Bend
Daily News
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Central Oregon YIMBY, 1000 Friends of Oregon, and Central Oregon LandWatch will host a housing crisis workshop on Apr. 21 to explore policy strategies and community advocacy. Attendees will join the interactive event (free pizza provided) as they learn ways to help address local housing challenges. KTVZ
- ➤ A new report shares 31 local stories of families pushed into homelessness by unexpected expenses and hardships while detailing housing programs like the Franklin Avenue Shelter & Cleveland Commons that offer supportive services. The report outlines challenges and practical solutions to help rebuild lives. Bend Bulletin
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Friday morning dance party hosted by Get Up and Groove at The Commons brought the community together in downtown Bend, and organizers say similar events will return as the weather warms. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Researchers found that Oregon’s 2019 law requiring nonprofit hospitals to ease medical debt is lowering collections (872 fewer cases per county) and is seen as a model for states facing Medicaid cuts. Bend Bulletin
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new study finds that a nearly seven-year-old Oregon law (which requires nonprofit hospitals to offer financial help based on patient income) has greatly reduced unpaid medical bills sent to collectors. Researchers suggest the policy may serve as a model for similar reforms in other states. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Oregon recorded its first measles hospitalization on April 17 as confirmed cases rose to 20, indicating community spread beyond households. Health officials urged unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated to help contain the outbreak. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Deschutes County Health Services are alerting the public to an increase in overdoses linked to suspected adulterated street drugs which required naloxone in six cases over the past day. Officials urge users to exercise caution and learn overdose signs (pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, unconsciousness) to respond promptly in an emergency. County of Deschutes
- ➤ A $65 million cancer center in Redmond held a grand opening Thursday next door to the hospital with a ribbon cutting & self-guided tours. The 53,000 sqft center will serve up to 300 patients per day when it officially opens Monday. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cadence Kennedy and Tanner Loch, juniors from Mountain View, were named Athletes of the Week by Bulletin readers for standout play from April 6-11+ Kennedy hit five RBIs and two home runs in softball while Loch scored eight runs and pitched two shutout innings in baseball. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Redmond's Central Christian is finding success with its girls flag football team, which won six consecutive games by nearly 28 points on average before its first loss, and school officials remain hopeful the sport will become a permanent spring offering. Bend Bulletin
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Reelin In the Years - Steely Dan Tribute
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the smooth grooves of Steely Dan with Bend’s premier tribute band Major Dudes.
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Teen Volunteer Opportunity with Camp Fire Central Oregon
2:30-4:00 p.m. — Family Kitchen — Free — Connect with Camp Fire through exciting volunteer projects and skill-building outings for teens aged 12 to 17.
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Sierra Hull Live Concert
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic bluegrass and Americana sounds of Sierra Hull, a six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year.
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Universal Health Plan Town Hall (Free + Open To All)
Oregon is creating universal health care legislation. This Town Hall is currently the only in-person chance in Central Oregon to hear from the people writing the state's legislation and to ask questions/provide comments. This will be historic legislation. If you are interested in the issue, support universal health care, or have questions about it, you have to be at this event to make your voice heard. It is free and open to all. DATE: Saturday, April 25th TIME: 3pm to 5pm LOCATION: Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
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Reiki and Sound Bath for Nervous System Reset
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM — Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, LLC — Cost varies — Experience a restorative blend of Reiki and sound healing to relax and reset your nervous system.
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About Oregon Gold: A History of Mining
7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Tickets required — Explore the untold story of Oregon's gold rush from 1862 to 1910.
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Intimate Night with Eric Leadbetter
7-11 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — Enjoy a cozy evening of music and storytelling with Eric Leadbetter.
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Chris Beland Live Performance
7 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — $11 — Experience heartfelt songwriting from a passionate artist immersed in the dreams of everyday life.
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Purpose Derby
1-4 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Celebrate the Kentucky Derby while supporting StirrUp Purpose through fun activities and auctions.
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Fresh Finds Market at Juniper Preserve
11 AM – 5 PM — Juniper Preserve, Golf & Wellness Resort — Free entry — Celebrate spring with local produce, artisan goods, and adoptable pups at this community farmers market.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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Reveal the authorAbout Bend Daily News
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