Daily
Eugene
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Eugene. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County is holding its annual holiday food box drive on Saturday, Dec. 20 at its main campus (2890 Chad Drive), with nearly 1,000 sign-up spots still available to fill 2,000 planned boxes for local families. KVAL
- ➤ The nonprofit Lane County Diaper Bank in Springfield faces closure as it struggles with competitive grant funding and no state support; organizers seek $20,000 by March to keep distributing over 20,000 diapers each month to families in need. KEZI
- ➤ Food for Lane County saw donation surges this year when nearly 7,000 pounds of food and $51,000 in cash — boosted by matching gifts from Market of Choice and Sabrina Ionescu’s Foundation — provided over 108,000 meals while pantry visits increased even after the Mail Carrier Food Drive was canceled in Eugene and Springfield. KEZI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Families in Eugene can meet Santa at the 5th Street Public Market on Dec. 20 (11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 3–6:30 p.m.) and at The People's Collective on Dec. 20 and 21 for photos, story time, and cookie decorating, while other Oregon cities host similar holiday events. KLCC
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ In September, unemployment in Lane County reached 5% with a seven-tenths point increase from last year. The report shows slow job losses overall but rising health care work as holiday hiring is expected in the November report (October data was delayed by a government shutdown). KLCC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bethel educators reached a tentative agreement with the district (after 15 hours of mediation on Monday evening) to ease ongoing education contract issues. Details will be finalized soon as talks continue. KVAL
- ➤ Eugene 4J is planning a $30 million budget reduction to address declining enrollment and rising costs + the superintendent expects to cut staff and consider co-locating Family School to ease deeper future cuts; the board will review additional measures in January and February. KLCC
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wildlife Safari in Winston has added two 9-year-old lionesses from Riverbanks Zoo to its breeding program, bringing the park’s total to six + visitors can see Thabisa and Lindelani during daily drive-thru viewings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. KVAL
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Greenhill Humane Society featured Aries as Tuesday’s Pet of the Week on KEZI 9 News. The 6-year-old domestic shorthair mix, who is shy at first but loves lap time, is neutered+microchipped and seeks an adult-only home at 88530 Green Hill Road. KEZI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The OSAA approved a new seven-school Midwestern hybrid league for 6A and 5A teams starting next school year — reducing travel time and easing class absences. This move groups schools in Eugene and Springfield to bring local games closer to home. KEZI
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Aerial Reimagining of The Nightmare Before Christmas
7-9 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets starting at $35 — Experience the magic of Halloween Town with aerial performances and enchanting storytelling.
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Eugene Ballet - The Nutcracker
2:00-3:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the magic and wonder of a classic Christmas ballet with enchanting performances and lively scenes.
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Eugene Ballet - The Nutcracker
1-2:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless holiday classic with enchanting ballet performances.
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Nutcracker Short & Suite: A Sensory Friendly Experience
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Family-friendly cost — Experience the joy of a sensory-friendly Nutcracker performance designed for all ages and abilities.
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Eugene Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
2:00-4:00 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets starting at $30 — Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and the magical world of The Nutcracker infused with live orchestral music.
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Tigers of Youth: Duo Show
6-10 p.m. — Oakshire Public House — All ages welcome — Enjoy an engaging evening with songwriter Dave Wentz as he showcases his fresh music project.
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Michigan State Spartans at Oregon Ducks Women's Basketball
2-3:30 p.m. — Matthew Knight Arena — Cost info not available — #24 Michigan State aims to deliver Oregon's first home loss in this exciting Big Ten contest.
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Green Start Play Day: Puddle Power
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Nearby Nature — Members free, non-members $10/family — Explore the wonders of winter water with nature play, stories, and activities for children 5 and under.
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Caveman Dave: Live Music at PublicHouse
7-8:30 p.m. — PublicHouse — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original and folk music with Caveman Dave and his unique cigar box guitars.
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PVP 'I Was There' Film Workshop
5-7 p.m. — University of Oregon — Free entry — Discover the art of filmmaking in this collaborative workshop tailored for veterans and aspiring filmmakers.
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