COVID cases surge in Lane County as schools begin

Local Links

• Lane Public Health officials sound the alarm on rising COVID-19 counts as school starts

• Springfield Public Schools are slated to open for in-person K-1 instruction Monday, but Mt. Vernon will not be among those after one student tests positive for COVID-19.

• As nearby fires create remarkably bad air quality, unhoused people in Lane County have been struggling to find a safe place to go

• On our countries misplaced priorities in taking on the fires: “This past week, Eugene’s air quality was said to be the worst in the world, literally. And there was virtually no one and nothing left to provide actual defense against the fires that have stalked us and destroyed so much.”

• Eowyn Soran writes in LTE for Eugene Weekly, “Our city government is continuing to spend our tax dollars and human resources to harass and displace vulnerable residents during two simultaneous public health emergencies”

• FEMA Individual Assistance now available in Lane County for those affected by wildfires

• Cuts to the United States Postal Service is causing major backup in mail rooms in Eugene and across the country, threatening mail-in ballot voting just months ahead of a presidential election.

• Springfield City Council returned from recess and discussed the selection of an interim mayor. No decision has been made; they will resume talks on the topic on September 28.

• The Big Ten’s reversal on playing college football this fall puts young players at risk for our entertainment. The Pac-12 should resist pressure and continue to stand down.

The week ahead

• Wednesday, 6 PM — Oregon Wild: Wildfires in 2020: what set the stage for this historic event and what can we expect in the future?

• Friday, 5-7 PM — CORE Street Feed @ Spectrum

• Sunday, 6 PM — Eugene DSA general meeting

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