Good morning, Eugene.

On Dec. 21, over 30 community members gathered at Washington Jefferson Park for a Black Thistle Street Aid vigil (a local nonprofit) to honor more than 60 people lost to homelessness this year.

Organizers voiced concern that increased street sweeps amid harsh weather may worsen the crisis.

Facing the highest rate of unsheltered child homelessness in the nation, non-profit Looking Glass New Roads has partnered with On Point Credit Union, which donated $22,000 for a new washer + dryer to provide clean clothes and holiday presents for homeless youth aged 16 to 24 in Eugene.

Local travel agents advise booking quickly for Orange Bowl flights; Premiere Travel on Willakenzie Road said a new nonstop flight from Eugene to Miami departs Dec.

31 and returns Jan. 2, and travelers should allow extra check-in time for holiday rush + tickets are filling fast.

City of Eugene Cultural Services and Parks and Open Space announced 11 Art in the Parks grant recipients for 2026.

The program, which provides up to $5,000 to support art events in community parks between April 1 and Oct. 31, supports family-friendly, culturally diverse events — helping to boost local arts.

Lane County officials say Sanipac must remit a system benefit fee for county waste services, while Sanipac argues it owes nothing without an intergovernmental agreement with Springfield.

The county is working on establishing an agreement as the dispute continues.

Oregon Department of Human Services now allows residents in 19 storm-affected counties to request replacement SNAP benefits for food lost on Dec.

17; eligible households must apply by Jan. 16, 2026 while those outside these counties follow the usual 10-day rule.

Greenhill Humane Society advises pet owners to secure Christmas trees and avoid hazards like tree water and holiday decor during celebrations—tips that help keep pets safe during festivities.

Orion, a calm six-year-old mixed breed weighing 90 pounds who was Tuesday’s Pet of the Week on KEZI 9 News, lights up during walks and curls up for a nap—Greenhill Humane Society says he does best in homes with older kids and no cats.

DevNW launched Dinosaur Village in the Nelson Place neighborhood to spotlight affordable homes, featuring inflatable dinosaurs outside over 20 houses in west Eugene.

The display, offering two bedroom and three bedroom options ($250,000 to $295,000), will run through Jan. 5.

A Chicago-based developer paid $6,540,000 plus extra sums for three old buildings at East 13th and Alder to build the 15-story Chapter Alder tower near the UO west entrance; the tower will offer 491 student bedrooms for fall 2027 occupancy as demand grows.

The Oregon marching band is gearing up for the Orange Bowl in Miami where the Ducks face Texas Tech and seniors enjoy a unique travel opportunity — members also look forward to a potential Peach Bowl semi-final on Jan.

9.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Michigan Wolverines at Oregon Ducks Men's Basketball

1-3 p.m. — Matthew Knight Arena — Tickets available — Witness #2 Michigan battle Oregon in a thrilling Big Ten matchup.

An Evening with Douglas Tallamy

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Richard E. Wildish Community Theater — $15 — Discover how your yard can help save nature with insights from ecologist Doug Tallamy.