State marketplace helped nearly 140,000 Oregonians obtain private health insurance in 2024

KTVZ on April 16, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new report shows that during open enrollment for the 2025 plan year, 139,688 Oregonians enrolled in private health insurance through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace reduces the out-of-pocket costs associated with enrolling in private health coverage.  

According to the report, 80 percent of enrollees applied for and received financial assistance, helping to make health coverage more affordable for Oregonians:

Individuals receiving financial help are getting an average of $531 per month in premium tax credits to lower the cost of coverage.

The average bottom-line monthly premium for Oregonians after premium tax credits is $272.

More than 11% of Marketplace enrollees have a monthly premium of less than $10 after applying premium tax credits.

“The Marketplace remains committed to ensuring that Oregonians can access high-quality, affordable private health coverage,” said Chiqui Flowers, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace director. “We continue to support individuals and families in finding coverage that meets their needs as health insurance enrollment evolves over time.”

The Marketplace today released its annual report (https://orhim.info/2024Report), detailing the state of Marketplace health coverage in Oregon. The report describes key trends in enrollment and financial assistance and highlights policy changes that improved access to health coverage.

During the Medicaid redetermination process after the pandemic, many Oregonians who were no longer eligible for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) found private health plans through the Marketplace. OHP Bridge, Oregon’s new basic health program that provides a coverage option between Medicaid and private insurance, has also played a role in shaping enrollment trends this year.

“OHA’s goal is to ensure that no Oregonian is left without coverage,” said Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Interim Director Kristine Kautz. “The introduction of OHP Bridge and the Marketplace’s support for enrollees demonstrate our ongoing commitment to accessible health care for all.”

People leaving OHP or experiencing major life changes—such as a job change, relocation or family changes—may qualify for a special enrollment period to find private coverage. Oregonians who need to transition to a Marketplace plan from OHP or an employer plan should act before their benefits end to avoid a gap in coverage.

To explore coverage options, visit OregonHealthCare.gov, answer a few Oregon-specific questions and find the right application. Free, one-on-one assistance is available from insurance agents and community partners to help individuals navigate their options and enroll in the best plan for their needs. This assistance is available online, in person and in various languages.

###

Year-over-year enrollment by program

Plan year
Marketplace
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
OHP Bridge (launched July 1, 2024)
Total

2025
139,688
1,407,452
32,239
1,579,379

2024
145,509
1,461,531
—
1,607,040

2023
141,963
1,472,420
—
1,614,383

2022
146,602
1,373,960
—
1,520,562

2021
141,089
1,162,070
—
1,303,159

2020
145,264
1,004,400
—
1,149,664

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

Oregon House approves bill to limit smartphone use in schools

KTVZ on April 16, 2025

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– With bipartisan support, the Oregon House of Representatives on Tuesday passed House Bill 2251, which would prohibit Oregon students from using their smartphones during the school day.

“With this legislation, Oregon will join the growing number of states taking action to support students’ mental health and academic outcomes by reducing digital distractions,” lawmakers who supported the bill that passed 36-21 said in a news release that continues below:  

The bill requires each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices, with limited exceptions, from bell-to-bell but allows local districts to choose how to implement the policy – such as using magnetized pouches or requiring cell phones to be “off and away” in students’ backpacks. 

“I’m proud to be joining 17 other states reducing student access to smartphones during the school day,” said Rep. Kim Wallan (R- Medford), who introduced HB 2251. “I find it notable that no state that has curbed phone use in schools has reversed course. I’m confident that this legislation will improve outcomes for Oregon’s students and teachers.” 

The bill provides exemptions for the use of personal laptops for schoolwork and devices that are medically necessary or part of a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan. School districts that have already implemented bell-to-bell restrictions on student cell phone use have seen improvements in behavior, attendance, and academic performance.  

“We have to improve outcomes for Oregon students,” said Rep. April Dobson (D- Happy Valley & N Clackamas County), a chief sponsor of the bill. “Our teachers shouldn’t have to compete with trillion-dollar tech companies and the most advanced social media algorithms for students’ attention in the classroom.” 

Developed over the course of the session by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, HB 2251 provides needed relief for educators who are increasingly finding themselves policing cell phone usage, rather than focusing on teaching. 

“In Bend-La Pine, I’ve heard directly from parents and educators about what a positive impact getting phones out of the classroom has had. But these can be tough conversations, and this bill gives our school districts a push to do what’s best for our kids,” said Rep. Emerson Levy (D- Central Oregon). 

