Donors, digs and Donald Trump: Attacks in Oregon gubernatorial debate underscore a close race

EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and her repeat challenger state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, exchanged their fiercest swipes yet at one another on Thursday in their first televised debate, with both candidates painting the other as a political boogeyman who will further entrench the state’s deepest issues.

Friday, Oct 2, 2026

Rabies detected in bat in Crook County; health officials offer advice

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Crook County Public Health on Friday encouraged residents to take simple steps to protect their families and pets from rabies after the virus was recently detected in a bat in Crook County.

Friday, Oct 2, 2026

BLM, USWFS launch prescribed burn season in the Pacific Northwest

Thursday, Oct 1, 2026

Deschutes County sheriff candidates debate focuses on issues, not 'mudslinging'

BEND, Ore. – Wednesday evening’s televised debate between appointed Deschutes County Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert and challenger Lt. James McLaughlin did not avoid the all-too-familiar cloud of allegations swirling around yet another campaign for the elected position.

Thursday, Oct 1, 2026

Prescribed burn planned Thursday 9 miles NW of Crescent

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Outdoor debris burning opens Thursday in areas across Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. -- The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs’ Association works with local, state, and federal partners to determine when to collectively open debris burning in the fall.

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Wyden, Merkley, Bynum announce $100,000 for Central Oregon wildfire recovery

WASHINGTON -- Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with Rep. Janelle Bynum, announced Wednesday $100,000 in federal awards to support displaced Oregonians and wildfire recovery efforts for Central Oregon communities that lost homes in the 2026 wildfires.

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Crook County seeks applicants for Planning Commission, natural resources panel

Crook County is seeking applicants to fill upcoming roles on the Planning Commission. Applications are open for three Planning Commissioner Positions, which carry full terms ending December 31, 2031.

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

FEMA OKs nearly $43 million for NW disaster recovery, stronger resilience projects

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday the approval of nearly $43 million in post-disaster and mitigation funding for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities projects and assistance programs in Alaska, Oregon and Washington.

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Election Day approaches: Deschutes County gives voter timeline

BEND, Ore. -- Election Day is just over a month away, on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

New federal law puts an end to the hemp industry, Oregon businesses say

ALBANY, Ore. — Pet tinctures and topicals are the most popular products sold at Oregon CBD Company, a small business located at the junction of the Willamette Valley town’s busiest roads. Pet owners use them to treat their pets’ anxiety or pain — and in some cases they use similar products to treat their own.

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

Redmond Fire's FEMA grant will cut crews' exposure to cancer-causing diesel exhaust

REDMOND, Ore. – Redmond Fire & Rescue provided more details Monday about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant award recently announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, totaling more than $252,000.

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

Oregon sets 10% maximum allowable rent increase for 2027

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Administrative Services published Monday the annual maximum rent increases allowed by law for calendar year 2027 - 10%, with some lower exceptions.

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

Data centers proposed on federal land in Eastern Oregon, Western states

SALEM, Ore. -- A new data center campus could soon be coming to federal land near Hermiston in Eastern Oregon.

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

Green Tour runs the gamut, from century-old Bend building to city's vast new campus

BEND, Ore. – For nearly a quarter-century, the Environmental Center in Bend has held a Central Oregon Green Tour, giving people a chance to visit homes, businesses and other facilities, to see what they have done to create a more sustainable future for everyone.

Monday, Sep 28, 2026

Secretary of State Read: Supreme Court ruling will have no impact on Oregon's election

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a controversial federal database to be used for reviewing voter eligibility in this November's general election.

Saturday, Sep 26, 2026

Save the date for National Disability Employment Awareness Month webinars

SALEM, Ore. -- October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions people with disabilities bring to Oregon’s workplaces and economy. It is also a time to recognize businesses with supportive workplace policies and practices for people with disabilities.

Saturday, Sep 26, 2026

FEMA awards $14 million to NW fire departments, first responders, including Redmond Fire & Rescue

BOTHELL, Wash. – This week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded more than $14 million in grant funding for fire departments and other first responder organizations in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, including more than $253,000 to Redmond Fire & Rescue.

Saturday, Sep 26, 2026

ODF Central Oregon District lowers fire danger level to 'moderate'

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will be dropping the fire danger level to moderate, effective Saturday at 12:01 a.m.

Friday, Sep 25, 2026

All of Oregon’s congressional districts are considered safe this year. Here’s why.

SALEM, Ore. -- Political analysts don’t expect any of Oregon’s six congressional seats to change hands in the November election.

