Thousands of Central Oregon residents will soon receive letters in the mail regarding a data breach at TriZetto Provider Solutions (TPS). TPS is a third-party contractor that provides insurance-eligibility verification services to health care providers, including Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS), Best Care, and the La Pine Community Health Center (LCHC). The data breach occurred only […]
Contractor Data Breach Impacts Health Info of Thousands in Central Oregon
Posted inLocal News
UPDATE: Two ‘Pretti Good’ Reasons to Ride Gravel Bikes Together
Alex Pretti loved bikepacking. He was also known in his South Minneapolis neighborhood as a friendly guy who enjoyed walking his dog, someone who greeted the folks who passed by. On Jan. 24, while filming U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and helping a shoved woman to her feet, Pretti was pepper-sprayed by ICE agents […]
Posted inLocal News
New Trial Dates Set for Ian Cranston
Ian Cranston appeared virtually with his attorney on Jan. 28 at a hearing at Deschutes County Circuit Court, where Circuit Judge Beth Bagley set future dates for Cranston’s re-trial in the 2021 shooting death of Barry Washington Jr. A new 10-day in-person trial will begin on Oct. 20. A general trial readiness hearing will happen […]
Posted inColumns
A 2026 Resolution and Thoughts on Freedom and Liberty
Going back 250 years ago, our forefathers declared that all men are created equal by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This phrase embodied, in theory, the concepts of freedom and liberty as they existed in 18th century America but how those concepts evolved in our Constitution and our laws is the […]
Posted inLocal News
Redemption Versus Revitalization: Bend’s ‘BottleDrop Problem’
Wide-eyed, a panhandler in the Bend Redemption Center parking lot declared that a secret shadow government in Portland runs the statewide BottleDrop recycling program as part of a nefarious plot to control the population. With such an informational murkiness encircling the BottleDrop from local to state levels, this man isn’t alone in offering crackpot theories. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Après Ski Spots Around Town
In Central Oregon, après ski refers to more than winter happy hour deals rebranded with a French preposition and a cool accent. The post-mountain libations, slurped early and fervently, indicate a lifestyle shift that the wisest among us make each winter. During these dark months, outdoor activities are best staged just before the sun comes […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Nihilist’s Guide to Drinking in 2026
The federal government’s new dietary guidelines arrived earlier this month, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has flipped the food pyramid on its head. Americans need to eat more beef! And mix more cheese, butter and whole milk into everything we eat. Interestingly, though, and enthusiastic drinkers, take heed: The recommendations regarding alcohol are […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bingo, Bingo and Oh Yeah, Trivia!
Looking for a fun outing with friends that doesn’t involve screen time? How about some bingo?Playing bingo with friends and family combines anticipation and social connection in a way that makes it enjoyable for everyone. The rules of bingo are simple and straightforward. Large groups can relax and socialize while waiting for their numbers to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Paint & Sip
Sometimes you just want to hang out with your gal pals, sip a beverage of your choice and share a fun activity together. Wine & Paint nights are popping up all over town. It doesn’t matter if you can’t paint, that’s not the point. It’s a monthly event at the Winery at Manzanita in Bend. […]
Posted inCulture
Free Will Astrology, Week of Jan 29
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In ecology, there’s a concept called “keystone species.” This refers to organisms that have a huge effect on their environment relative to their abundance. Remove them, and the whole ecosystem shifts. I bring this up, Aquarius, because I believe you are currently functioning as a keystone species in your social ecosystem. […]