Guest Opinion: Bentz Defends GOP Budget that Hurts His District At a recent town hall, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-District 2) was asked to explain and defend the federal budget proposal put forward by House Republicans. That proposal calls for drastic cuts in a number of critical services, and even more tax breaks for corporations […]
Letters to the Editor
Posted inFood & Drink
M’s Bakery Grand Opening Brings Fresh-Baked Goods, Breakfast and Lunch to Old Mill
The scent of freshly baked bread drifts through the Old Mill District as M’s Bakery officially opens its doors, inviting locals and visitors to savor handcrafted pastries, warm coffee and artisanal breads made with organic ingredients. M’s Bakery is the vision of Dario Muciño Trujillo and his wife and business partner, Macy Davis. The idea […]
Posted inNews
Locals Grapple with Federal Plans to Reduce Veterans Agency Workforce
Locals recently stood on the Peace Corner in downtown Bend in support of veteran services, protesting federal calls to slash jobs within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the federal agency that provides benefits and health care services to those who served in the military, along with their families. At the March 12 protest, some […]
Posted inOpinion
Flexibility in Room Tax Income Could Come in Multiple Forms
This week, leaders in local government and destination management organizations alike submitted testimony about a bill moving through the Oregon Legislative Assembly, which seeks to make some changes in how future monies garnered by tourism are used. HB 3556 “extends the permissible uses of net revenue from a new or increased transient local lodging tax […]
Posted inCulture
The Psychedelic Frontier:A Basic Overview of Substances
Q: I appreciate your articles and the information and resources they contain. I am not entirely clear on understanding what all the various psychedelic substances are and their uses and effects. Can you please help me? A: The use of entheogens and empathogens can lead to some of the most expansive and eye-opening moments in […]
Posted inNews
Reed Market Overpass Project: Traffic Relief and Construction Impacts
For years, Bend residents have called on the City of Bend to address a train crossing along a busy section of Reed Market Road, between SE 15th Street and Third Street. With several trains crossing each day, stopping anywhere between five minutes to upward of 20, the City of Bend is attempting to alleviate issues […]
Posted inNews
If You Want to Help Homeless People, Listen
The message arrived on a Tuesday morning, around 10:30am. It was early October 2021, and that year’s exceptionally hot weather had finally broke in St. George, Utah, where I was working. “A woman called to let you know that your mom has been evicted,” said Joseph Witham, my editor at the time. “She said your […]
Posted inNews
Judge Blocks Kotek’s Executive Order Requiring Union Labor for State Construction Projects
Marion County Circuit Judge Thomas M. Hart issued a temporary injunction today blocking a December executive order by Gov. Tina Kotek. The December order decreed that state agencies “shall” enter into project labor agreements with labor unions for most state construction projects. Earlier this month, the Oregon-Columbia chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America […]
Posted inNews
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Kisky Holwerda 🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, we sit down with Kisky Holwerda, the driving force behind Bend, Oregon’s Ponderosa Players. A passionate theater director and educator, Kisky shares how this innovative troupe is fostering creativity, building community, and bringing bold, original performances to life. From the joys of working with young actors to the […]
Posted inNews
Republican Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Repeal Wildfire Hazard Maps
Oregon House and Senate Republicans introduced legislation on March 18 that would repeal the state’s wildfire hazard map. The new piece of legislation is meant to address community frustrations around rising insurance costs and threats to property values. The map, which came out of Senate Bill 762, classifies lots as low-, moderate- or high-hazard zones […]