Calendar & News
Events Calendar
June 2026
Hood River County Democrats Backyard Bash
Sun., June 7, 4:00-6:00 pm
Come celebrate the power of people and the spirit of community!
Honor our amazing volunteers, meet elected leaders and candidates, and spark new connections with neighbors who care.
Great food, cold drinks, live music, a lively dessert auction and fun for all ages.
HRC Dems Monthly Meeting
Thurs., June 11, 6:30-7:30 pm
Hood River Library (502 State St.)
Meet in the downstairs meeting room. Arrive early for social time (6-6:30pm).
Bring your favorite snack to share.
Hybrid access: Sign up here to get the zoom link.
News
In a rule finalized in the federal register on Christmas Eve 2025, the Trump administration changed the way rural postmarks are counted for VOTING and tax-paying. Oregon’s primary election is May 19. Because of these changes, election officials will urge voters to mail their ballots back at least a week prior or use drop boxes instead of relying on timely mail delivery. The shift to regional processing centers and ending evening mail collection means envelopes won’t receive postmarks until they’re processed at the Portland center — so someone mailing a ballot, filing a tax return by mail or who otherwise counts on a postmark as proof a letter was sent by a deadline will have to send their mail earlier or ask for a manual postmark at a post office.
Oregon Legislators Enact Protections for Immigrants - Oregon lawmakers advanced several bills this session aimed at strengthening protections for immigrants and limiting federal immigration enforcement in sensitive spaces such as schools and hospitals. The legislation responds in part to the Trump administration’s rollback of prior federal protections.
Chop Wood, Carry Water: a political activism newsletter by Jess Craven that comes out 5 days a week. Subscribe to receive a short, encouraging email in your inbox each weekday (except Wed.) telling you how you can make a difference by taking 5-7 minutes worth of EASY actions. The almost weekly Sunday "Extra! Extra!" editions contain a long list of hopeful news, Democratic accomplishments, and all the “blue wins”. May 31 “Extra! Extra!” edition.
Hood River County voters passed two Parks & Recreation District ballot measures: a bond to fund a new pool and a levy to support district operations.
A federal judge ordered that the Kennedy Center remove Trump’s name from the building’s facade and all official branding. He also temporarily blocked the institution from shuttering this summer for renovations.
The Portland City Council approved an ordinance to ban masks and require clear identification for federal agents and other law enforcement officers.
In Texas, Democrats saw record turnout in the primary and outvoted Republicans by 100,000 votes.
In May, the Portland Fire set WNBA attendance record in an inaugural game.
The No Kings movement has announced a nationwide event on June 14, directly counter-programming Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations and an Ultimate Fighting Championship bout on the south lawn of the White House.
In his first published manifesto, Pope Leo XIV called for robust AI regulation and condemned its use in military operations.
South Carolina became the first Republican state to fail at passing a new map since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act last month. The effort collapsed when the state senate abruptly adjourned its special session without passing a redistricting bill.
YouTube announced it would now automatically label AI videos as such.
And much more!