This bill now heads to the Senate, where it is championed by pediatrician Sen. Lisa Reynolds, MD (D- Portland), who said, “I see first-hand the clear and compelling evidence that constant smartphone use harms our kids’ emotional health and is detrimental to their learning.

“As we discuss our largest-ever school budget, I fear we keep one hand tied behind our students’ and teachers’ backs with the distraction of cellphones and their mental health impacts. This is a chance to create a culture shift in our schools, make a positive impact on students’ learning and brain development, and make our lunchrooms loud again with community and conversation.” 

‘We’re sorry to tell you…’: Customers learn Rite Aid on Bend’s south end will be closing later this month

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: New video and reactions)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of Rite Aid pharmacy customers on the south end of Bend got the upsetting news in person or by mail this week: The store at 700 SE Third Street will be closing later this month. 

“We appreciate your loyalty,” the letters begin. “We’re sorry to tell you we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close your Rite Aid at 700 SE Third Street in Bend on 4/29/25.” 

“What an honor it has been to care for you and your health and well-being,” the message continues. “Please accept our heartfelt thanks.” 

Starting on April 30, former Rite Aid customers will have their prescriptions available at the Fred Meyer Pharmacy on South Highway 97. 

Until the store closes, customers can speak with their Rite Aid pharmacist with any questions, or tell them if they’d prefer their prescriptions be sent to a different store. 

The closure will leave Bend with one Rite Aid, on Northeast Third Street. 

“We know you have choices when it comes to pharmacies, and we appreciate that you entrusted us with your health,” the letter concludes, closing: “Take Care, Your Pharmacy Team.” 

KTVZ News has reached out to Rite Aid officials for more information and will update as we learn more.

CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have all been closing stores in recent years due to several factors, including rising competition, lower reimbursement rates for prescriptions and shifting consumer habits. 

Last summer, Rite Aid, which declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023, announced 11 Oregon store closures, from Portland and Salem to Florence and Milton-Freewater. By last fall, it had closed 800 stores for a total of about 1,300. 

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield to hold May 3 federal oversight forum in Bend, joined by three local lawmakers

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Attorney General Dan Rayfield continues to hold federal oversight forums, with the next stop planned for Bend on Saturday, May 3rd. Joining AG Rayfield will be state Senator Anthony Broadman, Representatives Jason Kropf and Emerson Levy.

Here’s the rest of Tuesday’s announcement:

This is an opportunity to hear from organizations and people facing big impacts because of federal cuts, as well a chance to hear from the public about what they’re experiencing and time for Q&A.

“Last week, we heard from Oregonians who are scared, confused and angry,” Rayfield said. “They’re worried about not getting their social security payments. Organizations that help with food assistance and healthcare are scrambling after learning about major funding cuts. We want to travel the state to hear directly from those impacted and send a message: Oregon won’t be silent while the Trump administration plays political games with people’s lives.”

Rayfield held town halls in both Eugene in Portland last week. It’s part of a series of community impact hearings organized by state attorneys general to address the effects of federal actions and executive orders issued by President Trump.

The town hall will feature a panel of speakers from different areas impacted by the cuts, including food assistance programs, public health and safety, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, fired federal workers and more. There will be an open forum for attendees to share their stories and ask questions.

Event Details:Date: May 3rd, 2025Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AMLocation: OSU Cascades Campus, Edward J. Ray Hall – Atrium

For public who wish to attend, please click here to RSVP.

COCC cancels Latinx Fiesta Celebración, set for Saturday, out of ‘abundance of caution’ over safety concerns

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

Third local cultural event called off in recent days

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Another local cultural event has been canceled due to safety concerns, the third in recent days: Central Oregon Community College’s Latinx Fiesta Celebración, which was scheduled for this coming Saturday.

On Monday, April 7, the Latino Community Association canceled this fall’s Central Oregon Latino Fest in Madras and the Father’s Group called off its Juneteenth Celebration at Bend’s Drake Park, both over safety concerns and a “volatile political climate.”

Here’s COCC’s full announcement, received by KTVZ News Tuesday afternoon:

Central Oregon Community College regrets to share that the 2025 Latinx Fiesta Celebración, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 19, has been canceled. While we were looking forward to gathering in celebration of Latin American cultures, this difficult decision was made out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with similar decisions by community partners, as well as COCC’s core values of safety, inclusion and community well-being.

