Here’s a thought…
“Once a man has tasted freedom he will never be content to be a slave. That is why I believe that this frightfulness we see everywhere today is only temporary. Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life.”
WALT DISNEY
Despite the speed at which it is progressing, AI is getting far too little discussion in Congress
||| FROM THE GUARDIAN by BERNIE SANDERS ||| There is a very real fear that, in the not-so-distant future, a super-intelligent AI could replace humans in controlling the planet. "My staff and I will soon be presenting a very specific set of recommendations to Congress as to how we can
News Brief | DOJ demands info on all state voters, sues WA secretary of state
||| FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES ||| The U.S. Department of Justice sued Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs on Tuesday over his refusal to turn over a trove of personal information about every registered voter in the state. Hobbs refused in a Sept. 23 letter to DOJ, citing state law
Orcas Montessori School hosts annual wreath sale & Holiday Bazaar
||| FROM BRIDGET WRIGHT for ORCAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL ||| Our annual Wreath Sale is officially open! We’re excited to help you fulfill all your holiday greenery needs with beautiful, handcrafted wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces, perfect for bringing festive cheer to your home. Orders are open now, and wreaths will be
Wild salmon and steelhead in Columbia River Basin are collapsing; endangered orcas that depend on them are starving
Feds concede new management plan is inadequate ||| FROM EMMA HELVERSON for WILD FISH CONSERVANCY ||| Wild salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin are collapsing, and endangered orcas that depend on them are starving — yet the federal government continues to fund hatchery operations that fuel their decline.
Health Care District & Island Health sign 10 year+ contract renewal for Island Primary Care – Orcas clinic operations
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| As healthcare organizations across the country struggle with unprecedented uncertainty in operations and finances, the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) Board is happy to report an important step in long-term stability for our island community. Island Health and OIHCD have executed
GiveOrcas is now here
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for GIVEORCAS ||| Giving season is officially here, and we hope you consider giving local with GiveOrcas! The annual holiday collective giving campaign is now open and runs through Thursday, December 11 at www.giveorcas.org. Today is also Giving Tuesday, a world-wide celebration of generosity. Every gift
Larsen releases statement on Trump administration changes to immigration processes
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF. U .S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced changes to immigration processes: “Refugees and humanitarian nonprofits that support refugees should not be punished because of the actions of one violent person.
Today starts the 10 Days of GiveOrcas with a party
||| FROM A*OK ||| Welcome to the first day of the 2025 Holiday GiveOrcas Campaign As we head into the 2025 GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign, we want to thank you for helping make weekly hands-on art instruction possible for more than 200 K–8 students this year. Your ongoing support has filled
Avian Influenza in domestic flock confirmed in San Juan County
There are no reported human cases of avian influenza in San Juan County. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| A local backyard flock and a wild bird have tested positive for avian influenza. San Juan County Health & Community Services is contacting people with exposure to avian influenza-infected birds
Join us for another evening of Drag Bingo
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND PRIDE ||| DRAG BINGO Round 2! Dec 14th, 1PM to 4PM, at Odd Fellows Hall! With returning superstar Bubblegum B and island favorite UhOh XOXO, this event is all-ages and a great way to spend a cold winter Sunday on Orcas! A ticket gets you 6
Garden Club presents language of flowers & holiday tea party
||| FROM PERRI GIBBONS for ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Orcas Center when we welcome Kimberly Wilder of Botanical Bar and Gemma Glasser of Primavera, as they guide us through the hidden meanings and symbolism embedded
Friends of Library hosting Annual Holiday Tea
||| FROM MICHAEL ARMENIA for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| In joint collaboration this year, the Library and FOIL (Friends of the Orcas Island Library), bring you the annual Holiday Tea, an island tradition for over 60 years! Come to the library on Saturday, December 6, from 1 to 3 PM
Fill your heart with holiday joy at Choral Society concert
||| FROM MILLIE NOVAK for ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY ||| “Two hearts are thrillin’ in spite of the chill in the weather” – come warm your heart with “Winter Wonderland,” one of many familiar carols you will delight to hear in Orcas Choral Society’s holiday concert, Midnight Light, Saturday, December 6
Notice of Recount | Lopez Park & Rec. Dist. Commissioner No. 5 & Recount Certification Meeting
The County Canvassing Board has scheduled the recount to begin on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. The recount will take place at the Elections Office at 55 Second St, Suite A, in Friday Harbor. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Office of the Secretary of State
Library to host ‘Love’s Cauldron’ author with new book
||| FROM SAM GAILY for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| Looking for a little magic this winter? Join us at the Orcas Island Public Library this Thursday, December 4 at 5pm, for a special book talk with local author Jennifer Lehr. Her new book, Love’s Cauldron, blends memoir, spiritual reflection, and
Orcas Online delivers holiday cheer with free speed upgrades
||| FROM RON CLAUS for ORCAS ONLINE ||| Orcas Online, the island's dedicated high-speed wireless internet provider, is spreading holiday cheer this season by announcing that all of its service plans will receive significant speed upgrades at no additional cost to subscribers. "This is our way of saying thank you
