Good morning, Bend.

Local contractor Joel Matthew Caswell was indicted by the FBI on 23 felony charges including wire fraud, tax evasion and aggravated identity theft for allegedly defrauding federal relief programs — he was arrested on April 18 and appeared in Medford court where he pleaded not guilty — and local business owners noted a long history of disputed dealings with him.

Oregon’s seven public universities (Eastern Oregon, Oregon State, Oregon Institute of Technology, Portland State, Southern Oregon, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon) will raise tuition by 3 to 5% for the next school year due to rising labor and utility costs and lower state funding. Students across the state, including those in Bend, will face higher fees as part of a 10-year trend of steadily increasing college costs.

Deschutes County staff will hold a public test of the ballot counting system today at 9:00 a.m. on the second floor of the county administration building at 1300 NW Wall St—viewers must RSVP by calling 541-388-6547.

One of Central Oregon’s longest homeless encampments near China Hat Road will be closed May 1 unless a federal judge stops the sweep amid a pending lawsuit—federal and local officials enforce the closure to complete a forest thinning project.

Local service providers are helping residents relocate vehicles and belongings while penalties may reach $5,000 or six months in jail for those who violate the order.

Deschutes County Elections officials have shared key details for the May 20 Special District Election that features district director contests for community college, fire, school, park and recreation, library, sanitation and water districts as well as two local ballot measures.

Ballots will be mailed starting April 30—voters should return theirs by mail or at an official drop box and contact the County Clerk’s Office if not received by May 7.

Take Action: Community Conversation & Event

Oregon is working towards a vote on universal healthcare, and we are organizing right now to ensure that it passes – join us to share your healthcare experiences and learn how to become involved. This FREE event is at The Commonwealth Pub (30 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702) on Tuesday, April 29th, at 5:30pm, with live music after our discussion.

Yelawolf 45 Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — All Ages — Experience the unique blend of hip-hop and rock from the chart-topping artist Yelawolf and special guests.

Reno and Cindy Musical Duo Performance

6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Enjoy an evening with talented duo Reno and Cindy featuring great vocals and engaging performances.

Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights

2:30-5 p.m. — Downtown Bend Business Association — Ticketed event — Explore Bend's vibrant craft beer scene with tours and tasting flights at local breweries.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

6-8 p.m. — River's Place — Cost TBA — Celebrate with live music, handmade tamales, elotes, and specialty cocktails.

Happy Hour in the Garden

4-6 p.m. — The Environmental Center — Free entry — Enjoy volunteering in the garden while sipping beverages with family-friendly activities.

Pollinator Pathway Bend Spring Kick-Off

4-6 p.m. — Wintercreek Nursery — Free entry — Celebrate spring with native plants and gardening stories at a local nursery.

Kids' Cooking Class Series

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Hanai — Check event page for pricing — A fun and educational cooking series for kids aged 8 to 12 with parental guidance.

Grease - The Musical

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Cascades Theatrical Co — Affordable tickets — Experience the excitement of Grease live on stage in Bend.

Bend Beauty Expo 2025

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — $5 benefiting the Humane Society — Explore beauty with food, fun, and a chance to win prizes.

Mother's Day Brunch Celebration

10 a.m. — Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge — $30-75 — Treat the queen of your crew to a bold and beautiful brunch crafted by Chef Carlos Anthony.