Free news: Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and U.S. Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) reintroduced the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act, legislation to help communities respond to increasingly dangerous wildfire smoke events, on June 10.

NOTE: Free news: Grange members, prospective members, and friends of the Grange are welcome to attend this program. If you’re interested and not yet a member, email info@rockfordgrange.net for an invite and details.

Free news: The expanded declaration now authorizes federal Public Assistance funding for 11 Oregon counties impacted by the December 2025 atmospheric river event, including Hood River and Wasco counties. 

Free commentary: The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in the country, but it is also uniquely vulnerable. 

Katie Skakel is now Hood River County’s emergency and resilience program manager.

How well do you know your evacuation levels? This step-by-step guide explains all three.