Oregon’s already low kindergarten vaccination rates may worsen after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this month stopped recommending the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Public health experts decried the controversial decision, which overturned 30 years of guidance that cut rates of liver disease and cirrhosis. Oregon is part of a new public […]
Oregon Parents Disproportionately Exempt School-Age Children From Vaccines
Posted inFilm
A Year of Excellence
Every year, when it’s time to make my end-of-the-year list, I realize there are still too many new releases that I’ve yet to see, which is somewhat ridiculous since I actually managed to catch around 150 releases from 2025. That’s plenty. Feels like plenty. Along with all the new shows I tried to catch, I […]
Posted inChow
The Perks of a Perfect Tortilla
Listen, if you don’t listen to another food recommendation I give you for as long as I do this job, then please believe me when I say that the thing that has been missing from your life up until now is the duck fat Sonoran tortillas from Wandering Ranchero. (Located behind Palate Coffee). There are […]
Posted inOutside Features
Seed to Table Aims to Build Community Health and Wellness
Little did 10-year-old Audrey Tehan know, as she furiously shielded her fledgling beet plants from a pounding hail storm on her family’s farm in Sisters, that one day, she’d be helping to grow more than 100,000 pounds of fresh produce in that same spot and helming a nonprofit that distributes the bounty to Central Oregon […]
Posted inCulture Features
Make 2026 the Year of Reading
The frenzy of the holidays is almost behind us and 2026 is just around the corner. For many, using the new year to set goals and resolutions is a time-honored tradition. Some of you may join a gym or commit to Dry January. Perhaps you want to do more for our local community. Volunteer at […]
Posted inCulture
A Variety of New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Bend
As 2025 comes to a close, Bend has no shortage of events to help you ring in the New Year with style. From luxurious dinners and endless dancing to champagne toasts shared with friends, there’s truly an event for everyone looking to end the year on a high note. One of the many events taking […]
Posted inBusiness News
Twelve Days of Housewarming Gifts
There’s something extra magical about giving a housewarming gift during the holidays. A new home already carries the energy of fresh beginnings, and pairing that with a thoughtful present makes the season feel even more meaningful. Whether you’re shopping for clients, friends, family, or your own wish list, here are some stylish, practical, and joy-sparking […]
Posted inSmoke Signals
High Quality Highs
As time passes, an inevitable assessment of the choices made in one’s younger years comes to pass. This review allows you to reflect and respond on the roads taken, both good and bad, with an eye toward doing a better job. For many, this involves partners, career choices, and things said or done while under […]
Posted inBusiness News
BLM Seeks Public Input on Invasive Plant Management in Central Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on a revised environmental assessment for an invasive plant management project in central Oregon. The scoping period runs through Jan. 8. “This is a critical opportunity for the public to help shape how we manage invasive plants across the Prineville District,” said Amanda S. Roberts, Prineville District […]
Posted inBusiness News
Shepherd’s House Seeks Food Donations for Christmas Meals
This Christmas season, we will be hosting Christmas dinners in Bend and Redmond for our neighbors in need—and we’d love your help making these meals possible. The Shepherd’s House is collecting food donations to prepare a warm, hearty dinner, and every item makes a difference. Thank you for your support in serving our community this […]