2/21 Shiner perch, NIH funding cuts, Microsoft state of matter, green aviation fuel, first 100 days, week in review

Shiner perch [CA Academy of Science]

Shiner perch Cymatogaster aggregata
The shiner perch is a common surfperch found in estuaries, lagoons, and coastal streams along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California. It is the sole member of its genus. The shiner perch is also known as seven-eleven and shiner seaperch. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Now is the time for local collective action

Seattle scientists protest Trump's NIH cuts to research funding
As the Trump administration pushes to cut billions in federal funding for public universities and research centers, local scientists gathered to protest the potential cuts to their jobs and the research that they say is vital to the community. Nate Sanford reports. (KNKX)

Microsoft Says It Has Created a New State of Matter to Power Quantum Computers
Microsoft’s new “topological qubit” is not based on a solid, liquid or gas. It is another phase of matter that many experts did not think was possible. Cade Metz reports. (NY Times)

State backs green aviation fuel plant as industry struggles to cut emissions
Washington state has awarded a new $1.5 million grant for a planned sustainable aviation fuels and renewable diesel production facility projected to open in 2029 at Wallula Gap on the Columbia River. That’s a very small portion of the funding required to complete the facility being developed by Dutch company SkyNRG. In 2023, SkyNRG’s then-CEO said the project will require an investment of $600 million to $800 million. Dominic Gates reports. (Seattle Times)

The First 100 Days
IRS fires 6,000 employees as Trump slashes US government (Reuters)
Trump administration moves quickly with mass deportation plans (Voice of America)
After ceding power of the purse, GOP lawmakers beg Trump team for funds (Washington Post)
Trump expected to take control of USPS, fire postal board, officials say (Washington Post)
Trump Marks Black History Month, Even as He Disparages Value of Diversity (NY Times)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 2/21/25: Peace symbol, BPA firings, Haida Gwaii title, zebra mussels, Tiger Mountain, fed job cuts, BC red tape, NOAA job cuts, Columbia R Treaty, 

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Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  213 AM PST Fri Feb 21 2025    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM PST THIS MORNING  THROUGH LATE TONIGHT    
TODAY  E wind 10 to 20 kt, rising to 20 to 30 kt this  afternoon. Seas 6 to 9 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at 4 seconds, S 3  ft at 8 seconds and W 9 ft at 15 seconds. Rain.  
TONIGHT  SE wind 15 to 25 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt. Seas 6 to  9 ft, subsiding to 5 to 7 ft after midnight. Wave Detail: E 2 ft  at 4 seconds and W 9 ft at 14 seconds. Rain likely.  
SAT  E wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming SE 15 to 20 kt with gusts up  to 35 kt in the afternoon. Seas 5 to 7 ft, building to 6 to 9 ft  in the afternoon. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at 4 seconds, S 3 ft at  9 seconds and W 9 ft at 14 seconds. Rain.  
SAT NIGHT  SW wind 10 to 15 kt, backing to SE after midnight.  Seas 6 to 9 ft, subsiding to 5 to 7 ft after midnight. Wave  Detail: SE 2 ft at 5 seconds, S 2 ft at 10 seconds and W 9 ft at  13 seconds. Rain.  
SUN  SE wind 10 to 15 kt, veering to SW in the afternoon. Seas  4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: SE 3 ft at 4 seconds, S 2 ft at 9 seconds  and W 6 ft at 13 seconds. Rain.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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