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
Continue Reading
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,
Continue Reading
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
Continue Reading
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
Continue Reading
(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
Continue Reading
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
Continue Reading
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
Continue Reading
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
Continue Reading
(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
Continue Reading
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
Continue Reading
(UPDATE: ADDING CONTENT FROM EVENT & QUOTES FROM RESIDENTS AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR CANDIDATES) MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three finalists for the Madras City Administrator position recently engaged with community members during a 90-minute public meet-and-greet at Initiative Brewing in Madras. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and get to know the candidates, who are
Continue Reading
Editor’s Note: Rainn Wilson is also a Central Oregon resident and was evacuated during the 2025 Flat Fire. By:Ashley Murray-June 9, 2026 WASHINGTON — As various officials and groups aim to use the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, with the help of a famed sitcom actor, turned the
Continue Reading
PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Ochoco National Forest have completed a pioneering reforestation project in the Crazy Creek Fire burn area. This effort resulted in the planting and protection of more than 74,000 ponderosa pine seedlings across 424 acres of federal forestland. This initiative marks the first reforestation project
Continue Reading
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, and Patty Murray, D-Washington, today demanded the Trump administration reinstate 13 federal employees in Oregon and Washington state. These Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, employees, include Public Affairs Officers and Public Information Officers. They received reassignment letters in May, leaving critical communication
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler announced Monday, June 8th, that she will seek re-election for a second term in November 2026. Kebler says she is campaigning to continue her leadership and advance progress on housing, homelessness, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. Kebler is completing her first term as mayor, having been first
Continue Reading
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Leaders from multiple agencies convened yesterday, June 4, at Portland International Airport for the 2026 Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) Senior Leadership Seminar. The seminar focused on enhancing coordination and preparedness for a potential Cascadia Subduction Zone event, a significant natural disaster risk for the Pacific Northwest. The half-day program
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The “Let Us Paddle” movement is working to place a petition on the ballot in Oregon to remove new permit requirements for paddleboards and kayaks. These regulations, enacted through House Bill 2982 during the 2025 long session, increased fees and broadened the types of vessels needing permits on Oregon waterways. Details
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After weeks spent aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Africa, followed by a lengthy stay inside one of the nation’s most secure quarantine facilities, Dr. Stephen Kornfeld is finally back where he wants to be: home in Bend. “Being home is everything,” Kornfeld said. “Just to sleep in my
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Voters in Madras will be electing a new Mayor in November. Mayor Mike Lepin has announced he is not running for reelection. Lepin has served as Mayor since 2023.Voters in Madras will also be electing three City Council Members on the November ballot.Below are the offices voters will see on their
Continue Reading
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) Gov. Tina Kotek today announced Chris Warner as the interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, with the changes set to take effect at the end of the month. Emerald Bogue will serve as the Governor’s Chief of Staff. This appointment allows Lisa Sumption to return to the Oregon Parks and
Continue Reading