Oregon’s economy could use some help. The unemployment rate is steadily ticking up as Oregonians struggle to cover the increasing cost of food, fuel and housing. But amid the chaos, one business in the state appears to be booming: women’s sports. Kyra [[KYE ruh]] Buckley has more on how the industry could be the boost the state is looking for.

In Skagit (SKAA-jiit) County, locals have been ordered to evacuate low-lying areas ahead of potentially historic flooding.

The Skagit River is forecast to peak at about 40 feet near Mount Vernon Friday. That could be a record and may test dikes and levees in the area.

KNKX reporter Mitch Borden has more.

Eugene Four-J School District students spent yesterday [Thursday] morning completing the final step in a project that helps teach them about the life cycle of salmon. KLCC’s Zac Ziegler reports:

Unprecedented flooding in Western Washington is driving tens of thousands of people from their homes.

The Skagit [SKA-jit] and Snohomish [snah-HOMISH] Rivers are driving many of the evacuations, and both have yet to crest ((Snohomish crests first at 10 p.m. ))

Tens of thousands of people across Western Washington are being evacuated today due to historic flooding.

Washington officials say the Skagit River is not expected to crest in Mount Vernon until 4am Friday and the flooding danger remains “unpredictable.”

Tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders due to the widespread flooding. KUOW's Joshua McNichols is reporting from Skagit County. He came across a memory care facility today [Thursday] in Sedro Wooley that had to be evacuated.

A longtime Wenatchee nonprofit is now in a much bigger building. The move is part of a plan to open a multicultural community center. N-W-P-B’s Reneé Díaz reports. [0:11]

During this season of giving, KLCC’s Rachael McDonald checked in with some local booksellers to find out how they’re doing and what books they recommend for gifting or reading yourself.

As floodwaters rush through Western Washington, officials say this storm damage is potentially catastrophic and there is still potential for loss of life.