We recognize the importance of cultural celebration and the opportunity this event offered to uplift and share Latinx voices, stories and traditions. To those who were planning to attend — we see your excitement and we share your disappointment. Rest assured, COCC remains committed to celebrating Latinx cultures in meaningful ways and looks forward to bringing this and other community events to life in the future, when the environment allows us to do so with the safety and support all attendees deserve.

Text from original press release (April 2):

With dancing, crafts, piñata-breaking and a banquet-style meal that showcases the flavors of Brazil, Cuba, Perú, Colombia and other Latin American countries, Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) Latinx Fiesta Celebración will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Coats Campus Center on the college’s Bend campus.

This is a family-friendly event, free and open to the public, organized by the COCC Latinx Student program and Latinx Club, and with partnership from the High Desert Museum and the Deschutes Public Library. Attendees are encouraged to park in COCC’s Barber Library parking lot.

Beginning with story time — read in both English and Spanish — along with ceramic drink coaster painting, the Mexican board game loteria, piñata-breaking and other activities from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the event features a complete lunch of Latin American flavors from 12:30-2 p.m., with dessert provided by students of COCC’s Cascade Culinary Institute, and then music and dancing from 2-4 p.m.

Lewis & Clark College’s Freddy Vilches, Ph.D., an associate professor of Hispanic studies and a talented multi-instrumentalist musician, will provide live Latin American music, accompanied by student musicians, to offer an opportunity for dancing.

COCC trio selected for All-Oregon Academic Team

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College said Tuesday it’s proud to announce that students Emma Bloss, ErinRae McKellar Cook and Taylor Taliesin and have been selected to represent the college on the Oregon Community College Association’s 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team, which honors high achievement from Oregon’s 17 community colleges.

The students will be celebrated at OCCA’s All-Oregon Academic Team luncheon event on Friday, April 18, at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, with community college presidents, board members, faculty and state legislators in attendance.

To earn the distinction, students must demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service. A minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and completion of at least 54 credits is required. Nominated by a faculty member, finalists undergo a review process by the college’s committee for academic excellence.

Emma Bloss of Sisters is teaching full-time at a local preschool while working toward an associate degree in the early childhood education program, with plans to transfer to a university and eventually become a child psychologist. The dean’s list student has maintained a 3.8 GPA while serving as a head teacher at Mountain Montessori.

ErinRae McKellar Cook of Sunriver is in the massage therapy program, with a 3.95 GPA, and is committed to community service, including serving in the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program. At COCC, she has volunteered massage services and assisted with the annual Salmon Bake event. A co-owner of a micro farm focused on sustainability, she is planning a holistic career that combines massage therapy, yoga and herbalism.

Taylor Taliesin of Bend recently finished peer support specialist training at COCC and is soon to be the college’s first completer of a brand-new certificate in community health. They are also pursuing an associate degree in human services. The dean’s list student, with a 3.8 GPA, is a member of COCC’s Q+ Club (formerly the S2LGBTQIA+ Club), helped establish the Umbrella Club for neurodivergent students, and serves as an advisory council board member for the Central Oregon chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

All three students were supported in their schooling by scholarships from the COCC Foundation.

The All-Oregon Academic Team is part of the All-State Community College Academic Team program that started in 1994 in the states of Mississippi and Missouri. Today, 38 states host All-State Academic Team programs each year, focusing on two-year colleges and recognizing exceptional students. The OCCA sponsors the annual event, in partnership with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which awards some $37 million in scholarships nationally to community college students.

Get involved: City of Bend seeks people interested in serving on several community advisory bodies

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community committees, boards and commissions are a great way to get involved with local government. The City of Bend has several Council-appointed advisory groups that make recommendations to City Council or City administrative staff.

Applications are being accepted for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Environment and Climate Committee, Landmarks Commission, and Transportation Bond Oversight Committee, as well as the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Budget and Technical Advisory Committees.

Advisory body members are eligible for a stipend ($40/meeting, not to exceed $500/year) to help lower barriers to participation (See information below). Applications are due on May 15, 2025, by 5 p.m.

Visit bendoregon.gov/committees to learn more and to apply.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) provides policy, code and funding recommendations to the City Council in alignment with the goals outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan. The City of Bend will consider individuals with lending and financing experience to fill one partial term vacancy (ending July 1, 2026). Members may seek reappointment for up to two consecutive three-year terms, not including any partial terms. For more information, visit the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee webpage. 

