Columbia Gorge pear growers say catastrophic returns on the 2025 crop are leaving many family farms on the brink of bankruptcy as they call for state and federal assistance.

Parades, concerts, family activities and fireworks are planned from The Dalles to Cascade Locks as communities celebrate Independence Day.

Wasco County commissioners received the certified May primary election results Wednesday, including runoff races, recount confirmations, updates following the death of county commissioner candidate Phil Brady. Dick Schaffeld announces write-in campaign against Mike Urness for the Wasco County Commissioner Position 3 seat in November election.

Wasco County commissioners postponed a decision on redeveloping Oak Ranch RV Park while requesting additional financial analysis for the proposed $1.88 million project west of The Dalles.

The City of The Dalles is inviting community members to help name the new Downtown Plaza currently under construction on Federal Street. Designed as a welcoming public gathering space, the Plaza will provide a place for residents and visitors to gather, relax, attend community events, and enjoy downtown.

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has elected its 2026-27 leadership team, adding three new directors while retaining five returning board members.

Two Columbia Gorge projects will receive more than $51,000 in regional tourism grants to improve recreation access, parking, accessibility and pedestrian safety.

Less than a day after approving a controversial townhouse project, Hood River leaders argued that zoning changes alone won't solve the city's housing crisis.

From sunrise races to fireworks over the Columbia River, here's your complete guide to Fourth of July events happening throughout The Dalles.

Firefighters continue mopping up hot spots while evacuation levels have been reduced, roads have reopened and command of the fire prepares to transition back to local officials.

Campfires are banned across the Mt. Hood National Forest beginning July 1 as dry conditions increase wildfire danger. Check Gorge fire restrictions before visiting.

Fort Dalles Fourth organizers say this year's expanded America 250 celebration will feature races, music, vendors, family activities and one of the Gorge's largest fireworks shows.

Investigators are asking anyone with photos, videos or information about people near the fire's origin Sunday afternoon to help determine what sparked the blaze.

Visitors are urged to avoid the preserve as crews assess hazardous trees, unstable terrain and trail damage left behind by the wildfire.

Fire officials downgraded evacuation orders for part of Lyle on Monday after firefighters made progress on the Lyle Hill Fire, though Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations remain in effect for much of the fire area.

The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, a program of the Columbia Gorge Education Service District, has completed the Little Free Library Project, a collaborative initiative designed to increase book access in underserved and rural areas while empowering local students with real-world engineering and trade skills.

Firefighters gained ground Sunday evening on the Lyle Hill Fire as an intense aerial assault slowed the blaze, though officials cautioned the wildfire remains far from contained.

Tankers, helicopters and Fire Boss scoopers are mounting an aggressive aerial attack as powerful winds drive the fast-growing Lyle Hill Fire east, triggering expanding evacuations as of 5:30 p.m. today, Sunday June 28.

A fast-moving wildfire near Lyle, Washington, prompted Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices Sunday afternoon as strong winds pushed flames toward the community and fire crews rushed to protect homes and critical infrastructure.

The Dalles Public Library wraps up June and begins July with hands-on science, family activities, book discussions, crafts, games and programs for every age.

Live music, local vendors, a beer garden, downtown activities and the Fort Dalles Fourth fireworks show will bring thousands together July 4 for a free America 250 community celebration at Lewis & Clark Park.

Mosier officials will review new stormwater regulations and hear a report linking repeated high-pH wastewater, FOG, discoloration and elevated solids to suspected illegal sewer dumping.

Oregon State Police impounded seven vehicles in six enforcement actions on Thursday, highlighting the effectiveness of Senate Bill 780 which requires real consequences for driving without a valid license or insurance.

After more than five years as the leader of Visit Hood River, Chief Executive Officer Katie Kadlub has announced her intention to step down from tourism’s top post in Hood River County. Her departure includes her leadership roles at both Visit Hood River and the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce.

City employees urged The Dalles City Council to approve higher wages, saying rising grocery, gas, housing and utility costs are outpacing pay and making it harder to retain workers. 

An unexpected 100-year-old sewer line beneath downtown The Dalles will add $364,223 to the First Street streetscape project while pushing completion into July 2027.

A friend of mine recently walked into what looked like an ordinary thrift store in The Dalles. There’s no big sign, just the name on the front door on Washington Street, between 2nd and 3rd streets. He found a pair of pants he liked but no price tag. He asked a volunteer, “How much are these?” “Free! Everything in our store is free.”

A new fundraising effort aims to transform The Dalles' parks, from resurfacing Sorosis Park's tennis courts to building a long-awaited dog park and future community improvements.