Bend
Daily News
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ High Desert Food and Farm Alliance received multiple grants including $120,385 from Travel Oregon to fund programs that support local farmers, reduce food waste and combat food insecurity in Central Oregon. The nonprofit used the funds for its Taste Central Oregon campaign to educate residents and for its Grow and Give program—delivering extra produce to those in need. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Oregon lost 4,300 jobs in June—after losing 2,100 in May—for a total of 6,400 jobs lost in the past two months. The state's unemployment rate edged up to 4.9 percent in June and local data will be released on July 22 and August 13. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Cram Fire more than doubled on Tuesday, burning over 64,000 acres in Wasco County—threatening small communities, ranches and infrastructure, and sending thick smoke into Bend. Authorities issued Level 3 evacuation orders for 129 homes near Madras and warned residents to limit smoke exposure while crews work to control the blaze. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Fire restrictions will expand Friday to include all wilderness areas in Deschutes National Forest because hot, dry weather and rising wildfire activity have increased risks. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on July 18, open fires—including wood, charcoal, twig stoves, and biomass burners—will be banned. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Legislature approved a $10 million funding boost to move Redmond's CORE3 project closer to its $50 million goal for an emergency coordination hub and public safety training campus next to Redmond Airport — the CORE3 team said Phase 1 will start soon. KTVZ
- ➤ Bend resident Gail Menasco fought insurance denials for her preferred autologous breast reconstruction after her cancer treatment and urged lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1137, which expands access to a muscle-sparing procedure. The unanimously passed bill now awaits Governor Tina Kotek's signature—its enactment will allow more women to receive the care they need. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency yesterday due to the imminent wildfire threat, which lets state agencies use all resources, including the National Guard, to support communities through the end of the year. KTVZ
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Christmas in July with Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive Santa
Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive has taken over for the Toys for Tots which has suspended operations in Central Oregon and Marines from MCL 1308 with support from Summit Health are taking over with our Santa on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of July and 7 of August every Thursday at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm BRING A TOY PLEASE its needed
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Munch & Music Concert Series
5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate the 34th season of free concerts with food vendors and local music featuring Thirteen Til Midnight and Dad Bods.
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Spanish Summer Sounds – Learn Spanish Through Music
10:00 – 11:30 AM — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Engage with Spanish through music and enhance your vocabulary in a fun and interactive setting.
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Of Montreal Concert
7-10:30 p.m. — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Check website for price — Experience an eclectic night of alternative rock with Of Montreal.
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Dropkick Murphys Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with Boston's legendary punk band known for their energetic performances and crowd favorites.
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Maoli Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available online — Experience the uplifting fusion of country and reggae from Hawaii’s top independent artist Maoli.
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Salsa on the Patio
6-8:30 p.m. — River's Place — Free lesson and dancing — Enjoy a lively evening of salsa dancing under the stars with DJ Solo spinning the tunes.
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Reflections of History: An Architectural Walking Tour
10:30 a.m. — Deschutes Historical Museum — Reservations required — Explore Bend's historical architecture while strolling through the picturesque Drake Park Neighborhood.
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Mike Dawes Live Performance
7-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — $24 - $44 — Experience the creativity of one of the world's finest fingerstyle guitarists and electrifying performances.
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Carvin Jones Band Live Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Aspen Hall — Tickets not on sale — Experience the blues with Carvin Jones, crowned one of the 50 Greatest Blues Guitarists of all time.
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Beatles vs Stones - A Musical Showdown
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — $55 – $75 — Experience the ultimate musical face-off between two legendary bands in Bend's iconic venue.
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Live the Bend Lifestyle – Just Minutes from the Old Mill
Well-located Westside Bend home near trails, dining, and the Deschutes. Offers 3 beds, 2.5 baths, open-concept living, and inviting outdoor space.
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