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Nicole Vulcan

Nicole Vulcan became Editor of the Source in 2016 and was promoted to Editor in Chief in 2024, managing the Editorial Board and the news team's many investigative projects. She's also at work on her debut book of journalistic non-fiction, titled "Self Medication," which traces Oregon's drug decriminalization efforts in the 21st Century, and tells a parallel tale of her own family’s losses from fentanyl addiction in the age of Measure 110. With all of that on her plate, send snacks. Catch up with the adventures at her book's Substack, called Self Medication.

nicole@bendsource.com
Posted inNews

The Freeze Isn’t Thawing: Under Gov’s new framework, Deschutes, Jefferson counties likely won’t ease restrictions Dec. 2

21 counties will probably not be reopening, after earning “extreme risk” designations under Gov. Brown’s new framework
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Central Oregon’s Deschutes and Jefferson counties are in the “extreme” risk category in Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s new health and safety framework announced Wednesday—meaning that for many in Central Oregon, the lockdown that began as a Two-Week Freeze is could very well stay in place longer than expected. One week ago, the Governor and state […]

Posted inCulture

A Local Marketplace, Online

Shop-Local platform allows locals to browse dozens of area retailers, all from one place
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The economic benefits of shopping local and supporting businesses in the place one lives are widely known. In this week’s Feature story, we outline how some Central Oregon business owners are using Instagram and other social media platforms to sell and promote not just their own products, but those of other local businesses, too. Instagram […]

Posted inNews

With a Spike in Cases, Capacity Concerns for Oregon’s ICUs

The spike in Oregon’s COVID-19 numbers is causing Oregon’s Intensive Care Units to see an increase in patients
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The spike in Oregon’s COVID-19 numbers that began in early November is causing Oregon’s Intensive Care Units to also see an increase in patients. According to the most recent data from the Oregon Health Authority, Region 1, which includes the majority of the Portland metro area, had 337 staffed ICU beds available, with 278 occupied […]

Posted inNews

Push to Extend Eviction Moratorium

With the COVID-19 crisis far from over and a deadline looming for the end of that eviction ban, stable housing advocates are pushing to extend that eviction moratorium
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Throughout the pandemic, Oregonians struggling to pay the rent have had some relief in the form of a statewide moratorium on evictions. With the COVID-19 crisis far from over and a deadline looming for the end of that eviction ban, stable housing advocates are pushing to extend that eviction moratorium. On Nov. 23, Oregon’s House […]

Posted inNews

Waiting Week Payouts Begin for Unemployed Oregonians

People can check on the status of their claim by visiting the Online Claim System
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Nearly 250,000 Oregonians who have received unemployment benefits this year have another payment on the way and another 170,000 will see an additional benefit in the coming weeks. The Oregon Employment Department announced Nov. 23 that it had begun issuing “waiting week” payments for Oregonians who received “regular” unemployment insurance benefits since the start of […]

Posted inFood & Drink

A Takeout and Delivery Pivot, Part Deux

Central Oregon restaurants react to the governor’s two-week freeze that will shut down dining rooms in the state
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Bars and restaurants in Oregon have been through this before: For the second time this year, starting Nov. 18, dining rooms and bars around the state will close to the public as part of Gov. Kate Brown’s effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Cases have spiked considerably throughout November, with record-setting daily case counts […]

Posted inNews

Can Do!

If this seemingly endless pandemic has you thinking more about self-sufficiency, let the advice from local homesteaders, gardeners—and even preppers—get you inspired
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Public health experts have been saying it for months: The advent of colder weather was likely to mean a spike in coronavirus cases. Now, in mid-November, it’s hit like clockwork: An edict from Oregon’s governor, ordering bars and restaurants, starting Nov. 18, to move to takeout and delivery only, gyms and fitness centers to close […]

Posted inNews

Winter Warming Shelter Open in Temporary Location; New Location Opening Nov. 23

Community leaders mobilize quickly following the death of a Bend man
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Bend’s winter warming shelter opened in a temporary location the weekend of Nov. 14, following the death of a man due to cold weather exposure. David Savory died Nov. 10 in Bend. “This is a real tragedy for our town,” wrote Bend Mayor Sally Russell in an email Nov. 13. “I know we can do […]

Posted inNews

A Two-Week Freeze, In Hopes of Reining in COVID Cases

Gov. Kate Brown announces increased restrictions, including closure of in-person dining
Avatar photo Nicole Vulcan

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise around Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday a series of measures aimed at containing the virus. A “two-week freeze” goes into effect Wed., Nov. 18, in order to give restaurants, bars and some other businesses time to adapt to the changes. “This situation is dangerous and our hospitals […]

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