Friday, Sep 25, 2026

Weekly Road Report for the Week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4

Friday, Sep 25, 2026

Oregon lawmakers could ban Flock, automated license plate reading cameras in 2027

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon lawmakers took action earlier this year to regulate the use of an increasingly bipartisan focus of anti-surveillance advocates nationwide: Flock cameras. Now, they could be on the verge of outlawing the technology altogether.

Friday, Sep 25, 2026

Some SNAP, TANF recipients may need to provide info by Monday to keep their benefits

Friday, Sep 25, 2026

Apply now for a Fall Fuel Reduction Grant in Deschutes County

BEND, Ore. -- Deschutes County Natural Resources is accepting applications for the 2026 Fall Fuel Reduction Grant Program. The county has allocated $50,000 to support projects that reduce wildfire risk in communities across Deschutes County.

Friday, Sep 25, 2026

Oregon students’ grasp of key subjects slowly grows, but still below pre-pandemic levels

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon students continued to make small gains in key subjects over the last year, but still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Deschutes County, partners to break ground on youth mental health facility in Redmond

REDMOND, Ore. -- Deschutes County Health Services and its community partners will break ground next Tuesday on a new sub-acute mental health residential treatment facility for youth ages 12–17.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Merkley proposes housing down-payment savings initiative

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Audit: more work needed to improve High School Success Program

SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Education should continue its progress toward fully implementing recommended improvements to the High School Success program, as well as establish internal oversight to identify problems and track efforts to fix them, state auditors found.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

City of Bend Launches ‘Bend Made,’ new engagement platform to guide future growth

BEND, Ore. -- The City of Bend is beginning its 20-year growth plan, Bend Made. Bend Made is the City of Bend’s plan for the next 20 years, guiding how the city grows with intention and purpose.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Employment Dept. projects continued strong demand for mental health professionals

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

'Kill switch'? Governor Kotek issues executive order to advance AI safety, oversight

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek issued an executive order Wednesday entitled "Establishing Responsible Artificial Intelligence Procurement Standards for State Government." The governor's office said the goal is to "advance new safeguards and oversight on frontier AI models, in light of the federal government’s inaction to adequately consider the safety of Americans."

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Crook County SO sergeant gets scam call claiming to be colleague

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Scam calls are still something of a sad fact of life for many. But one scammer claiming to be a Crook County Sheriff's Office lieutenant picked the wrong target - a sergeant with the department.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Pacific Power to charge new Oregon data centers for all costs tied to growing energy need

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon’s second-largest investor-owned electric utility could soon directly assign the costs of new energy projects and infrastructure needed for data centers to data center operators.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Central Oregon public lands to end Stage 1 public use fire restrictions on Friday

BEND, Ore. — Fire officials on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville District BLM will rescind Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions on Friday at 12:01 a.m. due to increased moisture, cooler temperatures and decreased daylight hours.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Quaise Energy in line for up to $25 million from feds for Newberry geothermal project

HOUSTON — Quaise Energy, a leading developer of utility-scale superhot geothermal energy, announced Tuesday that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for up to $25 million in funding under the Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation funding opportunity.

Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026

OHA scraps proposed fee hikes for psilocybin licensees

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Health Authority issued a statement Tuesday regarding proposed fee changes for psilocybin licensees that have been considered in rulemaking:

Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026

Central Oregon's August jobless rates continue to hold steady

SALEM, Ore. -- Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates continued to hold steady across Central Oregon in August, with little to no movement over the month, the Oregon Employment Department reported Tuesday.

Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026

Help shape the future of your public lands in Oregon

Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026

'Are you ready?': Oregon secretary of state releases election PSA

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is broadcasting new public service announcements to inform all eligible Oregonians about how to make sure their ballot gets counted this November.

Monday, Sep 21, 2026

Weekly Road Construction Update Sept. 20 to Sept. 26

Paving of La Pine Area Roadways (La Pine Area) – Crews will be installing asphalt pavement on 3rd Steet, 6th Street, and Dorrance Meadow Road in La Pine.

Saturday, Sep 19, 2026

Is it official election mail? A graphic explanation from Secretary of State Tobias Read

SALEM, Ore. -- The 2026 General Election is underway, and Oregonians are beginning to receive mail and other communication related to their vote.

Saturday, Sep 19, 2026

Oregon has one of the nation’s largest funding gaps to meet road maintenance needs

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon has one of the largest gaps in the country between its highway and bridge maintenance needs and what it spends on addressing them, according to a national study.

Saturday, Sep 19, 2026

City of Bend to host SW Bend Area Neighborhood Roundtable on Oct. 12

Friday, Sep 18, 2026

Weekly Road Report for the Week of Sept. 21-27

Friday, Sep 18, 2026

La Pine's new Halloween event: Monster Mash & Candy Dash

Friday, Sep 18, 2026

Crook County, partner agencies plan event to help residents affected by 2026 wildfires

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Crook County, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other local, state, and federal agencies and community organizations, will host a Multi-Agency Resource Center event to provide information, resources, and assistance to Crook County residents impacted by recent wildfires.

