Oregon News Exploration is working with local news outlets and community leaders to get a sense of where Gorge residents get the local information they need.

Governor Jay Inslee, convened a roundtable discussion with experts at Evergreen Recovery Center in Everett on Monday to discuss budget changes to address the fentanyl crisis. Inslee has proposed a substantial budget increase which would earmark over $50 million to combat opioid misuse for the 2023–25 biennium.

As the Hood River County Christmas Project (HRCCP) gears up for its 100th year, the spirit of giving is more vibrant than ever. This year's project is set to serve 1,008 households, a first in Christmas Project history and a marker of how this organization continues to strive for new heights in community support and volunteerism.

The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) has announced the positive identification of human remains found in a wooded area near Bates Road in White Salmon on September 28, 2023. The remains have been identified as those of 41-year-old Gary A. Zosel, who went missing in late 2021.

Winter has officially arrived in the Columbia River Gorge! Yesterday, November 30th, marked the first wide spread snowfall of the season, with between 2”-6” of snow being reported gorge wide.

Klickitat County authorities are charging 58-year-old Larry Duane Kleven with three counts of Second-Degree Murder in the Box Canyon road double homicide case, following his initial arrest and subsequent release on bail.

With severe weather hitting the region, the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and its partners are ensuring our most vulnerable community members can access shelters, emergency lodging, and street outreach resources.

The Yakima-based developer intends to build 60 apartments, 18 townhouses and has already broken ground on the construction of a Starbucks near McDonald’s and The Dalles Bridge. The construction could address the dearth of housing in The Dalles, which has seen housing stocks at historic lows in the last several years.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) is pleased to announce that we are now scheduling appointments for all household types for the December 1, 2023 opening date of our Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). With winter approaching, there will be an increased need for our most vulnerable community members to keep their homes warm and safe throughout the season.

Today, the Oregon Employment Department announced the 2024 contribution rate for Paid Leave in Oregon and the 2024 tax rate for Unemployment Insurance. The department is mailing each employer their annual notice of the new rates. 

With respiratory season upon us, and family gatherings planned as the holidays approach, North Central Public Health District is offering free iHealth COVID-19 test kits, with a limited drive-up pickup for your convenience.

The festive spirit of giving is returning to Hood River with the third annual "Cookies, Cocoa, and Photos with Santa" event, organized by Jennifer Josephson of Windermere Real Estate and Cara McNulty of Kiddie City Child Care Facility. This festive community event hopes to bring holiday cheer to the community while raising money to help those experiencing homelessness this holiday season.

This fall season Twenty-four athletes and three coaches from The Dalles High School have been honored with all-league selections for the 2023 Tri-Valley Conference.

The Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service will waive most day-use fee sites on National Forests in the region on Veterans Day, November 11. This fee-free day is in recognition of our nation's veterans and is the last fee-free day for the USDA Forest Service in 2023.

Oregon and Washington drivers face some of the nation's most perilous road conditions, with new research pinpointing Washington ranks third in the nation for fatal crashes during bad weather, and has the highest rate of accidents involving 'other' adverse conditions. Oregon has the sixth-highest rate of weather-related driving fatalities in the country.

Wasco County Commissioners have received a notice of intent to build an ambitious 8,075 acre, 800 megawatt solar project, valued at over $1 billion, called Yellow Rosebush Energy Center.

The initial results are in for the November 7, 2023 Wasco County election. As it currently stands it appears that the Vote Yes TDHS, North Wasco County School District 21 School Bond to build a new high school has failed.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda are harnessing the power of social media to promote the third annual Turkey Trot 5K Benefit Walk/Run. With a comedic TikTok video that has captured the hearts and laughs of the community.

Songer stated that he believes arresting someone for killing a wolf when it is attacking or killing livestock to be “a violation of the individual’s Constitutional rights.”

A Dia de los Muertos celebration at The Dalles Wasco County Library, saw an enormous attendance of over 250 community members last night, November 2nd from 5-7:30 p.m. The event included a resource fair, live music performances from Janelle Santos, and Los Renagados, dancing, pastries, tacos from Tacos Tumbras, hot camelia (a sweet cinnamon spiced herbal tea), ofrendas, crafts, lotería (a game of chance similar to bingo), face painting and a raffle.