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Gov. Kotek proclaims August as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek has proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon. The campaign, led statewide by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, aims to recognize emergency managers and highlight community disaster preparedness. The state campaign aligns with a national effort organized by the International Association of Emergency

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Oregon housing starts rise 11.3% in first half of 2026, outpacing national trend

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon housing starts increased by 11.3% year-over-year during the first half of 2026, marking a second consecutive year of statewide construction growth. The increase occurred as national housing production dropped by 1.3% over the same period. Gov. Tina Kotek announced the production figures, pointing to state administrative efforts to reduce regulatory

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Actress Hayden Panettiere dies at 36

Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at 36, according to her representative.  In a statement to CNN, her father, Skip Panettiere, called her โ€œan incredible light and a force of natureโ€ who brought joy to those who knew and watched her.  The circumstances surrounding her death are unknown.  Panettiere was best known for playing Claire Bennet

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Counties, farm groups back Klamath appeal

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (KTVZ) โ€” Three counties and 10 major western water and agricultural organizations have filed friend-of-the-court briefs supporting a request by the Klamath Water Users Association for a larger panel of judges to review a recent federal court ruling involving water deliveries in the Klamath Project. The filings were submitted Thursday in the

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‘The center of communities’: Bend’s Central Library celebrates opening with weekend of events

(Update: adding comments from library official, video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes Public Library marked a new chapter over the weekend with the formal grand opening of its Central Library in east Bend. Although the library first welcomed visitors in May, the two-day celebration gave community members an opportunity to explore the new building

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Alfalfa Fire District Board Under Investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission

UPDATE: KTVZ News has obtained two preliminary review reports from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission concerning Nate Starr and Mark Laucks. You can view the reports below: Nathan Starr PRDownload 26-356PJS Mark Laucks PRDownload UPDATE: The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted unanimously on Friday to launch a formal investigation into current and former board members

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Deschutes County Courthouse expansion adds new space as Central Oregon grows

BEND, Ore. โ€” A major expansion of the Deschutes County Courthouse in downtown Bend is nearing completion, adding courtroom space and security improvements as the countyโ€™s justice system works to keep pace with a growing Central Oregon.The $46.8 million project includes a new three-story, 50,933-square-foot addition to the existing courthouse. The expansion includes two sets

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Central Oregon drug investigation leads to kidnapping arrest after victimโ€™s finger amputated

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — A Central Oregon drug investigation led to charges against three men and unraveled a kidnapping and assault case involving an amputated finger. Authorities seized a firearm and over two pounds of methamphetamine during the operation. The investigation involved the Redmond Police Department, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team and the Central

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Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield

Oregon AG sues Trump administration over demand for personal data of 17 million drivers

OREGON (KTVZ) — Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is leading a coalition of 21 state attorneys general and the state of Pennsylvania in a lawsuit against federal agencies over demands for personal data belonging to 17 million commercial drivers. The legal challenge follows threats from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to withhold more than

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Oregon follows AAP immunization schedule despite federal changes

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek says the state will continue following medical guidance on childhood vaccinations, despite recent changes at the federal level. Governor Kotek says Oregon will continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatricsโ€™ recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. The West Coast Health Alliance, made up of Oregon, Washington,

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Oregon officials urge extreme caution as wildfires stretch resources

Oregon officials urge extreme caution as wildfires stretch resources

OREGON (KTVZ) — Right now, fire officials are asking Oregonians to use extreme caution as wildfires continue burning across the state and firefighting resources remain stretched. The National Weather Service is warning of critical fire weather, including thunderstorms, lightning and strong, unpredictable winds. Officials say even a small spark could quickly start a new fire.

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Highway 26 reopens following closure due to wildfires in the area

Highway 26 between Prineville and Mitchell reopens following closure due to wildfires in the area

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Highway 26 between Prineville and Mitchell reopened Thursday, August 13th, following a closure due to wildfires. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office announced the re-opening, and also stated that the Marks Creek Community along Highway 26 has been reduced to Level 2 โ€“ BE SET. The department also asked residents to please

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