7/14 Yellowjacket, nat'l monuments reduced, Ross Dam fish passage, SnoCo PUD battery storage, Cooper's hawks, Santa Barbara pipeline, democracy watch.

Yellowjacket

Yellowjacket
Yellowjacket or yellow jacket is the common name in North America for predatory social wasps of the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. They can be identified by their distinctive markings, their occurrence only in colonies, and a characteristic, rapid, side-to-side flight pattern prior to landing. All females are capable of stinging. Yellowjackets are important predators of pest insects.(Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Island Allies: Building respectful relations on the San Juans

 Trump reduces size of 2 national monuments in Utah as Republicans reshape land management
President Donald Trump on Monday sharply reduced the size of two national monuments in Utah, undoing protections established by former presidents on public lands that are sacred among many Native Americans. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah have ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and scenic canyons, as well as coal and uranium deposits that state officials want made available for development. Matthew Brown and Savannah Peters report. (Associated Press) 

Fish passage at Ross Dam could involve blasting a new road. Is it worth it?
Fish passage at Ross Dam could involve blasting a new road. Is it worth it? Sophia Gates reports. (CDN) 

Snohomish PUD prepares to open first battery storage site in Arlington
Washington’s first battery energy storage facility is set to open this fall in Arlington. The facility will store up to 25 megawatts of energy when it is abundant and discharge it to the grid during peak times each month to help reduce costs. Taylor Scott Richmond reports. (Everett Herald) 

On the hunt: the ferocity and precision of Cooper’s hawks
A pair of Cooper’s hawks made their home in one photographer’s backyard. Over the last 18 months, he’s watched these wild birds adapt their routines to urban living. Photos and story by Paul Gains. (The Narwhal) 

This California Oil Pipeline Was Dormant for 11 Years. Trump Reopened It. 
The move in Santa Barbara by the Trump administration has made residents anxious in a region prized for its gorgeous beaches and ocean views. (NY Times) 

Democracy Watch

• Initiative to end Idaho’s strict abortion ban qualifies for November ballot (Washington State Standard) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  315 PM PDT Mon Jul 13 2026    
TUE  W wind around 5 kt, rising to 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 8 seconds.

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"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.



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