Local News
Central Oregon Homelessness Falls 19% — and Jefferson County's Work Is Getting Noticed
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count recorded a 19.1% drop in homelessness across Central Oregon, the first meaningful decline in years — and housing advocates say Jefferson County's coordinated, community-driven approach has helped drive the change.
Local News
Cascades East Transit Expanding Bus Service to Madras and Redmond Beginning June 15
Cascades East Transit is rolling out new schedule changes on June 15 that add runs on the Madras-Redmond connector and expand service hours in Redmond — building on the Route 21 launch that already extended transit into Kah-Nee-Ta and Simnasho.
Business
Plateau Travel Plaza Seeks Tribal Arts for Display as Expanded Madras Facility Prepares to Reopen
The Confederated Tribes' Plateau Travel Plaza is inviting tribal members to submit huckleberry baskets, beadwork, carvings, and other cultural pieces for display before the Madras truck stop reopens after a major expansion — submissions due June 3.
Local News
Warm Springs General Council Hears Financial Update, Welcomes New Leadership
About 84 community members gathered at the Agency Longhouse Tuesday night for a General Council meeting that included a financial briefing, introductions from newly hired senior staff, and pointed questions from tribal members on wages, transparency, and cultural services.
Public Safety
Zen Fire Near Clarno Reaches 1,635 Acres, Now 60% Contained
The Zen Fire, burning in Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties near Clarno, grew to 1,635 acres before crews made significant progress — but the fire's rapid early spread has renewed alarm about what may be a dangerous 2026 wildfire season.
Weather
Severe Thunderstorms Slam Central Oregon Thursday, Knocking Out Power to Over 1,100 Customers
A fast-moving system brought lightning, hail up to two inches, winds gusting to 70 mph, and widespread power outages to Central Oregon on Thursday evening — one of the region's most active late-May storm events in recent years.