Friday, Sep 18, 2026

Nearly 170 Oregon families reported losing food bought with SNAP due to summer fires

SALEM, Ore. -- About 170 Oregon households requested replacements to their federal food benefits this summer after they had to evacuate their homes because of a wildfire this summer, according to data the Capital Chronicle obtained from the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

So far, Kotek’s Data Center Advisory Committee has many questions, few answers

SALEM, Ore. -- Following seven fact-finding meetings over nine months, Gov. Tina Kotek’s Data Center Advisory Committee is asking the public to weigh in on a report detailing its findings.

Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with BLM volunteer events across Northwest

Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026

Merkley, Williams, Booker lead push to close constitutional loophole allowing for slavery

Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026

Lonza breaks ground in Bend on advanced manufacturing facility

BEND, Ore. – Gov. Tina Kotek joined Lonza, a global company that helps life science companies develop and manufacture medicines, for a groundbreaking to start construction on a new advanced manufacturing facility in Bend.

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026

US Supreme Court blocks Trump rule limiting mail voting, sides with Dem states

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday kept in place a lower court’s order blocking President Donald Trump’s embattled plan to place new restrictions on mail ballots for this year’s midterm elections.

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026

Save on your phone or internet bill with Oregon Lifeline

Monday, Sep 14, 2026

Deschutes commissioners, Bend councilors face busy agendas

BEND, Ore. – Several major issues come before Deschutes County commissioners and Bend city councilors this week, from more funding to help Juniper Ridge “Temporary Safe Stay Area” residents to a start to growth planning for Bend’s next 20 years

Monday, Sep 14, 2026

ODFW finds pnemonia pathogen in John Day River bighorn sheep herd

THE DALLES, Ore. – Several California bighorn sheep along the John Day River have recently tested positive for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi), the respiratory pathogen associated with pneumonia outbreaks in wild sheep, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said last week.

Monday, Sep 14, 2026

ODFW: Burns Pond fish die-off caused by blue-green algae

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists have confirmed that a blue-green algae likely caused the death of stocked rainbow trout recently observed at Burns Gravel Pond on Highway 78.

Sunday, Sep 13, 2026

La Pine RRPD receives $2.49 million state seismic retrofit grant

LA PINE, Ore. -- The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District said Wednesday it has been awarded a nearly $2.5 million state grant to complete seismic upgrades and major facility improvements at its main headquarters, Station 101 on Huntington Road.

Sunday, Sep 13, 2026

Bend traffic reminder: Franklin Ave. underpass closing until May

BEND, Ore. -- The city of Bend issued a friendly reminder on Sunday that the Franklin Avenue underpass will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning Monday as construction continues on the Franklin Avenue Improvements project.

Sunday, Sep 13, 2026

Deschutes County weekly road construction update: Sept. 13-19

Paving of La Pine Area Roadways (La Pine Area) – Crews will be installing asphalt pavement on 3rd Steet, 6th Street, and Dorrance Meadow Road in La Pine.

Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

Wyden presses Trump administration on lack of firefighting resources during this year's wildfire season

Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

Crook County residents urged to serve on regional public lands committees

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Crook County is sharing two opportunities for local residents to become involved in regional public lands management.

Friday, Sep 11, 2026

Ex-labor secretary from Oregon drank on job, oversaw ‘humiliating’ workplace, report finds

SALEM, Ore. -- Former U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the one-term Oregon congresswoman tasked by the Trump administration to head the nation’s leading worker protection agency, oversaw harassment within her office, consumed alcohol on the job and had an inappropriate relationship with her security detail, according to an official federal watchdog.

Friday, Sep 11, 2026

City of Bend announces Welcoming Week 2026

Friday, Sep 11, 2026

Oregon lawmakers OK more than $120 million to cover cost of 2026 wildfires

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon lawmakers approved nearly $123 million to help cover the costs of this year’s wildfire season, sending money to two state agencies responsible for fighting wildfires.

Thursday, Sep 10, 2026

Bend Fire & Rescue launches new online tool for wildfire risk home assessments

BEND, Ore. -- Bend Fire & Rescue has launched a new online tool that makes it easier for residents to request free wildfire risk home assessments and access personalized mitigation recommendations, supporting efforts to make Bend a more fire-adapted community.

Thursday, Sep 10, 2026

Deschutes County again picks a new landfill site - but with a backup this time

BEND, Ore. – Few budget-related items that come before Deschutes County commissioners have total lifetime costs measured in the billions of dollars.

