Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
Good morning, Bend.
🏘️ Community
100+ Women Who Care donated nearly $20,000 to M Perfectly, a nonprofit that supports women in recovery, on Thursday, Apr.
23; the donation will fund the Wheels of Hope program that helps provide reliable vehicles so women can gain stability.
💼 Business
Bend Brewing Company won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup for its 'Because Science' Hazy IPA on Thursday.
The local brewery is set to open a new Way West location in June — and will join the Great American Beer Festival in September.
📰 Economy
Oregon will raise its minimum wage on July 1 — Portland wages will reach $16.80, the Willamette Valley $15.55, and rural rates $14.55.
About 90,000 workers will benefit as the increase ties to a 3.3% inflation rate.
🌲 Environment
Gov. Kotek declared a drought emergency in six counties—Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow and Wallowa—to grant new tools for local water users amid record-warm winter conditions and low snowpack.
This is Oregon’s second drought declaration in 2026, with nine counties now under emergency status, including Deschutes.
State and federal agencies are hosting volcano preparedness workshops to help Oregon communities cope with volcanic risks.
One session is set for Tuesday, Apr. 28 at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls + another will be held Wednesday, Apr. 29 at Central Oregon Community College in Bend.
📰 Real Estate
According to the Beacon Report, Bend home prices dropped from $725,000 in February to $688,000 in March while sales rose from 118 to 150 + days on market shortened and inventory expanded.
Similar shifts occurred in nearby Redmond, where median prices declined and sales increased.
🎉 Bend Events
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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purpose Derby
1-4 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Celebrate the Kentucky Derby while supporting StirrUp Purpose through fun activities and auctions.
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.
Charting American Pika Resilience
7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free, RSVP required — Explore how American pikas adapt to climate change in Central Oregon's wilderness.
Let's Talk About It – Free Child Development Training
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - East Bend Campus — Free entry — Gain valuable insights into child development and learn effective communication strategies for discussing sensitive topics with children.
Portland Cello Project Concert
7:30-10 p.m. — Tower Theatre — $32 – $52 — Experience a genre-bending journey from Bach to hip hop in a high-energy cello performance.
🏠 Bend Real Estate
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💼 Bend Job Board
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📣 Bend Announcements
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