SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire voted unanimously Tuesday to eliminate the state’s controversial wildfire hazard map, first introduced in 2021’s SB 762. The policy advanced Tuesday also scraps the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map. “Today is a milestone in our wildfire
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced Tuesday a multistate settlement in principle with pharmaceutical company Mylan Inc. that will deliver up to $335 million nationwide and more than $4 million to Oregon to help combat the opioid crisis. Mylan, which is now a part of Viatris, has manufactured and sold a
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District is working on a nearly $3 million improvement project at Sawyer Park and will share project information, including plans to mitigate potential impacts to cultural and historic resources at the site, at a Tuesday, April 22 open house from 5-7 p.m. at the park district offices,
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest announced Tuesday it is seeking public input on its Fuels Maintenance Treatments Project, covering nearly 153,000 acres across the east side of the forest in Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath and Lake counties. Since 2000, the Deschutes National Forest has planned and implemented hazardous fuels reduction projects to reduce
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Monday that it will open Pilot Butte’s summit road to vehicle traffic at 10 a.m. next Monday, April 14 for the 2025 season. “We kindly remind visitors that the summit road is a shared space enjoyed by multiple users, including cyclists, walkers and runners,”
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s been a year since Cheng “Charlie” Saephan’s life was forever changed, as he discovered the Powerball ticket he purchased was worth $1.3 billion – the largest in Oregon’s history and fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history. Saephan shared the prize with his wife and a friend, who went in on
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(Update: adding video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Environmental Center’s Board of Directors announced Monday the departure of Executive Director Mike Riley, who is stepping down after nearly 17 years with the organization. “Mike’s leadership has been transformative for The Environmental Center,” said Board President Ryan Bellinson. “Under his guidance, the organization has grown tremendously,
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Officials with the Transportation Security Administration and Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services reminded the public Monday of a major deadline coming up in a month for air travelers. Starting Wednesday, May 7, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – As North Carolina’s Black Cove Complex wildfire is turned back over to a local fire district, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s 39 firefighters have begun the demobilization process and are returning home. “This deployment was the best way we could say thank you.” Michael Curran, ODF Protection Division Chief, said. “Firefighters
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, a wave of “Hands Off” protests took place across the country, with over 1,200 events, including several in Central Oregon. These demonstrations, including rallies in Bend, Prineville, and Sisters, were aimed at opposing President Donald Trump’s border enforcement and deportation policies, as well as mass firings under the Department
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Congresswoman Janelle Bynum hosted a town hall meeting at Sisters High School on Saturday, where she connected with local residents about a range of important issues. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns directly to representative Bynum, who emphasized her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — President Trump’s commitment to dramatically cut spending has had significant effects here at home, including on local food banks that rely heavily on federal funding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would cut more than $1 billion in funding for local food banks and schools. For Central Oregon’s NeighborImpact, this
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — As temperatures rise and spring precipitation increases, the Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland is urging visitors to use caution. Rain-on-snow events and spring storms can lead to increased runoff and hazardous conditions — especially in areas affected by recent wildfires. Burned areas within the Wiley Flat, Rail Ridge,
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(Update: Bynum to hold Sisters town hall without Merkley) WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley’s office announced late Thursday that the Senate’s voting schedule means he must postpone Saturday’s three Central Oregon town halls until a later date. However, Rep. Janelle Bynum, who planned to join Merkley in Sisters, will still hold a town
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon House Committee on Climate held a hearing Friday on House Bill 3846. It creates a pilot program that would allow the Oregon Department of Forestry to enter into a lease agreement with the federal government for at least 15 years to manage the Ochoco National Forest. “The overarching fact in
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While much of the conversation around plastic pollution focuses on recycling and cleanup efforts, these approaches address the symptoms, not the root cause. The true solution lies in reducing plastic production before it starts. Inspired by the global movement #TurnOffthePlasticTap, Deschutes County Solid Waste recently invited local middle school and high
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La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News reported last month on a La Pine Park & Rec meeting where board member Carlos Soto was questioned about a district financial transaction with the La Pine Pickleball Club, of which he serves as president. At Monday’s board meeting, Soto read this statement into the record, explaining the
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend wants your help with a new bicycle and pedestrian improvements project. The project is along Northeast Neff Road and Norton Avenue. It will combine three ‘key route’ projects. The routes are designed to be safe and accessible for those who walk, roll, or cycle to their destinations. The design’s Open House is
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After years of planning, the Deschutes National Forest and the Central Oregon Trail Alliance are set to begin implementation of the West Bend Trails Project.
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Three of Oregon’s Democrats in Congress were sharply critical of the tariffs President Trump announced Wednesday involving countries around the world, with Senator Ron Wyden calling them “economic poison.”
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