Thursday, Sep 10, 2026

Merkley, Wyden tout nearly $10 million for Warm Springs, Umpqua tribes’ affordable housing

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding a combined nearly $9.92 million to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for Tribal members.

Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

Oregon officials urge use of ballot boxes while defending mail voting

SALEM — Top Oregon elected officials on Tuesday urged Oregonians to use ballot drop boxes, not mailboxes, to return ballots in November as newly released data showed thousands of Oregonians missed having their May primary votes counted because of postal delays.

Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

Super-hot spot: Two companies shoot for next-gen geothermal at Newberry Volcano

La PINE, Ore. -- You might say that AI-related tech businesses, and data centers in particular, are in some super-hot water with the public these days. And much of that uproar is over their large power and water needs.

Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

Gov. Kotek pauses data centers on state land. Capitol demonstrators want her to go further.

SALEM, Ore. -- About 100 people showed up outside the Oregon State Capitol on Tuesday to call for a three-year pause on new data center development in the state.

Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

Weekly Road Construction Update - Sept. 6-12

Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026

Slow progress seen on renaming Oregon’s offensive place names

This story originally appeared on Underscore Native News.

Monday, Sep 7, 2026

Study: Oregon had second-highest rate of state lawmakers leaving office early

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon between 2020 and 2025 had the second-highest rate of state lawmakers leaving office before their term ended, according to a new study.

Monday, Sep 7, 2026

Mayor sheds a bit of light on RDM Director Bass's departure

REDMOND, Ore. -- Redmond officials confirmed Saturday that Zachary Bass has stepped down from his post as Redmond Municipal Airport director after more than a decade and in the midst of a major $180 million terminal expansion project.

Sunday, Sep 6, 2026

Redmond completes NW 19th-Maple signal prep work early

REDMOND, Ore. -- A busy northwest Redmond intersection has reopened ahead of schedule, prepping NW 19th Street and Maple Avenue for traffic signals due to be installed later this fall.

Saturday, Sep 5, 2026

Six years later: How Oregon transformed wildfire response and resilience

SALEM, Ore. -- Over Labor Day weekend in 2020, historic wildfires fueled by severe winds burned over a million acres across Oregon's Cascade and Coast ranges in days. The disaster destroyed thousands of structures, claimed 11 lives, and displaced nearly 500,000 people under evacuation notices.

Saturday, Sep 5, 2026

Deschutes County Weekly Road Construction update: Sept. 6-12

Paving of La Pine Area Roadways (La Pine Area) – Crews will be installing asphalt pavement on 6th Street, and Ascha Court in La Pine.

Saturday, Sep 5, 2026

Sisters to celebrate grand opening of public off-leash dog park

The City of Sisters invites the community to a ribbon-cutting celebration for the new off-leash dog park located at Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub on Friday, September 11, at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, Sep 5, 2026

C.O. fire officials reduce public use restrictions to Stage 1

BEND, Ore. – Fire officials on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville District BLM will reduce to Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions due to increased moisture and cooler temperatures.

Friday, Sep 4, 2026

City of Madras Appoints Tony Chard and Chris Heden to City Council

Friday, Sep 4, 2026

A library card hits all the right notes: Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month

Thursday, Sep 3, 2026

Crook County Health and Human Services, Rimrock Trails announce September resource

Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026

Immigration arrests in Oregon under Trump 2.0 by the numbers

SALEM, Ore. -- Federal immigration agents have arrested more than 700 people in Oregon this year as of early August, according to new data.

Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026

Bend city councilors take up packed land-use agenda Wednesday night

BEND, Ore. – The agenda for the Bend City Council’s last meeting of summer Wednesday night is packed with high-profile land-use issues and decisions.

Monday, Aug 31, 2026

Oregon fishing, hunting rights amendment backers challenge draft ballot title

SALEM, Ore. — Kari Goodheart, chief petitioner of Oregon Freedom Amendment Initiative Petition 2028-025, has formally challenged the legal sufficiency of the draft ballot title issued by the Oregon attorney general.

Monday, Aug 31, 2026

Oregon is spending more than ever on low-income housing. A state law keeps the details secret.

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon’s spending on low-income housing has exploded in the past five years. The state has given developers an unprecedented $1.4 billion, and the cost of developing each apartment has nearly doubled, to $540,000.

Saturday, Aug 29, 2026

The Bend Parkway turns 25 - but first, there was a big party

BEND, Ore. – Saturday marks 25 years since the main segment of the Bend Parkway opened to drivers – but first, in mid-August, came the “Play on the Parkway” dedication and celebration, billed as the “last chance to skip, scoot or skate the Parkway.”

