4/21 Scotch broom, extreme weather watch, BC mine permits, BC electric ferries, gas prices, coyote parasites, Mel Tonasket, democracy watch.

Scotch Broom

 

Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius
Scotch broom is a perennial, many-branched, shrub ranging in height from 3 to 10 feet tall. This plant is on the Washington State quarantine list. It displaces native and beneficial plants, causing loss of grassland and open forest. It aggressively spreads to form monocultures, replacing desirable forage grasses and young trees. Seeds are toxic to livestock and horses. (Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Lopez residents bridge political divide

UW prof in political storm as Trump targets national weather lab
An expert on extreme weather, Shuyi Chen currently chairs the academic nonprofit that manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research. That means she and like-minded scientists are now in a battle with President Donald Trump. Daniel Beckman reports. (Seattle Times) 

Ex-consultants now drafting B.C. mine permit they once promoted
Former consultants helped advance the massive KSM mine in the private sector. Metadata shows they are now drafting its permit from inside the B.C. government. Stefan Labbé reports. (BIV) 

Electric ferry aims to reduce underwater noise, but threats still remain for humpbacks in B.C.
3 humpback whales were found dead last fall in B.C., 2 died from vessel strikes. Alanna Kelly reports. (CBC) 

Why Gas Prices Go Up Fast and Take So Long to Fall
Fuel station owners take some of the hit for consumers when oil prices surge. On the way down, they try to get their money back. Lydia DePillis reports. (NY Times) 

Outdoors Parasite found in Western WA coyotes puts dogs and humans at risk
Most cities across America coexist with coyotes, whether they know it or not, and the Seattle-Tacoma area is no exception. A new study by a team of University of Washington researchers recently has revealed that over one-third of the coyotes studied across Western Washington carry a deadly tapeworm that can be transmitted to pets and, in some cases, to humans. Gavin Feed reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Mel Tonasket reflects on 55 Years in Indian Country
Mel Tonasket says the modern history of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is defined by a single turning point: the decision to reject federal termination, and the decades of work that followed to rebuild tribal sovereignty and influence. Paul W. Taylor reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Democracy Watch

• The Onion has agreed to a new deal to take over Infowars (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-  114 PM PDT Mon Apr 20 2026    
TUE  W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 10 seconds. Rain likely.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W  5 ft at 11 seconds. A chance of 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



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4/20 Oregon grape, Nooksack flooding, BP Cherry Point explosion, BC DRIPA, Louisiana oil gas, spring Chinook fishing, B'ham I-5 rock, Lake Union shipwrecks, Hwy 20 opening, democracy watch.

Oregon grape

 
Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium
Oregon grape, or holly-leaved barberry, is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae. It is an evergreen shrub growing up to 3 metres (10 ft) tall and 1.5 m (5 ft) wide. It has pinnate leaves consisting of spiny leaflets, exhibiting dense clusters of yellow flowers in early spring, followed by dark bluish-black berries. The berries are a part of the traditional diet of some indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and the species serves as the state flower of Oregon. (Wikipedia) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Kidney health for all.

Can Nature Help Solve the Flood Threat Humans Created?
Constraining the Nooksack has had devastating, costly results. US officials aim to give it more space to flow. Tyler Olsen reports. (The Tyee) 

3 people injured in apparent explosion at BP Cherry Point refinery near Ferndale
Three people were injured in an apparent explosion at BP Cherry Point refinery Saturday morning. Whatcom County Fire District 7, whose service area includes the Cherry Point industrial area, said on its social media its firefighters provided “medical transport of three patients to a local hospital” with at least one seriously injured patient and two patients with lesser injuries. Robert Mittendorf reports. (Bellingham Herald) 

B.C. government pulls back on DRIPA suspension again amid First Nations opposition
Province walked back proposed amendments to the law again after public appeal from First Nations leaders. Simon Little reports. (CBC) 

The Supreme Court hands a win to oil and gas companies fighting environmental lawsuits in Louisiana
The Supreme Court handed a win Friday to oil and gas companies fighting lawsuits over coastal land loss and environmental degradation in Louisiana. The unanimous procedural decision gives the companies a new day in federal court after a state jury ordered Chevron to pay upward of $740 million to clean up damage to the state’s coastline, one of multiple similar lawsuits. Lindsay Whitehurts and Jack Brook report. (Associated Press) 

Skagit River to open for hatchery spring Chinook
The Skagit River will open Monday to fishing for hatchery spring Chinook salmon from the Division Street Bridge in Mount Vernon to Gilligan Creek east of Sedro-Woolley. According to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife the fishery will run through May 15. Vince Richardson reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Bellingham I-5 rock to be removed in coming weeks
The time has come for a famed Bellingham landmark to move: the painted rock on Interstate 5, marking the “almost there” point in many drives north for Whatcom County residents. Annie Todd reports. (CDN) 

Hidden in plain sight: Robots reveal ‘shipwreck city’ beneath Lake Union
A robotics specialist documents Lake Union's shipwrecks in waters too polluted and dangerous for most divers; historians say that exploration is only just beginning. Dalton Day reports. (KING) 

Work to reopen Highway 20 over North Cascades continues
Highway 20 over the North Cascades is getting close to reopening. According to a Thursday news release from the state Department of Transportation, the eastside and westside crews clearing the highway of snow met Tuesday at milepost 157. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Democracy Watch

• WA bail reform proposal sparks controversy, public safety concerns (Olympian) 
• Ordered free, still locked up: Judges fume as Trump administration holds ICE detainees (LA Times) 

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-  210 PM PDT Sun Apr 19 2026    
MON  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at  12 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 10 seconds.

