3/2 Robin, data center regs, enviro crimes bill, cross-border relations resolution, Japanese beetle spray, democracy watch.

 

American Robin

American Robin Turdus migratorius
The quintessential early bird, American Robins are common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  100 years of Black History Month

Microsoft urges major changes to Washington data center regulations as bill nears final vote
The race to regulate artificial intelligence infrastructure has arrived at a crossroads in Washington state. After weeks on the sidelines, Microsoft publicly declared its opposition to a controversial state bill that aims to rein in the environmental and economic impacts of the massive data centers powering the AI boom. Lisa Stiffler reports. (GeekWire) 

Plenty opposed to Washington environmental crimes bill
A parade of union officials, industry association leaders and representatives of landowners and fisheries appeared at a Washington state legislative hearing to oppose a bill that would attach criminal penalties to environmental violations. The bill, SB5360, narrowly passed the Washington Senate but has drawn strong opposition from critics who say it will subject workers to criminal penalties for honest mistakes and potentially reduce the willingness of farmers and foresters to engage in environmentally helpful activities. Daniel Fisher reports. (The Center Square) 

State resolution recognizes cross-border relationship with Canada
42nd Legislative District Senator and WWU Associate Professor of Economics Sharon Shewmake’s resolution SR 8696, “recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada,” was adopted on Feb. 25 and signed. (WWU News) 

Japanese-beetle pesticide spraying coming to south King County
In a first for western Washington, agriculture officials are gearing up to spray insecticide to fight an infestation of Japanese beetles in south King County, near Seattle. The Washington State Department of Agriculture aims to spray up to 2,000 properties, covering about 1,000 acres of lawn in south King County, starting in late March. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

Democracy Watch

• A Supreme Court case over whether marijuana users can own guns is creating unusual alliances (AP) 
• Worms in food, poor medical care, lights on 24/7: Families tell of life in Texas detention center (AP) 
• 'One year of failure.' The Lancet slams RFK Jr.'s first year as health chief (NPR) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  203 PM PST Sun Mar 1 2026    
MON  SE wind around 5 kt, veering to S in the afternoon. Seas  around 2 ft or less, then around 3 ft in the afternoon. Wave  Detail: W 2 ft at 9 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  S wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming SE 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 9 seconds. A  chance of rain in the evening, then rain after midnight.

---


"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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told