Saturday, Aug 29, 2026

Wyden, colleagues demand answers from Trump official who diverted federal firefighting resources to private ranch

Saturday, Aug 29, 2026

Federal judge upholds Oregon Recycling Modernization Act

PORTLAND, Ore. -- This week, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruled that Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is constitutional, allowing the state to continue implementing the landmark recycling law.

Saturday, Aug 29, 2026

Crook County seeks applicants for Wolf Depredation Compensation Committee vacancies

Saturday, Aug 29, 2026

Bend weekly road report for week of August 31-Sept. 6

BEND, Ore. -- Here is the city of Bend's weekly road report for the week of August 31 to Sept. 6

Friday, Aug 28, 2026

Crook County College announces updated 2026–27 schedule, extended application

Friday, Aug 28, 2026

Brosterhous Road in SE Bend reopening Friday, ahead of schedule

BEND, Ore. -- The city of Bend announced Friday that "thanks to the patience and support of our community, Brosterhous Road is scheduled to reopen to traffic by the end of the day today, ahead of schedule."

Friday, Aug 28, 2026

‘A lot of fire season left:’ Gov. Kotek urges caution ahead of Labor Day

PENDLETON, Ore. -- After spending her morning flying across the state to observe active wildfires near Mount Hood and northeast Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek warned Oregonians to stay alert, as the state still has more than a month until the end of the fire season.

Friday, Aug 28, 2026

Seven applicants to interview for temporary Madras City Council appointments

Friday, Aug 28, 2026

Seaside postmaster charged with distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material

Thursday, Aug 27, 2026

No longer lagging, Oregon economic growth catching up with nation, state economists report

SALEM, Ore. -- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, economic growth in Oregon has underperformed the nation’s.

Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026

Meta to pay 47 states up to $17.1B in landmark child safety settlement

Oregon to receive $125 million from Meta

Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026

Midtown Crossings Project: Franklin Avenue paving work set for Sept. 1-3

BEND, Ore. -- Additional traffic changes for the Franklin Avenue Improvements Project are scheduled for Sept. 1-3, city officials said Monday.

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026

'We're almost there': Butler Market-Wells Acres roundabout nears completion

BEND, Ore. -- Project crews have successfully completed the new roundabout at Butler Market and Wells Acres roads in northwest Bend, including roadway paving, Bend city officials said Monday.

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026

Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association expels Curry County Sheriff John Ward

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026

Merkley joins effort to help state, local, tribal agencies monitor air pollution from wildfires

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026

Oregon gubernatorial candidates trade campaign ads, jabs as November election nears

SALEM, Ore. -- As analysts predict that Oregon’s 2026 gubernatorial election cycle is becoming more competitive, some of the fiercest barbs the candidates have exchanged are taking place not on the debate stage, but instead on Oregonians’ screens.

Monday, Aug 24, 2026

Bend mom of 4 makes late bid to unseat Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler

BEND, Ore. -- Bernadette Strome says she’s never met Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, but if her late filing and quick signature-gathering effort succeeds in the next couple of days, she’ll be one of two candidates on the November ballot who are seeking to unseat her.

Sunday, Aug 23, 2026

City of Bend weekly road report for August 24-30

Greenwood Avenue

Saturday, Aug 22, 2026

ODOT staff cuts would reduce maintenance, responses to severe weather events

As fires scorched through a record 2.5 million acres this summer, mostly in eastern and central Oregon, many of the state’s transportation maintenance crews traded patching potholes and cleaning culverts for wildfire response.

Friday, Aug 21, 2026

Bend Police assure public they don't use controversial Flock cameras

BEND, Ore. -- The Bend Police Department sought to reassure the public Thursday that does not use controversial Flock cameras in its automated system to catch speeders and red-light runners.

Friday, Aug 21, 2026

"Oregon Freedom Amendment' advances to attorney general for draft ballot title

Friday, Aug 21, 2026

Oregon weighs enrollment caps, paying for claims as double-digit insurance hikes set for 2027

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon insurance regulators have approved premium hikes that could cost individuals and small businesses that buy health insurance through the state marketplace dozens of more dollars per month and are weighing policy changes that would limit availability.

Thursday, Aug 20, 2026

Rep. Cliff Bentz invites public to Prineville town hall on wildfires

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., announced Thursday a town hall focusing on recent wildfires, to be held next week in Prineville.

Thursday, Aug 20, 2026

New Madras online utility payment portal now available

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026

City of Madras announces 3 police chief finalists, community meet and greet

MADRAS, Ore. - The City of Madras said Wednesday it has selected three finalists to move forward in the recruitment process for the city’s next chief of police.

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment drops by 4,100 in July

SALEM, Ore. — In July, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 4,100 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,300 jobs in June, the state Employment Department.

