After years in the lowest ranks of school attendance in the nation, Oregon schools have shown a bit of progress. An Oregon Journalism Project analysis of recent data shows regular statewide attendance in the first half of the school year rose to 70.6%, an increase of 3 percentage points over the previous year. Click here […]
What We Learned After Obtaining the Latest School Attendance Numbers
Posted inLocal News
Deschutes County Commission Candidate Ron Boozell Arrested at Forum in Bend
Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners candidate Ron “Rondo” Boozell was arrested Thursday evening for trespassing at a Bend candidate forum he wasn’t invited to participate in. Bend Police arrested Boozell on trespassing charges at Open Space Event Studios on Lafayette Avenue in the Bend Central District. According to Lieutenant Aaron Wells, organizers called police around 4:30 pm — half an hour before the forum was set to begin — and asked to trespass Boozell for causing a disturbance. Wells said officers […]
Posted inLocal News
Unionized Journalists at The Bulletin Score Contract with Alabama Owner
Unionized journalists at The Bulletin earned a victory this morning, receiving their first-ever contract with Carpenter Media Group, the owner of The Bulletin. The three-year contract shores up a 40-hour workweek, guarantees pay increases and adds just-cause protection and a severance guarantee, among other concerns. Gone is Carpenter’s proposal of a weekly story quota that […]
Posted inBusiness News
Cascade Lake Highway and Paulina Lake Road to Open Thursday, May 7
The Deschutes County Road Department will open both Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 7. In a typical year, it can take up to six weeks to clear snow from Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road. However, because of this year’s warm winter and limited snowfall, road crews have been […]
Posted inMusic
Famed Classical Musicians Return
The High Desert Chamber Music Celebrity Recital series returns for its 18th season with the announcement of renowned cellist Peter Wiley and pianist Anna Plonsky making their second appearance May 15, their first since the HDCM series began in 2017. HDCM uses live performances to promote and introduce new audiences to classical music. Chamber music, […]
Posted inBusiness News
How Bend Homes Age Differently Than You’d Expect
You may have moved to Bend for the sunshine. But that same sun and those cold, high-desert nights have been quietly working on your home since the day you bought it. Bend’s climate is one of the most appealing in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s also more demanding on homes than many people realize. As […]
Posted inCulture
TEDxBend Rebirth
After a seven-year hiatus, TEDxBend returns May 30. Eight speakers are scheduled. The theme is “Rebirth” focusing on personal transformation, new ideas and fresh perspectives. Organizers say the theme comes to life through bold ideas and diverse voices exploring renewal in all its forms including personal, cultural, environmental and collective. “Rather than fully announcing each […]
Posted inCulture
Three Comedians with Bend Ties Reunite for a Night of Snappy Wit, Shared History & a Bit of Family Drama
Central Oregon audiences will get a three-for-one comedy lineup May 16 when Helen Keaney, Shanan Kelley and special guest Chelsea Woodmansee take the stage at the Tower Theatre. Expect laughter, a little unpredictability and a few jokes that hit suspiciously close to home — possibly while someone’s in-law sits in the front row, taking mental […]
Posted inColumns
Bad Moods, Self-Criticism and Love
I’ve been on a love roll… Last month’s Inner Heroes message was entitled “Democracy & Love. ” A few of my earlier titles were: “Love Your Demons,” “Love Wisdoms from Heaven” and “A Few Random Love Stories.” Another one was “How to Make Love,” not the erotic kind, but the day-to-day kind of love. Let’s all […]
Posted inColumns
Big Moves for Plant Medicines
I wrote about this last December, but now that (some) cannabis has actually been rescheduled, from Schedule I to Schedule III, let’s revisit. President Biden started the ball rolling in 2022 and in 2024; the Justice Department formalized the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to III. Last year, President Trump directed the DOJ […]