players won't be forgotten | Letter to the editor

Lookout Eugene-Springfield’s article about the planned demise of indoor tennis at the Patterson location of the Eugene Family YMCA needs some additional context. The tennis center was built entirely with money donated by the tennis community and opened in 1980. People using it pay a full Y membership plus an additional amount for tennis. As […]

Lane County government should not be for sale | Letter to the editor

How much does it cost to buy our local government and violate county rules with impunity? About $146,000. Lane County has seen a handful of individuals putting tens of thousands of dollars towards local officials to push radical agendas and personal interests this year, but one of the most egregious was the case of Kathy […]

Springfield needs less corporate influence on the City Council, not more | Letter to the editor

Americans are tired of corrupt politicians. Those of us fortunate to live in Springfield should vote to avoid even the appearance of corrosive corruption. That’s why I was so disappointed to see the big donors and special interests investing in Jill Cuadros’ campaign for Springfield City Council. The insiders favoring her appointment to City Council […]

Laura Ahlgren

Laura Ahlgren, 63, died Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. Andreason's Cremation & Burial Service is handling the arrangements.