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



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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



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4/17 Frangipani, bird migration, Joel Connelly, shrimping, sprawl, gas flaring, violet tunicate, NPR donation, wolves, seal whiskers, 'Big Bertha,' gray whales, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Frangipani

Frangipani
Plumeria, commonly known as frangipani, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. They are native in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, and as far south as Brazil and as far north as Florida, but are often grown as ornamentals in tropical regions, especially in Hawaii, as well as hot desert climates in the Arabian Peninsula with irrigation. (Wikipedia(

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Should hunting be allowed for mountain goats?

Dramatic rise in bird migration over Washington state prompts 'Lights Out' efforts to protect millions
Washington's night sky will be filled with millions of migrating birds in the coming nights! According to BirdCast data, on the night of April 16, over 165 million birds will migrate across the country, and around 845,000 birds in Washington. Scientists encourage joining the "Lights Out" movement by turning off or dimming non-essential lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. during critical migration periods. Ashley Ruiz reports. (KING) 

Joel Connelly, Iconic Northwest Journalist, dies at 78
Joel Connelly, considered by many to be the Dean of Seattle political journalism, died on April 15, the victim of a long battle with diabetes. He resided for many years in Madrona neighborhood and on Whidbey Island. Oddly, as a tough journalist, he was widely loved both by friends and sources, as well as by residents of Horizon House, and particularly his caretakers, where he courageously lived his last few years as his body wore out. David Brewster writes. (Post Alley) 

Shrimping closed for 2nd straight year in waters east of Kitsap
Recreational fishing for spot shrimp will not open in the waters east of Kitsap County in 2026, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced, a rare closure for the second consecutive season due to declining populations found during state testing that one scientist called "unprecedented." David Nelson reports. (Kitsap Sun) 

Living in the Sprawl
As housing developments devour open space in the western United States, can local governments stave off habitat loss? Ben Goldfarb reports. (bioGraphic) 

Malfunctioning Canadian LNG terminal burned more gas than estimated 2024 global record
Exclusive: The LNG Canada plant — the country’s first major LNG facility, owned by Shell, Petronas, Korea Gas, PetroChina and Mitsubishi — is one of the highest sources of global emissions for flaring, undermining claims that Canada produces the cleanest natural gas in the world. Matt Simmons reports. (The Narwhal) 

The Slimy BC Invader That Came from the West
The violet tunicate is a hermaphroditic reproducer that shellfish farmers have been blasting off oysters for nearly a century on the West Coast. Grace Kennedy reports. (The Tyee) 

NPR receives $113 million from two donors after federal funding cut 
NPR announced a $113 million windfall on Thursday from two charitable donors including billionaire philanthropist Connie Ballmer, a former NPR board member, who gave $80 million, the largest gift by a living donor in the organization’s history. An anonymous donor gave an additional $33 million. Scott Nover reports. (Washington Post) 

Study: Wolves return might impact ecosystems less than previously thought
Predator effects on habitat are real but context-dependent. How do they apply in the Columbia River Basin? Eli Francovich reports. (Columbia Insight) 

How seals' whiskers make them master underwater hunters
A harbor seal sports about a hundred whiskers — which are more than just for show. They provide the animals with key intel on their surroundings. Seals can use their whiskers to pull all sorts of information out of disturbances in the water. They can determine the direction in which something has traveled. Lab studies suggest seals might even distinguish between the movements of different types of fish. Ari Daniel reports. (NPR)

Landslide mitigation to protect salmon habitat begins on Vancouver Island
A First Nation on Vancouver Island has partnered with an environmental group to try to mitigate the harms of a massive landslide — known locally as "Big Bertha" — on salmon-bearing streams in the area. (Canadian Press) 

Gray whales of the Salish Sea
A relatively high number of gray whale deaths in Washington this year has brought attention to one of the Salish Sea's most prominent large whale species. A new, comprehensive overview from the Cascadia Research Collective looks at the status and trends of our local grays, including where they are most likely to be spotted and the threats they face, such as climate change. John Calambokidis writes. (Puget Sound Institute) 

Democracy Watch

• Federal agency approves concept for Trump’s plan for a Triumphal Arch in Washington (AP) 
• Trump rails against court decision that once again stalls his White House ballroom project (AP) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review, April 17, 2026: Haiku Poetry Day, tire toxin, WA flood relief, Climate Commitment Act, BC DRIPA amendments, climate change cause, grizzlies, floating hotel, BC toxic drug crisis.

