Bend
Daily News
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cascade Theatrical Co.'s production of 'Bring It On: The Musical' opens today at 7:30 p.m. at Cascades Theatre (148 NW Greenwood Ave.) and runs for two weekends, featuring a teen cast led by director Christy Collins and choreographer Elizabeth Coe Tilly. Bend Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ NeighborImpact renewed its five-year Head Start Renewal grant, providing over $3 million a year to support local families, according to a press release (yesterday). The nonprofit recently opened its second Early Head Start Center and seeks to expand services in Bend, La Pine and Sisters. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cars in Central Oregon had a pink slip warning about studded tire damage, but ODOT confirmed the notice—bearing its logo—is not issued by the agency and noted that enforcement is handled by law enforcement while the studded tire season runs Nov. 1-Mar. 31. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Low-income residents in Central Oregon can soon join a waitlist to apply for federal housing vouchers. Housing Works announced the waitlist will open Jan. 12 at 8 a.m. and close Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. with technical assistance available at offices in Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Prineville and Madras. Bend Bulletin
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Oregon and other West Coast states will follow vaccine recommendations from a leading medical group (not CDC guidelines) after the federal agency changed its advice on Monday. Vaccine access and costs remain unchanged, though some local health officials worry the shift may cause confusion. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bend High girls basketball won their seventh nonleague game Tuesday by beating Mazama 65+38 and edged closer to last season’s nine wins. Coach Maria Ramirez said the team showed strong energy despite missing key players and will build on this performance in their next game at Madras. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ The No. 5 Ducks plan to slow Indiana's dynamic backfield when they face the undefeated Hoosiers Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Indiana running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black have shown solid performances, but coach Bryce Boettcher says Oregon will target their run game first. The Oregonian
- ➤ Noah Whittington returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Jan. 9 at 4:30 p.m. for Oregon's College Football Playoff semifinal against Indiana. The Georgia native seeks to overcome past losses at the stadium (where he suffered key defeats) and help his team reach the national championship game. The Oregonian
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Gino Vannelli Concert
8-10 p.m. — Oxford Hotel Bend — Ticket price unknown — Experience the timeless jazz vocals of Gino Vannelli at this unique venue.
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Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Class
8 AM - 4 PM — Ewing Outdoor Supply — Exam registration required (additional fee) — Gain essential skills for irrigation contract execution with provided lunch.
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Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking
4-6 p.m. — The Cellar — First drink free for registered attendees — Network with design and construction professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Maxwell Friedman Group Concert
7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $19.25 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a vibrant local venue.
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CORK Mom Squad Running Group
9-10 a.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — A welcoming running group for moms of all running levels to connect and share experiences while staying active.
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Comedy Night with Anthony Poponi
8-9 p.m. — Bangers & Brews Westside Bend Oregon — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy a night filled with sharp wit and quick crowd work from comedian Anthony Poponi.
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Sierra Nevada Red Fox Discovery Night
7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Free entry — Discover the elusive Sierra Nevada red fox with expert insights and captivating field stories.
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Archery Summit Wine Dinner
5-9 p.m. — Tetherow Resort — Cost varies — Experience a multi-course dinner paired with exceptional wines amid the winter charm of Bend.
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Western Sky Choir Concert
3-7 p.m. — Open Space Event Studios — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Enjoy a vibrant concert featuring hits from Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Olivia Rodrigo.
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Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training
5:30-8 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - Rosie Bareis Community Campus — Free entry — Learn vital skills for preventing child sexual abuse in your community.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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