Good morning, this is your Local Frequency Bend for November 22, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. The city council has announced plans to revamp downtown Bend's parking system, aiming to make it more efficient and user-friendly. This change is expected to impact daily life for many residents and visitors, so we'll be keeping an eye on this development.

In cultural news, the High Desert Museum is hosting a new exhibit featuring local artists, which opened just last week. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, this is definitely worth checking out. Plus, the Tower Theatre is gearing up for its annual holiday show, which promises to be a spectacular event.

Moving on to sports, the Bend Elks are preparing for their upcoming season, and we're excited to see what they have in store for us. Meanwhile, the Summit High School soccer team has made it to the state finals, and we're rooting for them all the way.

On the job market front, we've got some major hiring announcements from top local employers like St. Charles Health System and Les Schwab Tire Centers. Plus, new job postings are up from companies like Deschutes Brewery and Hydro Flask. Notably, the tech industry is seeing a significant expansion with several new startups setting up shop in Bend.

In real estate news, a notable commercial property sale has just been finalized on Wall Street, and we're seeing new development projects popping up around town. The weekly median home price is sitting at around $640,000, with inventory levels remaining steady.

From city hall, we've got updates on the new bike lanes being installed along Newport Avenue, which should make commuting safer and more convenient for cyclists. And speaking of commuting, the weather is looking a bit gloomy today, with rain expected throughout the day, so be sure to grab your umbrella before heading out.

In new business activity, we're excited to welcome a new coffee shop opening on Galveston Avenue, and we're sad to see the closure of a beloved local bookstore. However, the owner is promising a new venture in the near future, so we're looking forward to seeing what's next.

Upcoming community events include the annual Bend Christmas Parade, which is just around the corner, and a holiday market at the Old Mill District. Plus, the Bend-La Pine School District is hosting a fundraiser for local schools, so be sure to check that out.

In local school achievements, the Summit High School debate team has just won a regional competition, and we're proud of their hard work. And in sports, the Bend High School football team has made it to the playoffs, so we're cheering them on.

If you're looking for some great deals, we've got a tip for you: the local farmers market is offering discounts on fresh produce, and several restaurants downtown are offering special promotions for the holiday season.

Finally, we've got a feel-good community story for you. A local non-profit has just launched a new program to provide free meals to those in need, and we're inspired by their generosity and commitment to our community.

This has been your Local Frequency for Bend. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.