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026

Merkley, Wyden announce more than $15 million in federal grants to support Oregon wood products industry

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026

Merkley, Wyden, colleagues press Trump administration on proposed forest R&D facility closures

Saturday, Aug 15, 2026

Health officials share tips as wildfire smoke affects Central Oregon

Friday, Aug 14, 2026

Oregon businesses encouraged to report wildfire, smoke impacts

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon businesses experiencing physical damage or economic losses from wildfires or wildfire smoke are encouraged to report their impacts through the Oregon Business Self-Reporting Damage Survey.

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026

New Oregon State Hospital superintendent ousted after OHA leader's resignation

SALEM, Ore. -- The superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital, who was appointed less than a month ago by a since-departed director of the Oregon Health Authority, is out as head of the troubled state-run mental hospital, the health authority said Wednesday.

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026

Marion County files motion for preliminary injunction to protect Detroit Lake

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026

City of Bend making new changes to Greenwood Avenue

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The city of Bend said Monday it's making updates on Greenwood Avenue aimed at improving traffic flow. ​

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026

Wyden hosting online hearing to take testimony from rural Oregonians about health care

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026

Wyden: C.O. fire bosses say they only 'have half of what they need'

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Amid Oregon’s record wildfire year, with more than 2 million acres already burned, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., visited the people fighting two large Central Oregon blazes, then joined fellow Democratic leaders Monday to call for more attention – and federal dollars -- for badly needed crews and equipment.

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026

Oregon looks to how other states fund their transportation needs

SALEM, Ore. -- The transportation group charged with vetting and recommending ideas to solve the state’s $200 million 2027-29 budget gap spent its fourth meeting examining how other states fund their transportation systems.

Sunday, Aug 9, 2026

Redmond City Council to consider full ban of legal fireworks

Saturday, Aug 8, 2026

ODHS Update: Three children missing from Prineville have been found

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Human Services says three children who went missing from Prineville last week, prompting a public alert that said they were believed to be in danger, were located on Friday.

Friday, Aug 7, 2026

Families have until Sept. 1 to apply for Summer EBT food benefits

Friday, Aug 7, 2026

Wyden: Senate OKs financial relief for wildfire victims

WASHINGTON - Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., on Friday passed legislation that would deliver immediate tax relief to Americans who lose their home from a federally declared natural disaster, including Oregonians who lose their homes in wildfires.

Friday, Aug 7, 2026

Merkley’s ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meeting’ coming to Bend

BEND, Ore. – Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced Thursday he will hold a ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meeting’ in Bend on Thursday, August 13.

Friday, Aug 7, 2026

Democratic lawmakers propose three-year moratorium on new large data centers in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. -- Four Oregon Democratic lawmakers, and two hopefuls, are calling for a three-year moratorium on new data centers in the state in response to growing public concern over energy and water demand, farmland loss, tax fairness and community benefits, and a general lack of transparency from the industry.

Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026

Oregon GOP leaders want constitutional hunting, fishing protections in response to ballot measure

GRESHAM, Ore. — To counter a failed ballot initiative from animal rights activists that attempted to ban hunting, fishing and animal slaughter in Oregon, the state’s Republican leaders pledged to introduce their own constitutional amendment to guarantee fishing, hunting and farming rights.

Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026

City of Bend road report for the week of August 3-9

Sunday, Aug 2, 2026

Redmond weekly road and traffic report - August 1-7

Sunday, Aug 2, 2026

ODOT facing $200 million budget gap

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon’s beleaguered transportation agency is staring down a $200 million budget gap for the 2027-29 budget cycle and layoffs unless the state Legislature intervenes, according to agency officials.

Sunday, Aug 2, 2026

FEMA OKs funding to help fight Rowe Creek-West Zone Fire

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Saturday that it has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Rowe Creek Complex - West Zone Fire, burning in Crook and Jefferson counties in Central Oregon.

Saturday, Aug 1, 2026

Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires, smoke

SALEM, Ore. -- People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Friday, Jul 31, 2026

Oregon Department of Corrections officer charged with cyberstalking

Friday, Jul 31, 2026

City of Redmond plans urban forestry open house on August 5

Friday, Jul 31, 2026

Prineville City Council vacancy announcement

Thursday, Jul 30, 2026

Registration open for conference in Bend featuring workplace safety, health skill-building opportunities

Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026

Crook County Road Department announces upcoming Juniper Heights road resurfacing

Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026

Crook County accepting applications for 2026–27 County College program

Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026

Gresham man pleads guilty to assaulting federal officer during 2025 riot near Portland ICE office

Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026

Wyden, Merkley, Bynum: Redmond secures $1.25 million investment for water infrastructure

WASHINGTON – Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with Rep. Janelle Bynum announced Monday that the city of Redmond has earned a $1.25 million federal infrastructure investment from the Environmental Protection Agency to expand the city’s sustainable wastewater treatment system.

Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026

DHS says two children missing from Bend have been found

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division expressed thanks Thursday for the community support to find Julian and Mahina Hawes, who the agency said were found five days after they went missing from Bend.

Monday, Jul 27, 2026

Weekly Road & Traffic Report July 25-31

Sunday, Jul 26, 2026

Oregon initiative that would have banned most killing of animals won’t be on November ballot

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregonians won’t vote in November on whether to ban hunting, fishing, livestock farming and animal research after backers of a widely criticized initiative failed to gather enough valid signatures to make the ballot.

Saturday, Jul 25, 2026

OHA urges people to limit smoke exposure as wildfire season intensifies

What you should know:

Saturday, Jul 25, 2026

Second home confirmed lost to 26,000-acre Akawa Butte Fire

Friday evening update: Firefighters continue battling the Akawa Butte Fire amid hot, dry, and windy conditions

Saturday, Jul 25, 2026

Climate Commission urges bigger goals to store planet-warming gas in Oregon's lands, waters

SALEM, Ore. -- As the federal government pushes for more logging and grazing on Oregon’s lands, state climate commissioners are calling for more ambitious goals to protect the state’s land and water so they can capture carbon dioxide.

Friday, Jul 24, 2026

Wyden, Merkley demand more wildfire prevention, response aid from Trump administration

WASHINGTON -- Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said Thursday they joined Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires in Oregon and across the nation.

Friday, Jul 24, 2026

Report: Oregon's private job vacancies held steady in 2nd quarter

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon's private employers reported 45,400 job openings at any given time during the second quarter of 2026, the state reported Thursday.

Thursday, Jul 23, 2026

Following data center boom, Oregon for first time considers charging use fees for undersea cables

SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of State Lands is proposing for the first time to charge multinational telecommunications and tech companies for using the seafloor off the state’s Pacific Coast for fiber-optic cables used to transmit internet data and international calls.

Wednesday, Jul 22, 2026

C. Oregon health officials share tips as wildfire smoke hits region

BEND, Ore. -- Wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in Central Oregon and may pose health risks to the public. Public health officials from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties are encouraging residents and visitors to take steps to protect themselves from smoke exposure.

Wednesday, Jul 22, 2026

‘Not about improving elections’: Oregon secretary of state slams new Trump election threats

PORTLAND, Ore. (Oregon Capital Chronicle) — Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read on Monday rebuked the Trump administration’s recent round of threats against state-run elections and urged Oregonians to educate themselves on how best to ensure their ballot is counted in November.

Monday, Jul 20, 2026

Deschutes County weekly road construction update - July 19-25

Monday, Jul 20, 2026

Full road closure planned on NW 19th Street at Maple Avenue starting Tuesday

Monday, Jul 20, 2026

How should Oregon look to other states for economic prosperity? Some analysts are split

PORTLAND, Ore. (Oregon Capital Chronicle) -- For months, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s prosperity council has made headlines with a key focus: How best to jumpstart Oregon’s economy and what practices from other states may make that possible.

Monday, Jul 20, 2026

Deschutes Wilderness Areas Added to Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions Starting July 20

Sunday, Jul 19, 2026

Bend Weekly Road Report for the week of July 20-26

Sunday, Jul 19, 2026

Driver arrested after pedestrian killed in Madras crash

MADRAS, Ore. -- A driver was arrested following a fatal crash that killed a pedestrian Friday night on Highway 97, Madras police said.

Sunday, Jul 19, 2026

Controversial Oregon animal rights petition might not have enough valid signatures to make ballot

SALEM, Ore. -- A controversial initiative petition to ban killing or harming animals in Oregon with almost no exceptions may not qualify for the November ballot.

Saturday, Jul 18, 2026

Regional quake experts say more coordination, investment needed to prepare for ‘Big One’

PORTLAND — If the “Big One” — the anticipated massive Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake — hit today, Oregonians west of the Cascades would be luckiest to find themselves at the recently-retrofitted state Capitol in Salem or on the roof of the new terminal at the Portland International Airport.

Saturday, Jul 18, 2026

Oregon adds California, Washington crews as fire activity strains state's capacity

SALEM, Ore. – With Oregon’s fire protection resources heavily committed to wildfires across the state, the Oregon State Fire Marshal said Friday it is bringing in five task forces from California and two from Washington to focus on protecting communities and critical infrastructure as the state faces extreme fire conditions.

