Eastern Oregon
Latest Stories
Politics
Bentz defends Republican tax and spending bill, despite costs and cuts impacting his district
Bentz voted to pass the bill despite past vows not to add to the national deficit, and representing many Oregonians who could lose access to Medicaid.

Oregon could see temps in the upper 90s this weekend
Temperatures are expected to heat up into the 90s across much of Oregon this weekend as the state braces for its first heat wave of the year. Some areas including Eastern and Southern Oregon could see temperatures reach 100 degrees.

Grant County moves to cut funding for its only public library
One of Oregon’s most sparsely populated counties has seen a contraction of public services in recent years. The county's library director said losing county funding could close the library.

Politics
Frustrated with perceived disrespect, Umatilla mayor sues his own city
Mayor Caden Sipe says the city violated his First and 14th amendment rights by censuring him, among other accusations.
Crime
Umatilla County Sheriff apologizes for DUII arrest, blew twice the legal limit
Gilliam County’s chief prosecutor told OPB that Rowan’s case is “under review" and that the sheriff will be treated as anyone else facing criminal allegations.

Water
Governor turns ‘lessons’ from Eastern Oregon nitrate crisis into a reform bill
Senate Bill 1154 centralizes the state’s response to groundwater pollution, but hundreds of private well owners oppose it.

Immigration
Idaho’s Owyhee County joins ICE agreement to enforce immigration law
ICE agreements ended under the Obama administration following abuses like racial profiling of Latinos are back under Trump. This county on the Oregon-Idaho border has signed on.
Who’s responsible for the levee that failed in Harney County’s flood? No one
Before a historic flood damaged at least 950 homes in the Burns area, prevention efforts went unfunded.

Flooding in southeastern Oregon prompts evacuation orders, school closures and health concerns
Flooding in rural southeastern Oregon from what authorities have described as “historic levels” of snowmelt and rainfall has prompted evacuation orders, school closures and public health concerns.
Natural Disasters
Flood warning extended in Harney County
While Harney County drinking water remains safe, flood waters collected Monday tested positive for E. Coli, according to the sheriff’s office.