Salem, ORE. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Union and Wallowa County Circuit Court. This opening in the 10th Judicial District follows the upcoming retirement of Judge Thomas B. Powers. Judge Powers is scheduled to retire on Dec. 1, 2026. Gov. Kotek stated
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek appointed Zohra Bakhtary Tourville to the Washington County Circuit Court on Friday. The appointment is effective immediately, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Theodore Sims. Bakhtary Tourville currently serves as a Beaverton Municipal Court Judge. In her current role, she leads the nationally recognized B-SOBR
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) sat down with KTVZ News on Wednesday to discuss new legislation he says is aimed at preventing future helicopter tragedies following the deaths of four members of an Oregon family earlier this year. The proposal would require better marking and lighting of temporary obstructions, such as
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek is calling on the Trump administration to withdraw a proposed federal rule that would change how billions of dollars in federal grants are distributed and managed. In formal comments submitted to the Office of Management and Budget, the state warns the proposal could inject politics into funding decisions,
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new proposal in Deschutes County seeks to change how voters elect county commissioners, potentially introducing ranked-choice voting to future races. The initiative is currently in the signature-gathering stage and aims to decide elections on a single ballot. Current system and proposed change If approved, the measure would replace the current
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(UPDATE: Meeting took place where board decided on reduced service) ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Alfalfa Fire District Board of Directors voted today to temporarily reduce emergency services for residents and property owners. Chief resignation, staffing shortage drive decision This decision comes as the district searches for a new fire chief following the resignation of
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(Update: adding video, comments from assistant city manager) PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Prineville has named Shane Wilson as its new chief of police, a decision city leaders say brings experience and stability to the department. Wilson has been with the Prineville Police Department since 2015 and has served in nearly every law
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This story was originally published by CNN. Click here for live updates. (CNN) — A tanker was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile while sailing near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Qatari-flagged Al-Rakiyat vessel was “passing near” the key waterway when it was struck, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry
Continue Reading (UPDATE: Adding more information on the Department.) ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Alfalfa Rural Fire District has faced a series of challenges in recent months, including board member resignations, the departure of longtime Chief Chad Lavallee, and a failed levy. But firefighters on the ground say the department remains focused on maintaining service to the
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This story was originally published by CNN. Click here for live updates. WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNN) — One of the main arguments that President Donald Trump’s attorneys had raised was that the 14th Amendment required people to be domiciled — or with the intention of remaining — in the United States before being entitled to birthright
Continue Reading (Update: adding statements from Governor Kotek, local leaders) REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek visited Redmond Monday to meet with Central Oregon leaders and service providers, highlighting what she called significant progress in reducing homelessness across the region. Kotek spoke at Shepherd’s House Ministries’ Redmond Center, where she thanked local providers, city leaders,
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend City Councilor Ariel Méndez launched his re-election campaign today, June 29th, 2026, for position 5 on the Bend City Council. Méndez is seeking a second term to continue his work towards a safer and more connected future for Bend, Oregon. Méndez has served on the City Council since 2023, representing
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team (MATT) conducted a high-visibility enforcement effort between June 10 and June 14, increasing patrols and traffic enforcement across the region. The operation aimed to enhance traffic safety during a busy week of local events and travel. The effort focused on deterring impaired driving and addressing various
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BEND, ORE. (KTVZ) — Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member, launched an inquiry today into Yorkville International Capital. The blank-check company, which has close ties to Donald Trump’s family and businesses, raised $200 million for investments in Venezuela and Latin America. Yorkville International Capital is controlled by a firm that has
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Family blasts California’s program that issues CDL licenses to undocumented immigrants. BROTHERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — For Elizabeth Carter, sleep has become almost impossible. Since the day her son Billy and his new wife, Jenny, were killed in a devastating crash on U.S. Highway 20 near Brothers, she says the same nightmare returns again and again.
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Brenda Fahey has been named the new city administrator for Madras, following a months-long search. The Madras City Council reached an employment agreement tonight for her appointment and she is expected to begin her new role next month. Fahey brings more than 25 years of public sector experience to her new
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) to gather public feedback for the 2026 update of the Deschutes County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP). Community members are invited to provide input by completing a confidential public survey. This survey is designed to collect information
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After years of debate, Bend City Council has approved a new Climate Pollution Fee that will place charges on certain natural gas appliances in some new homes, setting up another fight over climate policy, housing costs and energy choice in the city. The council adopted the ordinance at its June 3
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BEND, Ore. — The U.S. Forest Service has approved a major land transfer that will allow the City of Bend to expand its Outback water system west of town, opening the door to new water infrastructure and a realignment of a nearby forest road. The decision covers a 48-acre parcel next to Bend’s existing Outback
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Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Commission is heading to Central Oregon next week for a two-day meeting that will put mule deer habitat, salmon seasons, funding decisions and other wildlife issues on the table. The commission will meet June 25 and 26 in Redmond, with a Thursday field tour focused on sagebrush
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