10/30 Ghost shrimp, Helion, North Coast line, BC snap election, pipeline penalty, democracy watch

 

Bay ghost shrimp [Dave Cowles]

Bay ghost shrimp Neotrypaea californiensis
With their pale, fragile bodies, the ghost shrimps look almost otherworldly. But these little specters – more closely related to crabs than to true shrimp – are real-life ecosystem engineers, creating deep burrows by digging with their legs and claws. The bay ghost shrimp is important in the diet of gray whales, which dig large “feeding pits” for them in the intertidal mud of North and Central Puget Sound, especially in Whidbey Basin, Saratoga Passage, and Possession Sound. (WA Department of Ecology)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Indigenous teachers help keep ancestors’ language alive

Helion gives behind-the-scenes tour of secretive 60-foot fusion prototype as it races to deployment
Helion Energy is trying to replicate the physics that fuel the sun and the stars — hence the celestial naming theme — to provide nearly limitless power on earth through fusion reactions. Lisa Stiffler reports. (GeekWire) 

‘Who is going to pay?’: Climate and energy experts question B.C. government’s plans to electrify heavy industry
From building the North Coast transmission line to reducing electrification costs for industry, the B.C. government is planning big changes to energy policy with Bill 31. Experts have big questions. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

Eby Threatens Snap Election over North Coast Transmission Line
Premier David Eby says that if a key bill aimed at speeding construction of the North Coast Transmission Line fails to pass in the legislature, he’s willing to call an early election. Andrew MacLeod reports. (The Tyee) 

Judge says Greenpeace must pay $345 million in pipeline lawsuit, cutting jury amount nearly in half
A North Dakota judge has ordered Greenpeace to pay damages of $345 million, reducing an earlier jury award after it found the environmental group and related entities liable for defamation and other claims in connection with protests of an oil pipeline nearly a decade ago. Jack Dura reports. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch

• JD Vance calls for reduction in legal immigration at Turning Point event (AP) 
• 2 U.S. prosecutors suspended after describing Jan. 6 attack as carried out by ‘mob’ (Washington Post)
• Feds sent Guard to Portland ICE facility Oct. 4 despite judge's order (Washington State Standard) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  247 PM PDT Wed Oct 29 2025    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING    
THU  SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft  at 4 seconds and W 6 ft at 11 seconds. THU NIGHT  SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E  3 ft at 4 seconds and W 6 ft at 14 seconds. Rain after midnight.

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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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