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 weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  221 AM PDT Fri Apr 17 2026    
TODAY  S wind around 5 kt, backing to NE early this afternoon,  backing to N late. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  8 seconds.  
TONIGHT  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W  2 ft at 8 seconds.  
SAT  E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft  at 3 seconds and W 2 ft at 9 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: E  2 ft at 4 seconds and W 2 ft at 9 seconds. A chance of rain.  
SUN  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft  at 4 seconds. A chance of rain in the morning.

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



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4/16 Finch, Northbound I-5, island outage, floating hotel, forest thinning, stream buffers, Hanford cleanup, BC drugs, pufferball.

House Finch [Greg Lavety]

House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus 
House Finches are native to open and desert habitats, but have expanded their range, naturally and through introductions, and now can be found in almost any kind of human-altered habitat. They prefer edge habitat and are absent from dense coniferous forests. (BirdWeb)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  The ocean is not an energy zone

Northbound I-5 cleared for traffic
Northbound I-5 south of Bellingham was opened to traffic Wednesday afternoon after the road was cleared of approximately 7,000 cubic yards of landslide material – comparable, according to WDOT, to filling two Olympic sized swimming pools. (WDOT) 

San juan County-Anacorted power estored
Puget Sound Energy restored service to accounts on Fidalgo Island near the WSF terminal in Anacortes and all of SanJuan County after 8 hour beginning at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The cause of the outage was listed as "equipment failure" by the utility. (Puget Sound Energy/OPALCO) 

Vancouver approves 250-room floating hotel in Coal Harbour
Sunborn Group, a Finnish hospitality company in partnership with local seaplane terminal Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, received approval from the Vancouver City Council to build a low-carbon vessel with 250 hotel rooms and 200 new jobs in Coal Harbor. (CBC) 

Bellingham approves deal with logging firm to thin trees in protected forest
Bellingham City Council has approved a contract with Janicki Logging and Construction Co. to thin about 80 acres of Douglas fir in the 148-acre North Beaver Creek Preserve on the north slopes of Galbraith Mountain. Robert Mittendorf reports. (Bellingham Herald) 

Port of Port Angeles considers court filing on stream buffer expansion  
Port of Port Angeles commissioners signaled support for filing or joining an amicus curiae brief in a legal challenge to a state rule expanding buffers on non-fish-bearing perennial streams that flow into fish-bearing waterways, citing potential economic impacts and questions about how the rule was adopted. The suit challenging the rule change was filed by the Washington Farm Forestry Association and Washington Forest Protection Association. Paula Hunt reports. (Peninsula Daily News) 

Feds want to cut Hanford cleanup budget
Count efforts to address dangers at the Hanford nuclear site as another potential casualty of America’s global military ambitions. The Trump administration wants to cut $400 million from Hanford’s 2027 cleanup budget as part of a push to add a half trillion dollars to the national defense budget by slashing Hanford funding from a record $3.3 billion to about $2.9 billion. John Strong reports. (Columbia Insight) 

BC’s Toxic Drug Crisis Hits a Grim 10-Year Anniversary
More than 18,000 British Columbians have been killed and there’s no end in sight. Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee) 

Pass the Pufferball
California sea lions and other marine mammals engage in complex play that prepares them for life, improves their well-being—and may be just plain fun. Sarah Gilman reports. (bioGraphic) 

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  217 PM PDT Wed Apr 15 2026    
THU  W wind around 5 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 10 seconds.  
THU NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W  6 ft at 9 seconds.

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.

---


"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.



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4/15 Flounder, climate change, fuel cost, allergy season, grizzlies, agritourism, lead exposure, dump water monitoring, crab science, democracy watch.

Starry Flounder

Starry Flounder Platichthys stellatus
The starry flounder ranges from the Seas of Japan and Okhotsk up to the Rom Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands south to Los Angeles Harbor. They are most commonly found on mud, sand, or gravel bottoms from 0 to 375 m (1,230 ft). Starry flounder are most common above 146 m (479 ft). They are usually found near shore and often enter brackish or fresh water. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Former Anacortes candidates hope their campaigns model a new path

Bessent Questions the Cause of Climate Change and Its Economic Toll
The Treasury secretary said it is “difficult to deconstruct” the reasons for global warming, which he described as a belief of the “elite.” Alan Rappeport and Lisa Friedman report. (NY Times) 

Seattle diesel tops $7 per gallon, a record, amid Iran blockade
Statewide diesel prices Friday hit an average of $6.96 per gallon, shattering a Washington record of $6.53 set just a couple of weeks before. Regular fuel prices are still hovering below the state record, with a gallon of unleaded Monday averaging $5.39. Jayati Ramakrishnan and Caitlyn Freeman report. (Seattle Times)  See also: Carney temporarily suspending federal fuel excise tax on gas, diesel and aviation fuel 10 cents on a litre of gas, 4 cents on litre of diesel removed starting Monday Peter Zimonjic reports. (CBC) 

