Local News
Schussboom Brewing Company Becomes Gold Sponsor for U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Reno, NV October 21, 2025 — Celebrating the meaning of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Schussboom Brewing’s support will contribute to the efforts of bringing the tree from its home state of Nevada to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The tree’s journey is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and partners, and in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters.
As part of the partnership, Schussboom Brewing has created 3 beers to commemorate and celebrate “The People’s Tree”. Bearing the name of the species of tree, “Abies Magnifica”, a hoppy red ale, was brewed with foraged tender red fir tips; “Comstock Lode”, a hazy IPA, pays tribute the gold and silver found in the Virginia City mine; and “Ghost of Christmas Pils”, a Bavarian Pilsner, honors the souls of the Wild West of Nevada. All beers will be canned and available for purchase.
The red fir tree will be harvested from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in late October. The first viewing will be on Saturday, Oct. 25th at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe from 3:00-5:00 pm, where the official beers will be available and an after party hosted at Schussboom Brewing Company at 6:00 pm.
Its journey will include a series of community celebrations before it is delivered to the U.S. Capitol in late November, where it will be decorated with handmade ornaments specially created by Nevada residents.
Schussboom Brewing will be traveling with “The People’s Tree” through the state of Nevada and Arizona to serve the Nevada-made beers at community events and bring awareness to the Nevada Craft Brewing industry. The specialty brews will continue to travel with “The People’s Tree” all the way to the U.S. Capitol and served at community events along the way and at receptions at the tree lighting ceremony in December.
“This is a once in a life-time opportunity to partner with the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters, represent Nevada across the country, and create Christmas cheer with beer! We couldn’t be more honored and humbled to be a part of this process.”, says Briana Wagner, President of Schussboom Brewing.
Festivities that are free to the public are made possible through sponsorship to encourage and build community engagement along the tree’s journey.
Communities will be able to see the tree in person during the tour, participate in various events, learn about forestry practices, and celebrate the program.
About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 55-year tradition in which one of our 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners, including The Society of American Foresters, cash and in-kind contributions from large and small businesses, and volunteers locally and across America. For a list of 2025 sponsors and to join in the Christmas spirit, please visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.
For immediate information or contact, please reach out to connect@safnet.org.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.