skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

OR Breweries Give Cheers to Wyden, Merkley for River Protection Bill

play audio
Play

Thursday, June 17, 2021   

PORTLAND, Ore. - Support is brimming from Oregon's craft breweries for a bill that would give nearly 4,700 miles of the state's rivers and streams greater protections.

Fifty-one breweries from across the state have sent a letter to Sen. Ron Wyden - D-OR - and Sen. Jeff Merkley - D-OR - thanking them for introducing the River Democracy Act.

Michael LaLonde, president and CEO of Deschutes Brewery in Bend, is among the signers. He said clean, healthy watersheds are important for the major ingredient in beer - water.

He also noted the crossover between the customer base for craft breweries and outdoor recreation.

"They love to go outside and enjoy recreation on the rivers," said LaLonde, "as well as wildlife habitat if they're fishermen or hunters."

The legislation would designate rivers and streams from every corner of the state as Wild and Scenic, which affords them federal protection.

To identify them, Wyden asked Oregonians to send in their nominations for their favorite rivers in the state. His office received 15,000 nominations.

LaLonde said Oregon's senators had an important process for crafting this bill, noting that it didn't stop with hearing from Oregonians.

"Wyden and Merkley spent a lot of time with their constituents making sure that the waterways identified were protected," said LaLonde. "And then, they continued to work with industries that rely on those locations to make sure that there's a compromise that is satisfying to all."

Currently, a little more than 2,000 miles of Oregon rivers are protected as Wild and Scenic. That's about 2% of the state's 110,000 miles of river.

The River Democracy Act was introduced in February. It's scheduled for a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing next Wednesday.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts.




get more stories like this via email
more stories
The largest flock identified in the Great Backyard Bird Count was a group of four million bramblings in Germany. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …


More than a dozen states, including Minnesota, have created paid-leave programs to fill gaps when workers can't get paid as they or a relative recover from an illness. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

The nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves offers a mini-lesson for teachers about the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, designed for grades 6-12. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

Social Issues

play sound

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021