Government-Politics Archives

Governor Kotek praises Central Oregon’s collaborative efforts and accomplishments in reducing homelessness

June 29, 2026 11:58 am Claire Elmer

(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,

Decision 2026: Bend City Councilor Ariel Méndez Launches Re-election Campaign

June 29, 2026 9:57 am Kelsey Merison

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

34 DUII arrests made, over 500 citations issued during Central Oregon traffic enforcement effort

June 25, 2026 4:53 pm Harley Coldiron

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

Sen. Wyden investigates Trump-linked firm’s Venezuela investments

June 25, 2026 8:24 am Madeline Clark

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

‘We Just Want Justice’: Parents of Newlyweds Killed in Highway 20 Crash Oppose Deportation of Truck Driver Before Trial

June 24, 2026 5:24 pm Harley Coldiron

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.

Brenda Fahey to take helm as Madras city administrator

June 23, 2026 4:07 pm Spencer Sacks

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

Deschutes County seeks public input for 2026 natural hazards plan update

June 22, 2026 1:38 pm Harley Coldiron

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

Bend City Council approves Climate Pollution Fee on natural gas appliances in new homes

June 18, 2026 11:49 am Harley Coldiron

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

Bend to expand water infrastructure with approved land transfer from Forest Service

June 18, 2026 3:47 pm Harley Coldiron

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

Fish and Wildlife Commission heads to Redmond for two-day meeting

June 18, 2026 2:54 pm Harley Coldiron

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

Wyden warns Trump policies may harm US reputation at World Cup

June 18, 2026 9:11 am Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden demanded the Trump administration explain its record of entry denials and visa problems affecting fans, players, referees, and family members traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup games hosted in the United States. Wyden’s concerns extend to the potential impact on America’s reputation ahead of the 2028 Summer

Redmond’s Mayor Ed Fitch announces re-election campaign

June 18, 2026 8:01 am Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday, June 18th, Redmond’s current mayor, Ed Fitch, announced on KTVZ News at Sunrise during ‘Ask the Mayor’ that he will be seeking re-election. This follows the city’s recent announcement that residents interested in serving their community through elected office may obtain candidate election packets from the City Recorder’s Office,

Madras City Council selects Brenda Fahey as city administrator

June 17, 2026 9:08 pm Spencer Sacks

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras City Council has identified Brenda Fahey as its preferred candidate for the position of City Administrator. The Council directed the preparation of an employment agreement for consideration at its June 23, 2026, meeting. Fahey, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director for the City of

Nonprofits start campaign to bring proportional ranked choice voting to Deschutes County

June 17, 2026 12:05 pm Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new campaign is underway by several nonprofits in Deschutes County that its supporters say could reshape how local leaders are elected and give more voters a voice in the process. A coalition of community members and good-government groups has launched a signature drive for a proposed measure called Voices for All

City officials talk of legacy and future goals after Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe resigns

June 16, 2026 8:10 am Kelsey Merison, Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Prineville City Manager) PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe has announced his immediate resignation, citing personal reasons, bringing an end to his tenure leading the city. Beebe first joined Prineville city government in 2011 and was elected mayor in 2021. His current term was scheduled to run through the

Redmond to accept applications for final retail marijuana dispensary

June 16, 2026 10:05 am Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Redmond will begin accepting applications for its final retail marijuana dispensary on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Redmond could soon be home to its third dispensary. Voters approved marijuana dispensaries in 2020, but the city and OLCC limits cap Redmond at one dispensary per 10,000 residents, allowing for three

Redmond City seeks candidates for Mayor and City Council in 2026 election

June 12, 2026 9:25 am Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Redmond announced that the position of Mayor and three City Council seats will be on the November 2026 general election ballot. Terms for the elected officials are set to begin in January 2027, offering community members an opportunity to help guide the city’s future. Serving on the Redmond

Wyden, Hoyle Reintroduce Bill to Tackle Housing Affordability Crisis, End Homelessness

Sen. Wyden and Rep. Hoyle reintroduce bill to address US housing shortage and affordability

June 12, 2026 8:30 am Kelsey Merison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Representative Val Hoyle (OR-4) reintroduced the Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for All Act (DASH Act) yesterday in Washington, D.C. The comprehensive housing legislation aims to tackle the housing affordability crisis and end homelessness nationwide. The bill would expand the production of affordable housing for low-income and

Oregon farmers feel the pinch as fertilizer prices soar amid Iran conflict

June 11, 2026 5:28 pm 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

Governor Kotek State of the State address

Decision 2026: Gov. Kotek challenges Christine Drazan to three televised debates

June 11, 2026 6:59 pm Triton Notary

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Tina for Oregon campaign today challenged Sen. Christine Drazan to three 60-minute televised debates in Portland, Eugene and Medford. Drazan is again seeking Oregon’s highest office after facing Kotek in the 2022 governor’s race. Shortly after Oregon Governor Tina Kotek challenged Drazan to three debates before the November election, Drazan

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