Good morning, Eugene.

The Eugene Downtown Lions Club held its annual spring spaghetti dinner and auction Thursday evening at St. Thomas Church to raise funds for vision and hearing services, scholarships, and local programs.

All funds raised went directly back into community support.

FOOD for Lane County hosts its 32nd annual Empty Bowls sale today from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Fifth Street Market Alley—local artists sell hand-crafted bowls with free soup coupons to help families facing food insecurity.

Food for Lane County received a $25,000 donation from First Interstate Bank (and its foundation) through the fifth annual Believe in Local grant campaign to support hunger relief after being chosen from over 640 nonprofits.

The 20th Annual Emerald Spring Exhibition is now on view at the Emerald Art Center, featuring national entries that capture vast horizons and quiet skies.

The show runs until May 29 and includes an Art Walk reception on Friday, May 8 (5:00 to 7:30 p.m.).

Springfield Creamery won a gold medal in March for its European Style Organic Unsalted Butter at the 2026 Concours International de Lyon in France (this award spotlights a 65-year legacy of an Oregon company tied to the Merry Pranksters and Grateful Dead fundraiser).

Gas prices in Oregon have climbed nearly 20 cents per gallon in the past week due to tensions in the Middle East, reaching roughly $5.15 for regular gas while the U.S. average holds at about $4.30.

Some consumers have begun changing their spending and travel habits amid these seasonal highs.

Gas prices jumped nearly 20 cents in Oregon + Washington this past week as oil prices surged amid Middle East tensions.

AAA reports regular fuel now costs about $5.15 in Oregon and $5.57 in Washington, marking some of the highest prices since last year.

The Eugene 4J School District will lay off fewer than 200 employees as it fights a growing budget gap.

District officials say the planned cuts are needed to balance current spending.

EWEB started a restoration project on Friday, May 1 along the South Fork McKenzie River to reconnect it with its valley and restore native fish and plant habitat to safeguard drinking water for 200,000 residents.

The effort partners (US Forest Service, McKenzie Watershed Council and McKenzie River Trust).

At the federal courthouse in Eugene, controversy flared yesterday as a trial over PeaceHealth’s emergency staffing shift continued with the judge arguing the testimony defied logic & credibility.

The proceedings, focusing on missing contracts among PeaceHealth, ApolloMD and Lane Emergency Physicians, will conclude soon with oral arguments set for Monday.

Awaken the Healer Within Art Circle

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Trauma Healing Project — $5 – $15 — Engage in creative expression to connect with your inner self and promote healing.

ToonFusion: Oregon 2026

10 AM – 1 PM — Lane Events Center — Tickets available — Dive into a world of animation, collectibles, and family fun with exclusive meet-ups and workshops.

Thrive 360 Health & Wellness Innovation Expo

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Lane Events Center — Free admission — Explore holistic well-being through the 8 Dimensions of Wellness at this inclusive community expo.

Jaguar Sun Concert

7-10 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Choose What You Pay — Experience the unique sounds of Dream Pop and Folk from Canadian artist Chris Minielly.

Emerald City Trail Series

6:30 p.m. — Mt Pisgah Trailhead — Registration fees apply — Celebrate the 5th year of trail running in the beautiful Eugene outdoors with the Big Timber Running Club.

Rosewater Tribute to the Grateful Dead

8-11 p.m. — Whirled Pies — $21+ — Experience a high-energy tribute to the Grateful Dead with fearless improvisation and top-tier musicianship.

Bieber and A Beat: A Justin Bieber Dance Night

9 PM - 1 AM — WOW Hall — All ages — Celebrate the music of Justin Bieber and more at an electrifying dance party.

Jazz Punk at the WOW Hall

7:30-10:30 p.m. — WOW Hall — Tickets starting at $14.58 — Experience a lively fusion of jazz and punk with four unique performances.

PMP Certification Classroom Training

May 26-29 — Eugene, Oregon Amtrak Station — $1599 — Enhance your project management skills with top-notch instructors and a comprehensive curriculum.

Oregon State Eugene Spring RV Show

10 AM-8 PM — Lane Events Center — $7 Adults, $6 Seniors — Explore hundreds of RVs and enjoy massive savings at the ultimate RV show.