Saturday, Jul 18, 2026

Ochoco Viewpoint to stay open until 10 p.m. this summer

Saturday, Jul 18, 2026

New ready-to-use free housing plans now available

Saturday, Jul 18, 2026

The Sisters Roundup Newsletter - July 2026

Thursday, Jul 16, 2026

Oregon Dept. of Forestry using tech to enhance wildfire response

SALEM, Oregon – As technology evolves, so does the Oregon Department of Forestry. ODF continues to adapt and integrate technological advancements into their work.

Thursday, Jul 16, 2026

Jackson County man sentenced to federal prison for distributing Fentanyl

Thursday, Jul 16, 2026

New report highlights early success of secure-firearms initiative in C. Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County’s Suicide Prevention Program, in partnership with the Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance, has released a new report on the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Effectively initiative, or S.A.F.E.

Thursday, Jul 16, 2026

Madras City Council, Redevelopment Commission OK purchase of former Initiative Brewing site

MADRAS, Oregon – The Madras Redevelopment Commission and Madras City Council on Tuesday approved a purchase and sale agreement for the former Initiative Brewing property, located at 715 SW 4th Street.

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026

Oregon receives $15 million in federal funds to boost semiconductor industry

SALEM, Oregon -- Oregon secured $15 million in federal funding to grow the state’s semiconductor industry, and it could receive up to $160 million over the next decade depending on its progress.

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026

Gov. Kotek says her next Oregon budget will prioritize summer learning programs

PORTLAND, Oregon — Gov. Tina Kotek said Tuesday she would prioritize education and summer learning programs in her forthcoming 2027-29 budget, warning that she has difficult work ahead of her to craft the financial plan that will inform next year’s legislative session.

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026

Oregon, 11 other states sue to block Paramount-Warner Bros. merger

SALEM, Oregon -- Twelve Democratic-led states, including Oregon, on Monday sued to block Paramount’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026

Crook County begins first overhaul of natural resource plans since 1978

PRINEVILLE, Oregon -- For the first time in nearly 50 years, Crook County is taking a fresh look at how it protects the local landscape, history and wildlife that define the region.Local officials have launched a comprehensive update to the county’s “Goal 5” resources, which include everything from historic sites and scenic views to natural habitats. The planning offices, where much of this work will happen, are located at 300 NE Third St., just a short walk from the historic Crook County Courthouse in the heart of Prineville.“This update is voluntary and will take a significant amount of work and time to complete, but in my opinion, these Goal 5 resources are much of what makes Crook County special,” said John Eisler, Crook County Community Development Director. “As your local government, it's important that we evaluate these resources using the best available data while balancing conservation, private property rights, economic opportunity, and the community's vision for the future.”A chance for residents to leadThe Planning Commission has established three new public advisory committees to help guide the update. Each group will focus on different resource clusters to help the county determine how to move forward. Applications for these committees are open through July 27.“This update is an opportunity for Crook County residents to help shape how the county balances the protection of important resources with agriculture, economic opportunity, renewable energy, and other community priorities,” said Commissioner Susan Hermreck. “The more voices we have at the table, the stronger the final plan will be.”Commissioner Seth Crawford echoed that sentiment, encouraging neighbors to join the conversation. “This discussion is about the future of our community, and it's important that we hear from as many people as possible,” Crawford said. “We encourage everyone to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our county. Please also help spread the word by inviting your friends and neighbors to participate.”Eisler said he is looking for a wide variety of people to get involved in the meaningful work. “I'm really excited about these committees,” Eisler said. “Whether you're interested in wildlife habitat, groundwater, historic resources, aggregate resources, renewable energy, agriculture, or helping determine where solar facilities fit best, we want your input. The hope is that we get a cross section of people who are passionate about these issues and about shaping the county's future.”Planning for the solar futureA major component of the project involves creating a local program for commercial solar farms. While the state recently updated rules for these facilities, Crook County is developing its own path to ensure local voices guide where projects are built.“The state created a streamlined process for siting large solar facilities in partnership with counties,” Eisler said. “The county originally opted out of those rules, but with state grant funding supporting this effort, we will develop our own program—one that provides greater local direction and predictability for solar development while directing projects to appropriate locations, minimizing impacts, and providing community benefits and agricultural mitigation.”The Planning Commission will appoint committee members in August. After meeting throughout the fall, they will submit recommendations by the end of the year. Both the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners will then hold public meetings before final decisions are made.How to get involved:Apply online: crookcountyor.gov/1703/Goal-5-UpdateEmail: Goal5@crookcountyor.govCall the planning office: 541-447-3211

Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026

Weekly Road Report for the Week of July 13 – 19

Monday, Jul 13, 2026

Armenian national extradited to the U.S. pleads guilty to ransomware extortion conspiracy

Thursday, Jul 9, 2026