We’re a quarter-way into the 21st Century and 2025 may have been the gnarliest year yet. Here in Central Oregon, our reporting reflected that whiplash, with reports on local houselessness, Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps and potential deregulation of the “American Dream.” Yet, along the way, we had some fun — gallows humor? — with investigations and first-person narratives about those dang fun Veo e-bikes and sketchy “magic […]
Year in Review: 12 Must-Read Stories
Posted inCulture
A Night of Stand-Up with Adam Carolla at the Midtown Ballroom
Adam Carolla is coming to Bend for an hour of stand-up. I spoke with the legendary comedian about burning houses, building houses, California’s slide into the s*****r, and bidets. the Source: Have you been to Bend before? Adam Carolla: I did a show in Eugene and then I drove to Bend. I believe there’s a […]
Posted inLocal News
Confronted by a Grassroots Backlash, Democrats Consider Repealing Unpopular Gas Tax Hike
At politically oriented holiday parties all over the state, the hot topic is what Democrats will do in the face of a remarkably successful Republican effort to refer a gas tax increase to the November 2026 ballot that lawmakers passed in September. The option that’s getting the most serious consideration, according to numerous Democrats speaking […]
Posted inBusiness News
Latino Leaders Share: “Why I Stand With LCA”
Speakers at the Latino Community Association’s Empowering Families Luncheon on Dec. 12 reached across 25 years of history to show how LCA is meeting its most serious challenge. “I knew I wanted to do something to support my community, but I never imagined it would be like stepping into a firestorm,” said Board President Luis Jimenez. […]
Posted inBusiness News
What to Expect When Visiting Oregon State Parks in 2026
As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season. This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of […]
Posted inBusiness News
Latino Community Association Launches Office Hours
The Latino Community Association and the City of Bend are pleased to announce the launch of Office Hours at the Latino Community Association’s office at 2680 NE Twin Knolls Drive in Bend. The Latino Community Association and the City of Bend have a longstanding relationship, collaborating in many ways, from City projects to co-hosting community outreach events. […]
Posted inBusiness News
Brooks Resources Corporation Receives 2025 Community Applause Award from OBA and Oregon Business Magazine
The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA), in partnership with Oregon Business Magazine, has announced Bend-based real estate developer Brooks Resources Corporation as the recipient of the 2025 Community Applause Award. The award, which recognizes an Oregon business for its significant service and contributions to its community, was presented to Brooks Resources during a banking industry event held on Dec. […]
Posted inBusiness News
COCC’s ‘Growing Together’ Campaign Culminates with $100K from Tykeson Family Foundation
Major fundraising for Central Oregon Community College’s Madras campus expansion, set to open for winter term’s first day on Jan. 5, has culminated with a generous capping grant of $100,000 from the Tykeson Family Foundation. The investment in the “Growing Together” campaign is supporting two central elements of the transformative project: the college’s health care training […]
Posted inBusiness News
City of Bend Opens Advanced Water Quality Laboratory
As part of the City of Bend Public Works Department moving into the new Public Works Campus, the City’s water lab successfully transferred its Oregon laboratory accreditation from its former location at the City’s Water Reclamation Facility. The water lab ensures the City provides safe drinking water to our community. Our newly accredited Water Quality Laboratory […]
Posted inBusiness News
Habitat for Humanity Purchases Surplus School District Land for Future Homes
Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity has officially closed on the purchase of surplus land from Bend-La Pine Schools for $20,000, completing the transaction last week. The property, known as Stone Creek Commons, will become a new homeownership community located next to Silver Rail Elementary School. Habitat was awarded the property through a competitive request for proposals […]