Contact: Racheal Baker, Affordable Housing Manager, 541-323-8550 or rbaker@bendoregon.gov. 

Environment and Climate Committee

The primary focus of the Environment and Climate Committee (ECC) is to provide input and recommendations to the City Council on topics related to environmental stewardship and to oversee the implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan, adopted in December 2019.  

The Committee is made up of individuals who have experience or expertise, professional or lived, in the following subject matters: energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy efficient building, environmental justice, equity in environmental stewardship and sustainability, alternative transportation and mobility, energy policy, environmental policy, forestry, water resources, ecology, other life sciences, carbon emission reduction, and other related areas. For more information, visit the  Environment and Climate Committee webpage.

The Environment and Climate Committee is seeking applicants to fill two partial term vacancies (ending January 1, 2027 and January 1, 2029)  Members may seek reappointment for up to two consecutive four-year terms, not including any partial terms.

Contact: Cassie Lacy, Senior Management Analyst, 541-323-8587 or clacy@bendoregon.gov. 

Landmarks Commission

Candidates for the Landmarks Commission are required to be a community member residing within the Bend Urban Growth Boundary with an interest in architecture, history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, landscape architecture or related disciplines. For more information, visit the Landmarks Commission webpage. 

The City is inviting interested community members to attend one of the regular monthly Landmarks Commission meetings to learn more about serving on the commission. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at City Hall. Please check the City of Bend calendar for details. 

The Landmarks Commission is seeking candidates to fill a partial alternate term (ending January 1, 2028). Alternates for this commission play an active role and may take part in any deliberation. Alternates may be counted as part of the quorum and may vote if their participation is necessary to make a quorum. Please note, alternates are not eligible for the stipend program. 

Contact: Heidi Kennedy, Senior Planner, 541-617-4524 or hkennedy@bendoregon.gov.  

Transportation and Bond Oversight Committee

The Transportation Bond Oversight Committee (TBOC) advises the Bend City Council and City staff on the implementation of the $190 million voter-approved 2020 transportation general obligation bond. Implementation oversight currently includes ensuring transparency and accountability to the program and project delivery, recommendations to the City Council for project prioritization in the capital improvement program (CIP) and providing recommendations to the City Council on program and project considerations as requested. For more information, visit the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee webpage. 

Please note, the City Council is currently considering expanding the committee’s role, likely leading to additional time commitments beyond the current quarterly meeting schedule. 

The Transportation Bond Oversight Committee is seeking applicants to fill several vacancies (full four-year terms).

Contact: Garrett Sabourin, Principal Engineer, 541-323-8591, gsabourin@bendoregon.gov.   

Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization Budget Committee and Technical Advisory Committee

The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) works cooperatively with local governments to set priorities for transportation needs and is charged with maintaining and conducting a “continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive” regional transportation planning and project programming process for the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization area. The BMPO is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies (3-year terms) on the BMPO Budget Committee and one vacancy (3-year term) on the BMPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). 

The BMPO Budget Committee typically meets once per year to review the proposed Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization budget and make a recommendation to the Policy Board. BMPO Budget Committee members are not eligible to receive a stipend for committee services. 

The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization TAC typically meets once per month, and provides technical analysis, review, comments and recommendations on draft BMPO plans, programs, studies and issues. 

Contact: Kelli Kennedy, BMPO Program Coordinator, 541-693-2122 or kkennedy@bendoregon.gov. 

Stipends

The City of Bend offers a stipend program for City advisory board, committee and commission voting members who choose to participate. The intent is to expand opportunities for community members to connect with the City and lower barriers to engagement. The program will provide members of City advisory boards, committees and commissions with a stipend of $40 per meeting, not to exceed $500 per person annually. This stipend covers assumed costs of volunteering on an advisory group such as travel, parking, stable internet connection and other expenses. Please note, non-voting members, alternate members, and Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization Budget Committee members are not eligible for the stipend. View the Advisory Body Stipend Program Policy for additional information.

It’s Tax Filing Deadline Day: Oregon’s Department of Revenue has some reminders and tips on how to make it a success

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) –Midnight Tuesday night is the deadline to file tax year 2024 state and federal personal income tax returns, and the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers of the tools available to make the experience easier for both those who haven’t yet filed their 2024 return and those who have.

Through Monday, April 14, Revenue says it has processed 1.7 million of an expected 2.2 million returns and issued 1.1 million refunds.