It’s not your imagination — allergy season arrived early in Western WA this year
It’s not just your imagination. According to their 2026 allergy capitals report, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that due to climate change, growing seasons now start 20 days earlier and last 10 days longer than they did 30 years ago. Gavin Feek reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Can one of the most endangered grizzly bear populations on the continent be brought back?
In the cross-border North Cascades mountain range, First Nations in B.C. are working to restore an ecological and cultural relationship with grizzlies. Cameron Fenton reports. (The Narwhal) 

In Skagit's agritourism debate, small farmers' livelihoods and preserving farmland at odds
After public hearing, Skagit officials will deliberate on the code April 28. Sophia Gates reports. (CDN) 

Seattle battery manufacturer fined over $200K for exposing workers to lead
Washington state Department of Labor and Industries imposed a nearly $225,000 fine on Dyno Battery for for exposing workers to lead levels more than four times the safety limit and failing to fix the violations. Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Monitoring wells to be installed at illegal Cowichan dump to assess risk
The mountain of construction waste and household trash on Cowichan Tribes land has been piling up for years, sparking fears about contamination of groundwater and the Cowichan River. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist) 

Swinomish, PNW-led research rebuilds knowledge of a critical fishery
Experts from the Swinomish Tribe and beyond have teamed up to uncover the secrets of the state’s most profitable fishery: Dungeness crab. Several questions about the crabs’ biology, numbers and how they are affected by water conditions have yet to be answered with certainty in the Puget Sound region. Luisa Loi reports. (La Conner Community News) 

Democracy Watch

• Appeals court orders judge to end contempt investigation of Trump administration deportation flights (AP) 
• Justice Department moves to toss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys (AP) 

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-  247 PM PDT Tue Apr 14 2026   
WED  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at  10 seconds. Showers.  
WED NIGHT  NW wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at 10 seconds. 

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



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4/14 Fulmar, Amtrak trains, DRIPA amendments, Climate Commitment Act, Nisqually hatchery, DuPont trails, Suquamish Tribe, The Sandman, democracy watch.

 

Northern Fulmar [Stephen Mirik]

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis
The gray-and-white Northern Fulmar looks like a gull, but its stiff-winged flight and swift glides, not to mention the nostril tubes on its bill, mark it as a relative of petrels and albatrosses. These stout-bodied seabirds are abundant in the bitterly cold northern Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, where they feed over deep waters. They use their powerful sense of smell to sniff out fish, squid, and crustaceans. After a short breeding season at colonies on steep cliffs, they return to the open ocean for the rest of the year. (All About Birds) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  ‘Portraits in Sawdust’

New Amtrak trains coming soon to Pacific Northwest, but not in time for World Cup
Summer capacity in the region will remain limited due to a railcar shortage. New trainsets are still expected later in the year. Tom Banse Reports. (Washington State Standard) 

NDP government to pause DRIPA amendments amid caucus divisions
The NDP government is pumping the brakes on its plan to suspend sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as sources tell CBC News a growing number of NDP MLAs were concerned with the proposed changes. Katie DeRosa reports. (CBC)  See also: DRIPA’s Deadlock. ‘We Will Not Back Down’ First Nations vow to fight the BC NDP in a showdown that could topple the government. Andrew MacLeod reports. (The Tyee) 

The Climate Commitment Act Five Years Later 
This week, ahead of Earth Day, we’re focusing on stories about the environment, starting with a look at how Washington’s Climate Commitment Act is playing out 5 years after it was created. The law aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing companies to buy into a cap-and-invest auction system. Venice Buhain reports. (CascadePBS) 

Bill could lift decades-old funding lockout for Nisqually fish hatchery 
Once-abundant groundwater has dwindled at the Nisqually Clear Creek Hatchery near Olympia. Now, the hatchery needs drilled wells and water pumps to sustain the facility’s millions of Chinook and coho. Though the hatchery sits on Nisqually land and is run by the tribe, it belongs to the federal government — a legal technicality that shuts the tribe out of key federal grant funding and hinders the tribe’s ability to adapt the facility to the changing climate. New federal legislation attempts to remove this barrier. Anumita Kaur reports. (Seattle Times) 

As DuPont eyes new lakeside trails, will they be on the hook for toxic soil?
DuPont is working with the Dept. of Ecology to clean up Old Fort Lake and the Bluff. The former explosives plant site will become trails and future housing. Becca Most reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Visit the home of Chief Seattle and the Suquamish across the Salish Sea 
Before colonization, the Suquamish Tribe covered all of Kitsap County. Today, with 1,500 enrolled members, it is one of the smallest of the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington. They’re definitely still here, with a vibrant, living culture. Caroline JiaYing Grygiel writes. (Seattle Times) 

118-year-old Olympia tugboat has accrued $30K in fees, is set to be dismantled
The Sandman, a 60-foot wooden tugboat that was originally built in 1908, has racked up $30,000 in delinquent rent in the Port of Olympia’s boatyard. It may soon be taken off the historic register and dismantled, never to be active in the water again. Ty Vinson reports. (The Olympian) 

Democracy Watch

• Judge dismisses Trump’s $10B lawsuit against WSJ, Murdoch over reporting on ties to Epstein (AP) 
• Trump administration agrees to  return rainbow Pride flag to New York’s Stonewall monument (AP) 

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-  242 PM PDT Mon Apr 13 2026    
TUE  SW wind 20 to 25 kt. Gusts up to 35 kt in the afternoon.  Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: SW 5 ft at 5 seconds and W 6 ft at  8 seconds. Rain.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 20 to 25 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Wave Detail: SW 2 ft at 7 seconds and W  8 ft at 8 seconds. Rain, mainly in the evening.

