Ohio River Festival Expected to Draw Hundreds of Thousands to Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky

America's River Roots Festival will take place from October 8-12, 2025, celebrating the Ohio River's cultural, historical, and ecological significance as part of the country's 250th anniversary. The festival features riverboat cruises, free performances by regional bands, cultural tours, and various activities highlighting American history and local heritage in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Meanwhile, conservation advocates for Michigan's White River envision transforming it into a free-flowing cold-water fishery, enhancing fish populations and boosting the local economy through tourism and recreation by removing barriers that currently warm the water and impede fish passage. On the Illinois River, barge traffic has declined nearly 36% since 2017, reflecting broader decreases in commodity volumes moved by barge, affecting the rhythm of life for towboat workers along this critical waterway connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation is addressing the growing problem of cargo theft across marine terminals and multimodal freight hubs, seeking public input to help safeguard supply chains vital to the economy. Lastly, RAFT for America uses whitewater rafting experiences to foster trust and reduce political polarization by encouraging people with differing views to engage in meaningful dialogue, demonstrating that despite disagreements, connection and respect are possible.