Good morning, Eugene.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Lane County Farmers Market in Eugene hosted its fourth annual cooking contest.

Ten contestants used $50 to buy local ingredients and had 35 minutes to create dishes for judges from local restaurants as part of National Farmers Market Week, funded by a conservation grant.

Joan 'Willow' McCulloh, a local nature lover who often roamed Eugene's wooded areas and shared her blues and plant knowledge, died June 5 at 73 due to heart failure.

Her friends remember her for guiding walks along the Amazon Trail (she also played guitar and loved live blues) and bringing a unique warmth to the community.

True Value's Springfield distribution center will close by year-end, leading to layoffs for 62 workers, including 43 Merchandise Handlers starting Oct.

3 + a staffing agency confirmed the WARN notice from True Value’s parent company.

City officials announced Wednesday that the Eugene Clean Energy Fund qualified for the November ballot.

The measure would require large retailers and banks that meet set thresholds to pay a 2% fee to fund local climate projects & green jobs, and supporters plan to ramp up voter education.

The Eugene Police Department will run a multi-team operation on River Road on Aug.

19 to address speeding and distracted driving after six fatal crashes occurred since 2022. City officials also plan safety improvements with speed reductions and bike lane enhancements (details provided by Public Works).

Today, wildfire smoke is lowering air quality in Eugene, and PeaceHealth advises older residents and others at risk (children and pregnant women) to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use HEPA air purifiers to reduce breathing problems.

Wildfire smoke continues to affect 27 counties today, triggering air quality advisories across the Willamette Valley.

In Eugene, officials expect unhealthy levels this morning, though Friday's weather may clear the air (conditions could vary).

Despite unhealthy air quality, the World Athletics U20 Championships are underway at Hayward Field, where 1,800 international youth athletes are competing today.

A heat advisory remains in effect until Thursday, with the competition scheduled to run through Sunday (organizers are closely monitoring wildfire smoke).

2026 Pickleball Tournament

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Eugene Family YMCA Tennis & Pickleball Center — Registration opens Spring 2026 — Play hard while raising awareness for children in foster care.