[WRAP: At least 100 gather in Richland, celebrating water freely flowing past Bateman Island 042426CF_YakimaRiverReconnection_WRAP.wav 0:50 04/26/26 Courtney Flatt/JD]

HOST LEDE: It’s been a couple of months since construction crews in the Tri-Cities removed an earthen land bridge. It blocked water at the mouth of the Yakima River. Now, people are celebrating the free flow of the river through its delta. [N-W-P-B’s Courtney Flatt reports.] [SOQ 0:50]

The Oregon State Marine Board voted Thursday to implement a temporary rule that limits the use of motorized boats in the upper Siletz river. KLCC’s Brian Bahouth [BAY-hooth] reports.

The Salish School of Spokane imagines its new campus will be more eco-friendly—and it’s getting the money to make it happen.

A new grant will make plans for a new Salish School campus more sustainable.

The campus social scene sees many students ready to “Party hearty” with alcohol. New University of Oregon research says besides those harsh hangovers, heavy drinking impairs one’s cognitive functions the day after, too. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.

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[042326BB_UOBoozeBrainsStudy.wav/:49 wrap/Bull/UO research sees blackout drinking has day-after effects/RM/04-23-2026]

[On Earth Day, Wash. gets a statewide climate plan

042326 BP-WX-EARTH DAY WA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN.wav (ERT: 1:14) Bellamy Pailthorp/Jennifer Wing]

A new *statewide* climate action plan promises to create lots of good new jobs in Washington, while providing cleaner air and safer communities… State officials unveiled the plan in Pierce County yesterday [WED/this week] in honor of Earth Day. KNKX environment reporter Bellamy Pailthorp went to check it out.

Local nurses have delivered a petition to the PeaceHealth Board of Directors - signed by more than 6,800 supporters of Eugene Emergency Physicians. It’s the latest effort to call out the hospital system’s plan to outsource emergency room care to an out-of-state corporate group.

SOQ: 44

More than 33,000 Oregonians have lost federal food benefits since the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill. KLCC’s Zac Ziegler reports that the state is offering guidance for those seeking to get their SNAP benefits back:

TAG: Information on how to contact ODHS is on our website.

A massive free clinic is currently under way in Seattle that attracts people from across the northwest.

Lane Community College is moving ahead with a plan that would save hundreds of thousands of dollars, but would eliminate two degree programs.

KLCC’s Natalie Pate reports: