Lookout PM: First-person account of protest chaos

Good evening,

Two days after the chaos at the Eugene Federal Building, things were quiet on the sidewalks outside today — very quiet. But we have a few items following up:

Ashli Blow talked with Jack Mather, who says he often goes to demonstrations but tends to stay in the background. Tuesday, he found himself face-to-face with the first wave of federal officers came outside and deployed chemical irritants. He gives his account of what he experienced.
Annie Aguiar has information on the two types of federal officers who emerged from the Federal Building to confront protesters Tuesday, and how to distinguish them.
A statement from the Department of Homeland Security today said one of the people detained Tuesday spat on and then bit a federal officer. DHS did not name the person and did not say if he faced any formal criminal charges. Jaime Adame has the story.

In other news:

Lane County’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.2% in December, continuing a steady rise that began last April. Check out Michael Zhang’s look at the data and which employment sectors were hardest hit during 2025.
A pedestrian was struck by a car and killed near RiverBend hospital, Springfield police said. Immediately before the collision, another motorist had called in to report a man jumping into traffic on the same street.

In our opinion section today:

A letter to the editor suggests Oakridge might be a better location for the Amazon warehouse that is proposed near the Eugene Airport.
Another letter touts the qualifications of Lane County Board of Commissioners candidate Jake Pelroy.

What is on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor (350 words or less, please): lte@lookoutlocal.com

Have a news tip on something we should cover: newsroom@lookoutlocal.com

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DAILY DIGEST

Usually in the back, quiet demonstrator recounts his unexpected run-in with federal officers

By Ashli Blow

Nearly 24 hours after inhaling pepper spray and chemical smoke during a confrontation with Department of Homeland Security officers, Jack Mather returned to the Eugene Federal Building plaza. He recounts his experience of the day before.

Two types of federal officers were at federal building: A visual breakdown.

By Annie Aguiar

The two different groups, both under the Department of Homeland Security, confronted protesters at the Eugene Federal Building on Tuesday. Learn the difference between the two forces, one of which is a SWAT-like unit designed for “high-risk situations.”

Lane County jobless rate crept up during 2025, ending year at 5.2%

By Michael Zhang

The number of government and education jobs locally has fallen, and a state employment economist says it looks like many private businesses may be holding off on expansion amid what they see as an uncertain economy.