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Government-Politics

Governor Kotek signs bills to fund Oregon’s summer learning programs for the next three years

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek signed two bills Wednesday that will fund summer learning programs this summer and the next two summers. Both bills passed the Legislature with wide bipartisan support, marking an important step forward in the state’s commitment to provide summer learning opportunities for students and ongoing funding for this critical

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Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Cook

Bend-La Pine Schools superintendent, others join in video deploring ‘real harm’ caused by federal cutbacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook joined six other Oregon superintendents in a video released Wednesday expressing their support for children and families in response to announced and enacted cuts to federal programs and grants that help communities across the state. “The goal is to initiate a conversation about the real harm being done

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Jefferson County Courthouse

For a second time, Governor Kotek is seeking applicants to become the next Jefferson County district attorney

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Three months after her first announcement, Governor Tina Kotek said Tuesday she is accepting additional applications for the position of Jefferson County district attorney. Longtime DA Steven Leriche submitted his resignation earlier this year, effective Feb. 2, as he took a position with the Oregon Department of Justice. But he told

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Deschutes County drive-up ballot box

The May 20 Special Election is coming up: Deschutes County details the voter deadlines and ballot timelines

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Elections officials are sharing important information for voters ahead of the Tuesday, May 20, Special District Election. The Special District Election includes district director contests for community college, fire, school, park and recreation, library, sanitation and water districts. A small portion of county voters will also have the opportunity

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‘Game-changer’: Oregon Senate unanimously OKs bill to speed urban housing approval process, quicken pace

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate on Monday unanimously passed a bill that would set a 90-day deadline for decisions on land-development applications for housing in urban areas. Senate Bill 974 also eases requirements for design review in urban areas on building style and landscaping, while maintaining standards on size, fire codes, and safety

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What You Can Do About Child Abuse

Oregon DHS launches first interactive online training for public to recognize, report suspected child abuse

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services has launched its first-ever interactive online training for the public about reporting suspected child abuse. The training rollout coincides with Child Abuse Awareness Month and the announcement of a new safety initiative underway in Child Welfare. Safety priorities in the initiative include improving safety for children in foster

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Smokey Bear Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

May is Wildfire Awareness Month: Keep Oregon Green, first responders offer reminders of ways to reduce the risk

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Oregon experiences its heaviest wildfire activity during the summer months, but fires can occur at any time of year, including spring. Keep Oregon Green, in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire and emergency response agencies, will be spreading the word about the steps we

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Sisters Highway 20 roundabout art Through Time Dan Chen Pride of Place Karen Yank

Sisters city councilors don’t pick either finalist for Highway 20-Locust roundabout art, will look for other options

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The new roundabout at US Highway 20 and Locust Street in Sisters will remain without artwork — for now. Following two calls for artists, dozens of proposals, public evaluations and community input about the two finalists, the Sisters City Council decided not to pick either finalist’s design for the roundabout. Though

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Chavez-DeRemer warns governors states could lose federal funds if illegal immigrants are given jobless benefits

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is urging governors to comply with President Trump’s directives ensuring tax dollars are not spent on encouraging or rewarding illegal immigration. In a letter sent Friday, the Secretary reminds all states that failing to fulfill existing legal obligations will result in the loss of federal funding

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Male mule deer

Effort to add four Highway 20 wildlife crossings between Bend and Suttle Lake tops $1 million fundraising mark

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) ─ As spring thaws the Central Cascades, a herd of roughly 250 elk are embarking on their seasonal migration between winter and summer range. From lower elevations around Lake Billy Chinook, these elk are headed westbound, into the Deschutes National Forest along the base of Black Butte, eventually arriving on their summer

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Twelve states sue the Trump administration over ‘tax hikes’ through tariffs

By Ramishah Maruf, CNN New York (CNN) — Twelve states sued the Trump administration Wednesday for “illegally imposing” tax hikes on Americans through tariffs. Trump imposed the tariffs through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which gives the president the authority to enact those powers in response to unusual and extraordinary threats. The lawsuit

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