Correction: “After the Inferno,” 2/13 The Oregon Journalism Project story “After the Inferno,” published in the Source Weekly on 2/13, originally misstated the frequency with which the Public Utility Commission notified PacifiCorp of vegetation management shortcomings. OJP regrets the error. The story has also been updated to include context about a lawsuit filed last year […]
Letters to the Editor 2/20/2025
Posted inNews
Early Trump Initiatives and Effects
National Hiring Freeze Enacted: As one of his first actions on Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order mandating a freeze on the hiring of all federal civilian positions — no vacant position can be filled and no new position may be created. Potential Impacts: • Inability for the Forest Service to hire seasonal firefighters […]
Posted inCulture
Horoscope Week of February 20, 2025
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Have you been struggling to summon the motivation to start anew in some area of your life? I predict that sometime in the coming weeks, you will find all the motivation you need. Have you been wishing you could shed the weight of the past and glide into a fresh project […]
Posted inMusic
BendreTheGiant Wadesinto the Deep End
Take a quick glance at a photo of BendreTheGiant and it’s easy to see why Ben Estrada goes by this moniker. He’s got a head full of tight brown curls framing his round face, reminiscent of the larger-than-life pro wrestler of yore. And the opening track, “Move,” on his new four-song EP recounts how he’s […]
Posted inOutside
Bendi Gras Brings Mardi Gras Magic to Central Oregon
Mardi Gras is coming to Bend: Get ready for a weekend of music, revelry and New Orleans-style fun with a local twist. From Friday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 2, Bendi Gras transforms the city into a hub of high-energy performances, vibrant parties and snow-filled festivities all inspired by one of the world’s most famous […]
Posted inNews
Anti-DEI Orders Threaten Funding, Support
J ust days after President Donald Trump took office, he signed a series of executive orders, including a push to dismantle federal programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, causing a dismissal of federal DEI staff and a closure of DEI offices. While questions still remain about how this might impact federal funding for local […]
Posted inNews
Targeted and Living in Fear
Christian Manzanares moved with her mom and dad from Los Angeles to Bend when she was around four years old. Twenty years later, she doesn’t remember life outside of Central Oregon. Yet, despite being born in the U.S. and growing up in Central Oregon, she says she’s always lived with a sense that she and […]
Posted inNews
Federal Actions Roll Back Protections for Transgender Individuals
The Trump administration has rolled back several federal protections and services for transgender individuals, with executive orders dismissing the validity of gender identity, restricting care and shutting down supportive programs and initiatives. President Trump’s order includes a series of measures, including one requiring the federal government to recognize only two sexes — male and female […]
Posted inCulture
Read to Kids
Have you ever read a book to a 5-year-old? Their enthusiasm for choosing which book they want to read, their excitement at telling you that the stegosaurus has protective armor to save it from the meat eaters, or their giggle as they picture Pete the Cat stepping into a pile of blueberries in his new […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Falling for Food
I don’t go on a lot of dates. I think I’m bad at them. But when I booked a reservation at Salute Restaurant & Bar in order to write this article, it seemed like going there alone the day after Valentine’s Day would be just this side of mildly depressing. The reservation was set for earlier […]