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



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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



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4/13 Fuchsia, tire killer, WA flood funding, BC cruise ship, I-5 opening, gas price spike, dead foxes, radioactive waste, democracy watch.

Fuchsia

 
 Fuchsia
Fuchsias have been in cultivation since the 1500s when found in South America and sent to England as part of the great plant explorations of the time.  There are currently 108 species of fuchsias now with over 9000 named cultivars registered with the Fuchsia Society.  The name “fuchsia” derives from Leonhart Fuchs who wrote a book illustrating plants and herbs with medicinal properties. (UC Ag&NatResources)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Knitting a community: how a Bellingham fiber arts store is building connection 

Every tire produces a chemical that kills coho salmon. Can scientists pump the brakes?
6PPD-quinone, a chemical produced by tires to protect rubber from degrading, is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic animals, even in microscopic doses. Placing a single drop of the chemical, which was first identified six years ago by researchers at Tacoma's Center for Urban Waters, in an Olympic swimming pool would kill at least half of the coho salmon in that pool. Stephen Howie reports. (KUOW)

Trump approves disaster declaration for WA flooding
President Donald Trump has approved opening up federal funding to deal with the aftermath of historic flooding that hit Washington in December, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Saturday. The much-anticipated decision makes money available for individuals, nonprofits and state, tribal and local governments. Jake Goldstein-Street reports. (Washington State Standard)  

First cruise ship of the year kicks off what's set to be a record season
An estimated million passengers and crew will spill into Greater Victoria through to October, opening their wallets to spend in restaurants and shops. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist) 

Section of I-5 closed by landslide near Bellingham scheduled to reopen April 16
After weeks of gridlock, detours, and painstaking slope work, northbound Interstate 5 near Bellingham is on track to reopen April 16 following a massive landslide that has snarled traffic since mid-March. (KOMO) 

Gas prices soar by 21% as government inflation figures reflect Trump’s war on Iran
Spikes in energy prices caused by the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran drove up inflation for Americans in March, according to the latest consumer price index figures released Friday. Costs jumped 0.9% in March compared to the previous month — that’s up from the 0.3% increase in February. Prices for all items together, including food, energy, shelter and other commodities like vehicles, rose by 3.3% from a year ago. Ashley Murray reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Dead canines found near Guemes Island believed to be foxes, authorities in contact with suspected culprit
Local authorities may have found an explanation for the string of dead canines found near Guemes Island. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office announced that the animals involved are believed to be foxes and originated from a farm outside of Washington, and used in commercial fishing operations. (My Bellingham Now) 

Permanent disposal of radioactive waste started at Eastern WA site 
The first 7.5-ton container of radioactive waste turned into a stable glass form was carefully set on the bottom of a vast new landfill at Hanford in Eastern Washington Wednesday, its permanent disposal site. It was a pivotal step toward disposing of 56 million gallons of radioactive and hazardous chemical waste stored in underground tanks in the center of the Hanford nuclear site, some for as long as 80 years, said the Department of Energy. Annette Cary reports. (Tri-City Herald) 

Democracy Watch
Trump's Washington arch plan includes golden-winged figure, eagles, lions and 'One Nation Under God' (AP) 
Mississippi reveals its full history for America’s anniversary year, a contrast to federal efforts (AP) 

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-  133 PM PDT Sun Apr 12 2026    

MON  W wind 15 to 20 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 8 seconds. A  chance of rain in the morning.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming SW 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 8 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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4/10 Brooding anemone, Forest Service research, Skagit dams, private public park, whale hunt, gas flaring, Olympia waterfront, fishing violations, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Ritter's brooding anemone [Sound Water Stewards]

Ritter's brooding anemone Epiactis ritteri
This low intertidal species is found in rocky areas with open coast conditions. When closed up, the appearance of this species is rather squat as it is shorter than it is wide. When the tentacle crown is open, white radiating lines are present but do not come close to the oral opening. This species has also known under the scientific name of Cnidopus ritteri. Another common name is the sandy anemone. (Sound Water Stewards)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  A tier of tagalongs / Reporter’s Notebook: ‘Can I hug you?’

