Alcohol
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Culture
An Oregon apple with a hidden surprise
Green and freckled on the outside with a rich magenta interior, this mysterious Oregon apple is hiding a surprise and is highly coveted by Northwest cider makers.
Think Out Loud
$2 million state grant helps effort to create new drug and alcohol recovery center in Columbia Gorge
We hear about efforts to create a new recovery center for people in recovery from drugs and alcohol in the Columbia Gorge region.

Think Out Loud
Oregon sustainability pioneers push refillable glass bottles for beer and wine
When it comes to reducing consumer impact on the climate, reuse is orders of magnitude more effective than recycling. Two businesses are showing the way by way of refillable and reusable beer and wine glass bottles.

Washington state lawmakers consider lower threshold for DUI charges as road deaths continue to rise
As lawmakers try to reduce the number of fatal crashes on Washington state roads, a proposal in Olympia could make more drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

Oregon craft brewers see continued decline in draft beer sales, more closures
According to the Oregon Brewers Guild, Oregon is home to about 400 breweries, brewpubs and taprooms, which collectively provide 50,000 jobs and generate nearly $9 billion in economic output. But the state lost around 30 of those businesses last year, and even more have contracted or are seriously struggling.

Health
As alcohol-related deaths rise in Oregon, OHA wants to spark more conversations around excessive drinking
Over the last three years, alcohol-related deaths in Oregon have increased by 40%. The Oregon Health Authority has launched a new campaign hoping Oregonians will think more about their relationship with alcohol and excessive drinking.

Politics
Traces of alcohol in kombucha is a taxing issue that Oregon lawmakers want to fix with an exemption
The fermented drink has risen in popularity in recent years but sometimes the level of alcohol also rises during the fermentation process, subjecting it to federal alcohol taxes. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Congressman Earl Blumenauer want to change that.

Culture
The booze-free movement thriving in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is at the forefront of a new movement in how we imbibe. And it’s not for the region's award-winning Willamette Valley wines or hop-heavy IPAs. Instead, it’s about what’s not in our drinks: alcohol.

Health
Illegal substances are part of addiction problem in Oregon, but alcohol is biggest killer
Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in Oregon. A tax increase could help reduce consumption.

Politics
Liquor commission Chair Paul Rosenbaum steps down, under pressure from governor
Rosenbaum is the second senior Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission official to resign in the wake of a rare-bourbon scandal. The move follows a fiery speech he made in a public meeting.