Direct file

New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

Taxpayers using the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon have been completing their Oregon returns in about 17 minutes. Taxpayer response has been positive with survey feedback averaging 4.5 on a five-point scale.

IRS Direct File does not support all return types. Specifically, taxpayers with dividends reported on Form 1099-DIV and capital gains or losses are not supported.

More free filing options

Revenue reminds those who haven’t yet filed, that filing electronically is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund. Information about available free tax preparation tax preparation software is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free or reduced cost assistance.

Public computer kiosks for filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Taxpayers who want to check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund will find more information available this year when they use the Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

For the 2025 tax season, Where’s My Refund? has been upgraded to provide:

Additional detail about refund status. 

Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return. 

Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

Filing a paper return

Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their tax year 2024 return and file a paper return should make sure it’s post-marked by today or place it in one of the drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

DOR staff will be on hand in the atrium of the Salem headquarters building today until 5 p.m. to accept and stamp tax returns as having been filed timely.

Filing an extension.

Individuals who are not able to file by midnight can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the Internal Revenue Service. If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2025.

Taxpayers should only request an Oregon extension if they:

Don’t have a federal extension.

Owe Oregon taxes.

Can’t file your return by April 15, 2025.

Remember that an extension to file  is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe, should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

First quarter 2025 estimated payments due today

Today is also the due date for first quarter estimated payments. In most cases, taxpayers must make estimated tax payments for tax year 2025 if they estimate their tax after withholding and credits (including refundable credits) will be $1,000 or more when they file their 2025 Oregon return. Taxpayers can make their payments on Revenue Online or mail their payment with a voucher. Taxpayers mailing their payment should mail it separately from their return or other correspondence. Oregon Estimated Income Tax Instructions, Publication OR-ESTIMATE, can be found on the Revenue website. 

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on the Revenue website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

Summit Robotics’ Chaos Theory Team heads to World Championships after historic season

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Dylan Anderman

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just a season ago, Summit Robotics didn’t qualify for Districts. This year, the team didn’t just make it to Districts—they’re heading to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, Texas, for the first time in seven years.

“It’s really exciting just to go to Worlds, see teams from all over the world, and really just experience that,” said one team member. “It’s a whole new setting. It’s a whole new atmosphere. And I’m really excited to see it.”

The team, known as Chaos Theory, is made up of more than 20 dedicated students and mentors who built a competition robot they named Triton. With relentless teamwork and innovation, Triton helped them secure two second-place finishes, one first-place win and a spot on the global stage.

“So just being able to see that boost in confidence in everyone—and in myself—of being on a team where, statistically, you know you’re a good team. I think we’re currently ranked in the top 50 in the world. Before, we were in the bottom 80%. That’s a huge shift.”

Their robot Triton was designed to perform a variety of technical tasks on the field, including manipulating objects with precision.

“As you can see here, this is one of the reefs behind me where we have to place these corals. They’re basically PVC tubes on each of these different nodes,” explained another team member.

But technical skill isn’t the only thing powering Chaos Theory—it’s also reliability.

“Liability is availability, and availability wins. And we are 100% reliable. We’ve never missed a match. We’ve never broken down in a match. We’re always there to play.”

For Chaos Theory, making it this far is already a victory, and every experience the team has had along the way is priceless.

“What’s amazing about the FIRST Robotics program, and a big reason I’m still here – I’ve learned more in my three years on the team than any classroom has ever taught me, and you’re able to do these things that are not an option anywhere else.”

As the team prepares for the global competition, the focus isn’t just on winning—but on everything else that comes with it.

“At Worlds, yeah, I think a joint goal is really to win. But also, you know, it’s the friends you make along the way.”

The World Championships begin this Wednesday, and getting to this point hasn’t been easy—or cheap.

To power their journey to Houston, the Summit Robotics team has invested over $100,000 this season alone. That funding has supported everything from parts and equipment to travel and competition fees.

While the team is backed by 30 generous sponsors, they’re still seeking additional support to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

If you’d like to help Summit Robotics on their road to Worlds, donations can be made at summitrobotics.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Our Futuretrack 14-Day Planning Forecast

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

John Carroll

We have a new feature from the KTVZ weather center that we will be showcasing on the 6 pm and 10 pm newscasts each night. We call it the Futuretrack 14-Day, and it gives you a broadbrush view of the following week. This will track trends over the next week after the 7-Day, and provide a guideline to help you to make your plans.