Forest Service axes research stations as severe fire season threatens Pacific Northwest
The U.S. Forest Service is shutting down research stations around the country, including centers in Portland, Seattle, and Wenatchee, Washington. The closures are part of an agencywide restructuring that includes moving the Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City and replacing nine regional offices with 15 state-level offices. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

Proposed dam license provisions steps closer to federal review
With local and state approvals secured, attention now turns to what comes next for Seattle City Light’s sweeping Skagit River settlement — including federal review, public input and $1.2 billion in promised environmental and infrastructure investments. (La Conner Community News) 

When a Public Park Is Open for Private Business
One company’s application for exclusive rights to part of a park near Victoria has resulted in backlash, misinformation and anti-immigrant sentiments. Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

Makah Tribe prepares for whale hunt while federal permit remains in limbo
The small tribe on the northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula has asked to revise its permit application to let members resume the traditional subsistence whale hunt in July. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX) 

Gas flaring at LNG Canada far exceeds permitted volume, documents show
UVic researcher says gas flaring volumes have been 'consistently higher' than allowed since last fall. Lauren Krugel reports. (Canadian Press) 

Olympia to get new waterfront trails, playground as part of $50 million project
A grant agreement the City Council approved with the Department of Ecology to clean up contaminated soil at West Bay Park hints at a larger plan to develop the 17-acre property into an “estuarine garden” park with traversable islands and trails. Ty Vinson reports. (The Olympian) 

Seattle-based company accused of fishing violations in Alaska’s Bering Sea
The U.S. Coast Guard said it has seized 5.4 metric tons of allegedly unreported pollock roe and discovered several significant fishing violations aboard one of the biggest factory trawlers operating in the Bering Sea off Alaska. The enforcement action, announced by the Coast Guard on Monday, is against the Northern Eagle, a catcher-processor owned and operated by Seattle-based American Seafoods. The company disputes the allegation. Yereth Rosen reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Democracy Watch

• For second time, Trump seeks to eliminate federal funding for tribal colleges and universities (AP) 
• Melania Trump delivers statement at the White House denying knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes (AP) 
• Judge Rejects Hegseth’s Second Attempt to Restrict Reporters at Pentagon (NY Times) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review, April 10, 2026: ASPCA Day, gray whale death, 'recyclable' cup, Skagit dams, Pacific Salmon Strategy, WA drought, AK-caught salmon.  

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 weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  213 AM PDT Fri Apr 10 2026    
TODAY  E wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to S late. Seas 3 to 4 ft.  Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 12 seconds.  
TONIGHT  W wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 11 seconds. A chance of showers after midnight.  
SAT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 11 seconds. A chance of showers.  
SAT NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 10 seconds.  
SUN  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  9 seconds.

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



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4/9 Pansy, WA drought, climate rule repeal, Alaska-caught salmon, abalone research, Jim Whittaker, dead gray whale, democracy watch.

Pansey

 

Pansy Viola × wittrockiana
The garden pansy is a type of polychromatic large-flowered hybrid plant cultivated as a garden flower. It is derived by hybridization from several species in the section Melanium of the genus Viola, particularly V. tricolor, a wildflower of Europe and western Asia known as heartsease. (Wikipedia) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  WSU Skagit County Extension launches second cohort of climate stewards

Statewide drought declared due to dismal snowpack
After a warm winter left Washington’s mountains largely bare this spring, the Washington Department of Ecology issued a statewide emergency drought declaration as projected water supplies are likely to fall far short of the state’s summer demand. This is the fourth year in a row that part or all of Washington will be under a drought declaration, and it is the fourth statewide drought emergency since 2015. (Dept. of Ecology) 

Zeldin tells climate skeptics to ‘celebrate vindication’ after repeal of baseline climate rule
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday defended his decision to repeal the legal determination that serves as the basis for federal rules to slow climate change, telling a gathering of climate change skeptics they should “celebrate vindication.” Matthew Daly reports. (Associated Press) 

Why are you mostly being sold Alaska-caught salmon in British Columbia?
Many critics argue Alaska takes too many salmon and is harming populations — but it’s easier to find Alaska-caught fish in B.C. stores and Alaskan salmon fisheries have global sustainability certification that B.C. salmon fisheries don’t. What gives? Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal) 

Clallam commissioners approve grant for pinto abalone research
The Clallam County commissioners have approved a $147,000 Department of Ecology grant to the county’s Marine Resource Committe for project administration, management, coordination and implementation for the pinto abalone and oil spill preparedness/training projects, according to county documents. Emily Hanson reports. (Peninsula Daily News) 

Famed mountaineer Jim Whittaker, first American atop Mount Everest, dies at 97
Longtime Port Townsend resident inspired generations of alpinists, defined an active NW outdoor lifestyle. Elliott Almond reports. (CDN) 

Gray whale was in ‘very debilitated state’ before it died in Willapa River 
The gray whale found dead in the Willapa River over the weekend was malnourished and had suffered internal injuries, biologists said Tuesday. The internal injuries were related to being wrapped around woody debris before it died near Raymond, Pacific County. Paige Cornwell reports. (Seattle Times) 

Democracy Watch

• Bondi won’t appear for House deposition next week in the Epstein investigation (AP) 

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-  211 PM PDT Wed Apr 8 2026    

THU  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  9 seconds and W 2 ft at 14 seconds.  
THU NIGHT  E wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 10 seconds.

