Good morning, Eugene.

On Wednesday, June 17, Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue stopped a hayfield fire on Mathews Road near Pleasant Hill at about 1:30 p.m., controlling the flames in around 10 minutes to protect nearby vegetation.

The Oregon Employment Department reported that unemployment held at 5.2% in May as 3,600 nonfarm jobs were added, with gains in other services and professional and business services countering a 1,100-job loss in manufacturing.

Overall employment remained just below two million.

Springfield Public Schools selected Dr. Brian Megert as the new assistant superintendent of instruction, pending board approval on June 22.

He will start his role on July 1 and brings over 25 years of education leadership experience.

The Springfield Public Library and History Museum launches its summer reading program today with weekly multicultural celebrations every Wednesday until Aug.

12 & free lunches from Food for Lane County served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The program invites kids and families to explore diverse cultures.

The University of Oregon is closing the Earth Sciences office in Cascade Hall today as part of a shared services plan to cut costs.

Students will now go to Straub Hall (shared with other departments) for support, and faculty say the move risks weakening community ties.

Homeowners in Eugene’s rural and forest-edge areas may face tougher insurance rules amid rising wildfire risk scores today.

Country Financial agent James Connors noted that clearing vegetation around homes—helping maintain proper defensible space—is key to lowering wildfire scores.

James Connors, a local insurance agent with Country Financial Insurance Agency, explained that keeping up to 100 feet of defensible space around a house — by clearing nearby vegetation — may help lower wildfire risk scores for insurance approval, so homeowners in rural and forested outskirts should take action.

Today, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley introduced two bills to curb predatory home equity lending practices at a Capitol hearing.

The bills aim to impose federal fines and penalties on lenders for hidden interest and forced appreciation-sharing agreements — measures designed to protect homeowners.

EWEB is using a $2.2M grant from the Oregon Department of Energy to upgrade Monroe Substation in south Eugene; the project will replace 30 poles, renew wiring, and move lines underground — work scheduled to finish by 2030 to reduce wildfire risk.

Bushnell University received a $250,000 grant from Lane Community Health Council to grow its nursing program and add clinical sites in rural areas over two years.

The funding will help more local students train and serve communities that need better healthcare.

The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency warns that wildfire smoke is worsening air quality in the Willamette Valley, causing burning eyes, runny noses, and coughs — especially for sensitive individuals.

Residents are advised to check local air monitors and use N-95 masks when outdoors.

Dr. Lindsay Fix of Evergreen Dermatology in Eugene urged parents to help young people protect their skin by using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing hats and sunglasses, and limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to lower the risk of skin cancer later in life.

American Crown Circus: K-Pop Night

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Oregon Horse Center — Free kid's ticket with adult — Experience a vibrant circus night with K-pop energy, aerial performances, and family fun.

Rock'n Rewind

7-10 p.m. — Mac's Restaurant & Nightclub — $9 Minimum Purchase — Dance to groovy rock ‘n roll hits from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

American Crown Circus

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Oregon Horse Center — Tickets start at $99 — Experience the thrills and excitement of the American Crown Circus in Eugene, a must-see live event.

American Crown Circus

7-11 p.m. — Oregon Horse Center — Tickets from $99 — Experience the thrill of live performances at the American Crown Circus in Eugene.

The Survivors Music Evening

6-9 p.m. — Bennett Vineyards & Wine Company — Food available for purchase — Enjoy live music by The Survivors with tasty offerings from Nuestro Sabor at the vineyard.

Oregon Bach Festival - Beyond Borders

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating musical journey with the Oregon Bach Festival's Beyond Borders concert.

Oregon Bach Festival: A Musical Journey

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket info not provided — Celebrate Telemann’s bold departure from law school through captivating Baroque orchestral music.

Oregon Bach Festival - Voices of Our Land

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket info not provided — Celebrate America's diverse musical heritage through powerful works by Dvořák, Cowell, and Tate.

Oregon Bach Festival - Roomful of Teeth Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket information not provided — Experience the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble as they present adventurous music that uplifts global voices.

Eugene Pro Rodeo

Thursday, Jul 2nd — Oregon Horse Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling rodeo events and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.