Bend
Daily News
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ SeaPort Airlines will launch twice-weekly seasonal flights from Redmond to Portland, Seattle, and Spokane on May 22, continuing through Labor Day at Roberts Field (passengers will check in at the Skyservice facility instead of the main terminal). Central Oregon Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Indie-rock band Grandaddy will perform at Midtown Ballroom on Wednesday, May 20 (doors open at 7 p.m.) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album The Sophtware Slump, with tickets costing $41.10. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ New data show that retail inflation hit its highest level in three years in April (3.8% higher than last year) and gas prices in Oregon have increased 28% over the past year, pushing averages above $5 per gallon and adding pressure on local budgets. The Oregonian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Obsidian Middle School, science teacher Dan Grubb expanded the shop class with a $15,000 grant from SELCO — transforming a weight room into a hands-on workshop where students build projects for local nonprofits and learn practical skills. Bend Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Think Wild Central Oregon is set to launch Beaver Works habitat restoration projects in Malheur and Ochoco National Forests — volunteer days run June 23-26 and July 9-12 to improve watershed health and climate resilience. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting June 1, all SNAP applicants and renewers must complete an interview before benefits are approved to follow standard federal rules. Temporary COVID flexibilities ended May 31, requiring every household to complete the process. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ La Pine residents met Wednesday night at a city council meeting to oppose a proposed Boxminer.io data center at a vacant industrial park, citing concerns about environment, noise & water. The council requested additional details and will review similar centers elsewhere. Bend Bulletin
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bend retired doctor Stephen Kornfeld—who helped care for passengers during a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius—was released from the isolation unit after testing negative and moved to the National Quarantine Unit with 15 other American passengers. Health officials continue to monitor the group during their 42-day quarantine. Central Oregon Daily
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Readers can cast daily votes until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 to crown the best places to stay in central Oregon — the contest includes options in Bend and surrounding areas, and winners will be announced later that week on OregonLive. The Oregonian
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The 50-year celebration of the Pole Pedal Paddle race is scheduled for Saturday with about 1,500 participants racing along a modified course from Mount Bachelor to Bend featuring extra running stages. This community event honors founders Jenny and Dave Sheldon (who first launched the race in 1977). Bend Bulletin
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Five Pint Mary Concert
7 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — $11 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a charming venue with limited seating.
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Willy Vlautin: Stories & Music Night
7-1 a.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — $19.25 — Experience an enchanting evening of stories and music with award-winning author and musician Willy Vlautin.
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Brandi Carlile Concert
5 PM – 4 AM — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Grammy-winning artist's latest reflections in an unforgettable live performance.
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2026 OSHE Spring Conference
May 20-22 — Riverhouse Lodge — Registration fee required — Engage with specialists in a collaborative setting for professional development and networking.
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Sugarhill Gang Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate hip-hop history with the iconic Sugarhill Gang performing their groundbreaking hits.
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Claypool Gold Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — $ — Experience a thrilling night of genre-defying music with Primus, Les Claypool's Frog Brigade, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium.
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Property Research Workshop: Uncover Your Property's History
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Deschutes Historical Museum — $50 per person — Learn expert tips to uncover the history of your property's address.
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Living Myth with Jared Anderson
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, LLC — $20 suggested donation — Explore life's landscape through storytelling and shared themes with experienced storyteller Jared Anderson.
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Bobby Lindstrom & Ed Sharlet Live
1-3 p.m. — Worthy Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy blues-based old school rock and roll with local favorites Bobby Lindstrom and Ed Sharlet.
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Birding by Ear
8-9:30 a.m. — Sawyer Park — Free entry — Join a weekly bird walk to explore local avian sounds and enhance your birding skills.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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