Local News

Despite the vote by Deschutes Democrats’ rank-and-file membership to endorse James “Mac” McLaughlin for sheriff in late August, the party’s top brass later revoked that endorsement.  On Aug. 24, members of the executive committee wrote in a letter to party members that the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing internal investigation into McLaughlin for alleged harassment […]

Home builders have been pushing back against Bend’s regulations protecting trees from development since they were adopted two years ago. Despite continued calls to relax the so-called “tree code,” the Bend City Council isn’t budging.  At a Sept. 9 meeting, the City Council opted not to go along with requests from the development community that […]

The City of Bend is preparing to buy one of the largest office buildings in town from a downsizing health insurance provider to serve as a new administrative headquarters — a sudden pivot in long-term plans to accommodate a growing number of staff.   At an upcoming meeting on Sept. 16, the Bend City Council could […]

A slice of Bend’s east side has become that much more affordable. Officials christened a new affordable housing complex near the St. Charles Medical System campus on Sept. 9. Nine Peaks, 45-unit building located on NE Connors Avenue at 27th Street, will accommodate workforce housing. Officials at the event said preference will be given to […]

The Asian and Pacific Islanders of Central Oregon group has been hosting potlucks at Orchard Park for six years. The park’s central location in midtown Bend made it a good choice. There’s a picnic table under a gazebo with paved paths and playground nearby, surrounded by rolling lawns and a grove of giant sequoia and […]

Every summer, law enforcement authorities remind the public of how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a car, even while just popping into a convenience store. Yet a dog’s death in August 2025, while in the care of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office employees, may illustrate this danger better than however many […]