FLOCK Debate Likely to Flow to New Council As Florence voters fill out and return their ballots, the debate over Flock license plate-reading cameras remains a major issue in the city election. At the recent Coast Radio Candidate Forum, most candidates for City Council and mayor indicated they either favor […]

Rising Costs Threaten Older Oregonians A new AARP Oregon report finds rising costs are threatening the ability of older Oregonians to remain in their homes as they age. More than 90 percent of survey respondents cited groceries, everyday necessities, and retirement savings as major financial concerns. The report also found […]

Universal Health Care for Oregon? Oregon is moving closer to a proposed universal healthcare system that would eliminate insurance premiums, deductibles, and copayments. A state-appointed board is expected to deliver its proposal to lawmakers by December first, with implementation potentially beginning in 2032. Supporters say the plan would expand coverage […]

Unemployment Numbers Oregon’s unemployment rate continues to hover around 5%, coming in at exactly 5% in September, compared with 4.2% nationally. The state rate has remained between 5% and 5.3% for the past 19 months. Oregon employers added 5,800 jobs in September, including 2,000 in construction and 1,700 in health […]

Ballots on There Way, Levy on the Ballot Lane County voters will begin receiving their ballots in the mail over the next several days as the November third general election approaches. Ballots begin going out today. Among the local issues facing western Lane County voters is Measure 20-389, which would […]

LRAPA Rule Changes for Asbestos The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency is seeking public input on proposed changes to asbestos regulations in Lane County. The updates would clarify requirements for asbestos removal during renovations and demolitions, while bringing local rules in line with state and federal standards. A corrected notice […]

E-Bike Safety Florence Police are reminding residents about electric bicycle and scooter safety as injuries continue to rise. According to the Oregon Health Authority, e-scooter-related hospital and emergency room visits more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, reaching 418 statewide. The first nine months of 2025 saw another 509 injuries. […]

Health Insurance Premiums Likely to Rise Oregonians buying health insurance on the individual market can expect fewer choices and significantly higher premiums next year. Average premiums are expected to rise more than 21 percent, as PacificSource and Providence leave the market, leaving consumers with as many as four carriers. Health […]