2/18 Hyacinth, WA climate funds, glyphospate spraying, Roundup cancer, BC critical minerals, democracy watch.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth
Hyacinthus is a genus of bulbous herbs and spring-blooming perennials. The name comes from Greek mythology: Hyacinth was killed by Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, jealous of his love for Apollo. He then transformed the drops of Hyacinth's blood into flowers. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Whatcom County jail is on the wrong path

WA climate funds needed to plug huge budget gap, lawmaker says 
Lawmakers can’t find a better way to fill part of Washington’s perennial budget gap than by dipping into the billions raised by the state’s Climate Commitment Act. Gov. Bob Ferguson’s $559 million proposal to transfer climate funds is legal but also a significant disappointment for those who hoped to safeguard that cash as a way to transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels or to guard against natural disasters, especially as the federal government hastens its retreat on climate change policy. Conrad Swanson reports. (Seattle Times) 

The BC NDP promised to phase out glyphosate. Forestry companies are still spraying
Herbicide use by the forestry sector has declined, but a group advocating for a ban says spraying even relatively small areas can have an outsized impact. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal) 

Bayer agrees to $7.25 billion proposed settlement over thousands of Roundup cancer lawsuits
Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer. David A. Lieb reports. (Associated Press) 

B.C.’s critical minerals push to reshape the province — fast and without consent?
Premier David Eby wants to fast-track projects and amend Indigenous Rights legislation, raising questions about environmental oversight and who benefits from B.C.’s critical minerals agenda. Santana Dreaver reports. (The Narwhal) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump family business files for trademark rights on any airports using the president’s name (AP) 
• Jesse Jackson’s Death Arrives at a Crucial Moment for Black Political Power (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-  235 PM PST Tue Feb 17 2026    SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING    
WED  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at  12 seconds. Rain. A chance of snow in the morning, then snow in  the afternoon.  
WED NIGHT  E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E  2 ft at 3 seconds and W 4 ft at 11 seconds. A chance of snow.  Rain likely, mainly in the evening.

---


"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