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



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4/8 Salmonberry, Skagit R dams, Pacific Salmon Initiative, Local News Day, palolo worm, Welcome the Whales, democracy watch.

Salmonberry

 

Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis
Salmonberry is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and is quite similar to a raspberry in size and shape; except in contrast, its fruit color is yellow, orange, or red. Salmonberry is endemic to the Pacific Northwest extending north into Alaska and Canada, and southward to Washington, Idaho, Oregon and parts of California, and is found in east Asia (Japan). Mature fruits are tender and sweet, and often used in jams, jellies, and several baked goods. It is often served with smoked salmon. Salmonberry has been a part of the Alaskan indigenous peoples’ diet for thousands of years. (US Forest Service)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  ‘Twelve Daring Grays’ enter the Salish Sea

Seattle reaches $4B deal to keep Skagit River dams, truck salmon
The Seattle City Council approved a landmark $4 billion agreement Tuesday laying out a road map for the city’s next half-century of hydropower on the Skagit River. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times) 

Federal government puts out $412.9M to renew Pacific Salmon Initiative
The federal government is spending $412.9 million over five years to renew the Pacific Salmon Strategy in a plan to protect and rebuild wild populations. Chuck Chiang reports. (Canadian Press) 

Local News Day 2026
Strong communities need strong local press.
It keeps us informed. It keeps leaders accountable. It keeps our stories alive. Be part of what keeps this place connected.
Support Salish Current salish-current.org/donate

The Moon of the Palolo Worm
In the Pacific Islands, communities count on the annual spawning of a species of sea worm to fill bellies, spark celebration, and shape peoples’ sense of time. Katarina Zimmer reports. (bioGraphic) 

Welcome the Whales
Come celebrate the return of the “Sounders,” a group of gray whales who divert from their northern migration along the Washington coast each spring to spend a few weeks feeding on the ghost shrimp that occur along Whidbey shorelines. Parade and festival brought to you by Orca Network and the Langley Chamber of Commerce, April 10-12. Information. 

Democracy Watch

• Months later, DOJ lawsuit to obtain WA voter rolls can move forward (Washington State Standard) 

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-  146 PM PDT Tue Apr 7 2026    
WED  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  9 seconds and W 3 ft at 13 seconds. WED NIGHT  NW wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: NW 2 ft at 8 seconds and W 3 ft at  11 seconds.

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



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4/7 Red slug, halibut fishing fighting bald eagles, AP news, democracy watch.

European red slug

       
European red slug Arion rufus 
The European red slug is common to sites in the Pacific Northwest. It can be distinguished from other slugs by the placement of the respiratory pore (the round hole on the right side near the head) before the mid-point of the mantle; a back without a keel (ridge); and heavily wrinkled skin. It is generally 70-100 mm in length and variable in color ranging from reddish, orange, brown or black. (Oregon State University)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Terry Tempest Williams finds wonder in unexpected places

Halibut fishing underway in Puget Sound and the straits
The 2026 halibut fishing season got underway in several Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca marine areas on Thursday, April 2, with the coastal halibut season for Marine Areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 opening on April 30. (Daily World) 

2 fighting bald eagles freed from power line in Surrey
A pair of bald eagles found themselves in a tangle in Surrey, B.C., before power and fire crews helped a local wildlife rehabilitation group free the birds. (Canadian Press) 

AP says it will offer buyouts as part of pivot away from newspaper-focused history
The Associated Press, one of the world’s oldest and most influential news organizations, said Monday it is offering buyouts to an unspecified number of its U.S.-based journalists as part of an acceleration away from the focus on newspapers and their print journalism that sustained the company since the mid-1800s. Devid Bauder reports. (Associated Press)  See also: What will happen to the “Why” in journalism? Al Bergstein comments. (Rainshadow Journal) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump threatens to jail reporters if they don’t turn over Iran source (Washington Post) 
• Hegseth Likens Easter Rescue of U.S. Airman to Resurrection of Jesus Christ (NY Times) 

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-  146 PM PDT Mon Apr 6 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON    

TUE  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at  10 seconds.  

TUE NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to E after midnight. Seas  3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 9 seconds.

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



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4/5 Red-winged blackbird, dead gray whales, Starbucks cup, swans, democracy watch.

