Month: June 2026

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Parents of children who attended OSU-Cascades’ ‘Little Kits’ daycare program are demanding answers about it’s closure. To this end, they’re sending a letter to the University’s board of trustees, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

The program, which operated for approximately seven months is closing in July.

The 7,200-square-foot facility was built by the college specifically designed for child care. It used roughly $3 million in grant funding, including support from the American Rescue Plan Act.

This closure forces parents to scramble for new day care arrangements after their children were enrolled in a high-quality educational program.

Parents expressed the difficulty of explaining the sudden closure to young children. Rachel Taylor, a parent of a child in the Little Kits day care program, described the challenge.

“I there’s no way to really explain to her what’s going to happen. There’s no way to really say, you’re never going to see your teachers again. She doesn’t understand time or concepts like that. There is no way to say, like, yeah, you’re never going to see your teachers. You’re never going to see your friends. OSU administrators decided that you’re going to lose all your friends so you don’t get to have them anymore,” Taylor said.

Parents are demanding an explanation for the closure from the Oregon State University board of trustees and the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission. They have sent a letter along with collected signatures from the community to both organizations.

The full letter is attached below:

Little Kits Letter of SupportDownload

Beyond an explanation, the letter also seeks details on how OSU plans to select a new operator for the soon-to-be-empty day care center.

When the closure was announced, OSU-Cascade released a statements, citing ” ongoing financial challenges”.

A change.org petition has also been launched by the parents of Little Kits.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Lightning organization forfeited the remainder of its 2026 AF1 season on June 11, 2026, citing significant player injuries and overriding safety concerns.

The decision comes after medical evaluations determined the team could no longer safely field a roster that meets professional standards for competition and player well-being.

Player health and safety have always been an organizational priority for the Oregon Lightning. The team’s announcement also aimed to provide full context to its stakeholders, following an inaccurate statement published by Arena Football One regarding a scheduled Oregon versus Ky. matchup.

Chuck Jones, who serves as Owner, general manager and Head Coach of the Oregon Lightning, clarified the reasons for the forfeiture. Jones stated, “This game was not canceled due to inadequate travel arrangements, as we have receipts to provide as proof travel was secured and the trip was paid.”

Jones emphasized that the decision was solely based on player safety. “This is strictly about the safety of our players,” Jones said. He added that the team’s choice not to travel was “based solely on player medical status, not operational unwillingness or lack of commitment.”

The organization asserted that its athletes have shown heart, resilience and professionalism throughout the season. Jones affirmed that the team would “never place them in a situation that compromises their long-term health.”

The Oregon Lightning remained transparent with the league about the injury situation, providing updated medical reports and roster availability throughout the week. According to Jones, the team exhausted all options, “including emergency signings, practice squad evaluations and medical rechecks,” before concluding that continuing the season was not feasible without risking further injury.

Despite the forfeiture, the team intends to maintain daily operations. “We are continuing daily operations, still running our summer camps with Bend FC and we are still playing in Central Oregon in 2027,” Jones said. The organization also extended gratitude to its fans, sponsors, volunteers and the Central Oregon community for their support during the 2026 season.

The Oregon Lightning remains committed to its community, sponsors and team, with plans to play in Central Oregon in 2027. The organization states it will continue with daily operations and summer camps with Bend FC. The team also pledged its commitment to transparency, professionalism and the long-term growth of football in Oregon.

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: Adding Story and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fertilizer prices are increasing and its availability is decreasing in Central Oregon, impacting local farmers. This issue is linked to disruptions in the global supply chain through the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbated by the Iran war.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) stated that the rise in fertilizer prices is due to its transport through the Strait of Hormuz, equating the situation to the impact on gas prices. Sen. Merkley explained that global fertilizer producers sell their product on the world market.

Fertilizer is composed of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, with many Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman and Egypt serving as major sources of nitrogen.

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has led to ships becoming stuck, further intensifying the shortage of fertilizer on the market. This global issue has exacerbated existing challenges in Central Oregon. Central Oregon has experienced a significant reduction in its fertilizer production capacity in recent years. The number of main fertilizer producers in the region has decreased from four to two, contributing to an even greater local shortage.

Hay farmers in the region are also facing economic difficulties. Over the last several years, hay prices have declined, making its production less profitable. According to a market report from Ag-West Farming Credit, hay is currently only somewhat profitable.

I spoke with several farmers and ranchers who chose to remain anonymous. Some expressed the struggle they are enduring, with one farmer stating they were glad they did not purchase fertilizer this year. Another indicated that the profitability of farming has become increasingly difficult.

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