6/15 Black-headed grosbeak, mifepristone, ticks, land stewarship, AI data centers, democracy watch.

Black-headed grosbeak[Bridget Spencer]

 
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeaks are hefty songbirds with very large bills that are conical and thick at the base. They have large heads and short, thick necks. A short tail imparts a compact, chunky look. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Commentary: No safe return

Republican attorneys general urge EPA to classify mifepristone as water contaminant
In a letter last Friday, the state officials argued that mifepristone is “a growing threat to the country’s waterways.” A concurrent letter, led by Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, made similar claims and was signed by 18 other GOP members of Congress. Nada Hassanein reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Like it or not, the ticks are advancing and Canadians will have to adapt
Researchers say climate change is the driving force behind the pests' northward push. Kevin Maimann reports. (CBC) 

'The land misses us': How Indigenous land stewardship protects cultural history and forests
Ancestral knowledge indicates that burned forests had better food and medicine. Arden McLeod reports. (CBC) 

Opinion: WA lawmakers should get involved as AI data centers sprout 
Artificial intelligence promises benefits, but its pernicious impacts must be anticipated and mitigated, else vast inequities and disruptions will result. State and local governments must act soon to mitigate these effects, especially in regulating the massive data centers that have blossomed in the Pacific Northwest and across the country to enable AI. Michael Riordan writes. (Seattle Times) 

Democracy Watch
Judge orders Trump administration to restore National Park changes at sites that 'disparaged' US (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-  148 PM PDT Sun Jun 14 2026    

MON  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 8 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 7 seconds.

---


"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  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