Good morning, Bend.

Today, a memorial dedication ceremony honoring Barry Washington Jr. will take place downtown Bend at the corner of Wall Street and Oregon Avenue from 1 to 3 p.m.—city officials will close part of the street from noon to 4 p.m. to allow Washington’s family and Mayor Melanie Kebler to speak. The crowd-funded event honors the young man who was shot outside a downtown bar in 2021 and sparked community discussions on safety and justice.

Bend’s population has grown from 52,029 in 2000 to about 107,812 today, and its mix of outdoor recreation, low crime and short commutes keeps it a top choice locally—though steep home prices and limited job options raise affordability concerns.

Judges and lawyers from the Oregon Court of Appeals visited Ridgeview High on Thursday morning to explain oral arguments as they presented three cases and answered student questions.

They discussed Medicaid rules, a prisoner’s phone use, and a police car repair cost — giving students a closer look at the judicial process.

Strong winds have caused power outages in downtown Bend today with streetlights out while stores remain open.

Pacific Power said crews are on standby as a storm—bringing gusts and rain starting Friday night through Sunday—is being closely monitored, and customers are urged to prepare for possible disruptions.

Longtime Bend OB-GYN Dr. John Murphy is closing his practice and suing St. Charles Health System, accusing the hospital of sabotaging his business by hiring away his colleague and refusing to rehire him—claims that raise concerns about local women's health services.

The lawsuit, filed in Deschutes County Circuit Court, seeks more than $3 million in damages.

Luke Pickerill, CEO of MonteVista Homes, joined KTVZ News at Sunrise this morning to discuss the housing market and its effect on the local economy—he detailed the challenges homebuilders face and how his company is working to ease the affordability crisis.

Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for eight affordable homes near Bear Creek Elementary—expected to finish construction in 2027—for households earning up to 80% of the area's median income, about $91,000 per year for a family of four.

Competition is high with roughly 10 times more applicants than available homes, and monthly mortgage payments will range from $1,400 to $2,000.

Deschutes County is building new homes faster than other parts of Oregon — county leaders say obstacles still remain.

The No. 6 Oregon Ducks, coming off a 56-10 win at Rutgers, will host Wisconsin today at Autzen Stadium at 4 p.m.—they plan to lean on their running game.

Wisconsin, which has lost five straight contests—its offense barely scoring—seeks its first touchdown in three games.

The Oregonian/OregonLive sports staff has released its Week 9 college football picks, with the Oregon Ducks hosting Wisconsin today at 4 p.m. PT at Autzen Stadium—predictions also cover key SEC and Big Ten games such as Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma and Texas A&M vs. LSU set for Saturday.

Bend High girls soccer won the IMC title with a 2-1 victory over Summit on Friday night at 15th Street Field—junior forward Shea Manfredi scored both goals in a windy, drizzly match.

Sophomore goalkeeper Brooklyn Mettler made key saves as the team clinched its first conference title since 2021—boosting their strong season performance.

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

Home Design Workshop at Wild Ride Brewing

12-2 p.m. — Wild Ride Brewing — Paid tickets include a free gift — Unleash your creativity by designing mood boards and receiving expert decor tips.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter and local talent at Bend's top-rated open mic.

APWA Oregon Fall Conference

October 28-31 — Riverhouse Lodge — Cost not specified — Connect with public works professionals for education, networking, and innovation.

The Emo Night Halloween Bash with Chandler P

8:00 – 11:59 p.m. — The Capitol — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with a night of 2000’s pop punk and a live performance by Chandler P.

Five For Fighting with String Quartet

7-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful music of Five For Fighting accompanied by a string quartet.

Bend Witches Paddle

4-6 p.m. — Riverbend Park — Fundraiser event — Dress as a witch and paddle for a good cause along the river with family and pets.

PUNK-O-WEEN 4 Costume Party

12-11 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $20 — Experience Bend's annual punk rock Halloween party with 17 bands and all ages welcome.

Bend Cars & Coffee

8-11 a.m. — Dilly Dally Coffee Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of coffee and car culture in the heart of Bend.

Birthplace of American Sport Climbing: A History of Smith Rock

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Sold out — Discover the 150-year history of Smith Rock and its pivotal role in American sport climbing.

Joy of Capoeira - Introductory Session

7-8:45 p.m. — High Desert Martial Arts — Workshop price includes a group capoeira T-shirt — Experience the rhythm and culture of Brazil through this engaging martial art form.