 

Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
One of the most abundant birds across North America, and one of the most boldly colored, the Red-winged Blackbird is a familiar sight atop cattails, along soggy roadsides, and on telephone wires. Glossy-black males have scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. Females are a subdued, streaky brown, almost like a large, dark sparrow. Their early and tumbling song are happy indications of the return of spring. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Inspired by Skagit Valley / The living legacy of Caroline Gibson

A gray whale that swam 20 miles up a Washington state river is found dead
A juvenile gray whale that amazed Washington state residents after it swam 20 miles up a small river was found dead, and an official with a marine mammal research group suspects hunger may have driven the whale to new hunting grounds as the species’ population declines. The whale was discovered Saturday near Raymond, Washington, in the Willapa River, which feeds into the ocean at Willapa Bay. Mark Thiessen reports. (Associated Press) 

Malnourishment, possible ship strike led to death of gray whales in Ocean Shores
Two gray whales found on Ocean Shores beach were malnourished, with one possibly struck by a ship, according to biologists. Adel Toay reports. (KING) 

Your ‘widely recyclable’ Starbucks cup is still trash 
Just because a product can be collected for recycling doesn’t mean it actually gets recycled. To imply otherwise is to conflate two very different numbers: the access rate and the real recycling rate. The former describes the number of people who are told they have “access” to a recycling program for a given product. The latter — the amount of plastic that is ultimately turned into new things — is what really matters, from an environmental standpoint. There’s not much evidence to suggest that the recycling rate for plastic cups is above 1 or 2 percent. Joseph Winters reports. (Grist) 

Thousands of swans descend on Vanderhoof, bringing birdwatchers with them
Thousands of trumpeter and tundra swans have been spending their days at Riverside Park, drawing birders, photographers and nature enthusiasts to the banks of the Nechako River. Large numbers of swans gather at the park each year from March to early April during their bi-annual migration in the spring and then again in the fall.  Hanna Petersen reports (CBC) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump budget seeks 43% boost in defense spending, cuts in many domestic programs (Washington State Standard) 
• Eulogy for the CIA Factbook: The free standard for world facts, long an educational staple, is gone (AP) 
• Trump administration agencies post Easter messages celebrating Christ’s resurrection (AP) 

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-  202 PM PDT Sun Apr 5 2026    SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH  TUESDAY AFTERNOON    
MON  W wind 10 to 15 kt, rising to 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 7 seconds and W  4 ft at 10 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 15 to 25 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: NW  7 ft at 10 seconds.

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



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4/3 Cherry blossom, microplastics, BC Indigenous Rights, Nootka Is land title, WSF reservation system, BC bat fungus, Trump's logging, Welcome the Whales, democracy watch, week in review.

 Cherry blossom
The cherry blossom, or sakura, is the flower of trees in Prunus subgenus Cerasus. Sakura usually refers to flowers of ornamental cherry trees, such as cultivars of Prunus serrulata, not trees grown for their fruit (although these also have blossoms). Cherry blossoms have been described as having a vanilla-like smell, which is mainly attributed to coumarin. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Counties worry about long-term funding under state’s public defense mandate

EPA flags microplastics, pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water
Responding to public health concerns about microplastics and pharmaceuticals in the nation's drinking water, the Trump administration for the first time has placed them on a draft list of contaminants maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency. Will Stone reports. (NPR) 

An ‘awful’ year for reconciliation as B.C. moves to change historic Indigenous Rights law
First Nations rejected the B.C. government’s plan to permanently change the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Now, Premier David Eby is proposing to suspend parts of it instead. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

B.C. Court of Appeal overturns B.C. Supreme Court ruling on Nootka Island title
A three-judge panel says the B.C. Supreme Court made three legal errors when limiting the Nuchatlaht Nation's claim over a 201 square kilometre portion of the island, finding the nation had met the test for "sufficient occupation" when the British Crown asserted sovereignty. Darryl Greer reports. (Canadian Press) 

Washington State Ferries terminates contract for streamlining reservations
Ferry stakeholders feel the pain as nearly $3 million in public spending may come up empty. Toby Cooper reports. (Salish Current/Washington State Standard)  

A Deadly Fungal Invader Is Threatening BC’s Bats
But a probiotic developed in the province might be able to save them if the government moves quickly. Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee) 

Trump wants to log old growth. These two brothers are out to stop him
After years spent promoting public lands, Will and Jim Pattiz are trying to save them. Chuck Thompson reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Welcome the Whales
Come celebrate the return of the “Sounders,” a group of gray whales who divert from their northern migration along the Washington coast each spring to spend a few weeks feeding on the ghost shrimp that occur along Whidbey shorelines. Parade and festival brought to you by Orca Network and the Langley Chamber of Commerce, April 10-12. Information. 

Democracy Watch

• Pam Bondi, a Trump loyalist who oversaw Justice Department upheaval, is out as his attorney general (AP) 
• Who is Lee Zeldin, the head of the EPA and Trump’s rumored pick to replace Bondi as attorney general? (AP) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review, April 3, 2026: Cellphone Day, pink salmon, Arctic ice, El Niño, "God Squad,"Trump's war, Tacoma trash, terminal expansion, Amazon's pollution, ship pollution.

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 weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  230 AM PDT Fri Apr 3 2026    
TODAY  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft  at 10 seconds. A chance of showers early this morning, then  showers likely late this morning and early afternoon. A chance of  showers late.  
TONIGHT  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 9 seconds.  
SAT  NE wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft  at 9 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  N wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to NE after midnight.  Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 10 seconds.  
SUN  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  11 seconds.

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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)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