The annual point-in-time count, measuring the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January, was released on May 19, showing a 17% total increase throughout the region. The PIT Count is conducted each year across the tri-county region, including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Madras, Prineville and the Confederated Tribes of Warm […]
Annual Count Shows 17% Increase in Homelessness
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Medical trauma survivors honored at May 21 St. Charles event
St. Charles Health System’s Trauma Program will honor and recognize former trauma patients Wednesday, May 21 at St. Charles Bend. The event will include a visit from therapy dogs, free barbecue lunch and the chance to connect with St. Charles caregivers, first responders and fellow medical trauma survivors. “Every year this is an incredible event […]
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Central Oregon Nonprofits Share $382,360 to Make Progress on Pressing Challenges
Nonprofits tackling Central Oregon’s most pressing challenges are receiving a boost. Oregon Community Foundation has distributed new grants to organizations making progress on housing, child care, hunger, substance abuse, arts and culture, and those serving immigrants, refugees and others. In all, OCF’s Community Grants program is investing $382,360 in the work of 24 Central Oregon […]
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‘High Desert, Higher Costs: Bend And The Housing Crisis In The American West’
The growing cost of keeping a roof over one’s head — or owning said roof — isn’t lost on many folks in Central Oregon. At what point will non-wealthy people simply not be able to afford to live here? Jonathan Bach can’t predict the future, but the journalist analyzes some potential solutions to our region’s […]
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Statewide Arts Group Sues DOGE & National Endowment for the Humanities
Oregon Humanities filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration Friday, May 16, in U.S. District Court in Portland. The organization, a nonprofit formerly known as the Oregon Council for the Humanities, was founded in 1971. It advocates for and distributes money to arts groups all over the state. Nearly half of its $2.46 million […]
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DEQ Pauses Controversial Advanced Clean Trucks Rule
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said today it was delaying enforcement of its Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which went into effect Jan. 1. “Effective immediately, Oregon DEQ will refrain from pursuing enforcement or assessing civil penalties against any manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (Classes 2b–8) who does not meet the specified [zero-emission vehicle] […]
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Vaccination Avoidance Rises in Oregon
The percentage of Oregon kindergartners whose families opted them out of vaccinations for nonmedical reasons jumped to 9.7% for the 2024–25 school year. That percentage is the highest in state history, according to the Oregon Health Authority, and marks the fourth consecutive annual increase. Like other states, Oregon allows two types of exemptions from common […]
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The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation opens applications for the $25,000 Spark Awards for Oregon Artists in the Literary and Media Arts
Today, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation opened applications for the 2025 Spark Award for Oregon Artists. The Spark Award for Oregon Artists is inspired by the Foundation’s belief that the self-directed pursuit by professional artists of new ideas, opportunities and skills is essential to our state’s cultural vitality. The three-year pilot program […]
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COCC to Dedicate New Veterans Center with Ceremony, Chinook Helicopter
Beginning with the landing of a U.S. Army MH-47G Chinook on its Bend campus athletic field, a Central Oregon Community College (COCC) dedication event for its newly revamped Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Resource Center will celebrate veterans and a new space for student veterans beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at the Coats […]
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Celebrate Buttes, Brews & Big Views: The 5th Annual Big Butte Challenge Returns May 23–October 1
Central Oregon’s most scenic adventure is back for its fourth year! The Big Butte Challenge invites hikers, runners, and beer-lovers alike to take on 9+ iconic buttes and celebrate each summit with a cold craft pint from local breweries. This self-paced summer challenge kicks off May 23rd and runs through October 1st. Whether you’re climbing […]