Here’s a thought…
“If you put fences around people, you get sheep. Give people the room they need.”
WILLIAM L. MCKNIGHT
Campaigners mount coordinated protests across Europe against ‘touristification’
Protesters take to streets in a dozen cities to march against an industry they say is wrecking communities ||| FROM THE GUARDIAN ||| Campaigners in at least a dozen tourist hotspots across southern Europe have taken to the streets to protest against “touristification.” It is the most widespread joint action
Humpback whale bubble rings may be an attempt to communicate with us
||| FROM SCIENCE ALERT ||| Humpback whales caught blowing giant bubble rings underwater may have been attempting some kind of communication with their audience of human onlookers, a new study suggests. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known for blowing spiral bubble nets to hunt with, but not all bubbles have
Larsen introduces bipartisan ESTUARIES Act to reauthorize EPA’s national estuary program
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Shomari C. Figures (AL-02), Brian Mast (FL-21), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Nick LaLota (NY-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Enhancing Science, Treatment, and Upkeep of America’s Resilient and Important Estuarine Systems (ESTUARIES Act),
Larsen releases statement on today’s peaceful demonstrations against the Trump administration
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. RICK LARSEN ||| EVERETT, WA. – Today Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement to those demonstrating peacefully against the Trump administration: “Today, people all across Northwest Washington state are gathering to demonstrate peacefully against the excesses and corruption of the Trump administration. “Excesses like the
Washington State ferry sways back and forth in large wake from Navy ship
||| FROM KOMO-TV SEATTLE ||| EDMONDS, Wash. — A Washington State ferry appeared to rock back and forth significantly in a video captured during a voyage in Edmonds Tuesday. ;Washington State Ferries (WSF) confirmed the incident to KOMO News after speaking to the captain. The major swell came from a
Midnight Mutterings | Breaking up?
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| Looks like Donny and Elon are having some serious differences. Five months ago you couldn’t see a streak of light between them. At least I couldn’t, even if they are (?were) The Odd Couple. Each brought something essential to the relationship, and for
Sheriff’s Report | June 4 – 10, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 25-003338 Theft 10:18:02 06/04/25 A Friday Harbor resident reported his mail being taken. This is an ongoing issue and a report was made. 25-003356 Suspicious Person/Circumstance 22:36:36 06/04/25 San Juan Island Deputies observed suspicious activity at the Friday Harbor
Focus on the good stuff
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| The school year is coming to a close, marking a shift in seasons and exciting transitions ahead. On behalf of the OICF Board of Trustees, I’d like to congratulate the Orcas Island graduating Class of 2025! It's been quite remarkable
Larsen releases statement on Israel striking Iran
|||. FROM THE OFFICE OF. U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement: "The recent targeted Israeli attack on Iran was not indiscriminate or random. Israel has a right to self-defense and, with Trump administration's faltering efforts at negotiations with Iran, the country
Washington ferries to restore full domestic service by July
The Wenatchee, one of the system’s largest vessels, has completed its long-delayed hybrid-electric conversion and is undergoing final sea trials. ||| FROM KING-TV SEATTLE ||| SEATTLE — Washington State Ferries announced Thursday the state is on track to restore full domestic service for the first time since 2019, thanks to
Larsen releases statement on Republican rescission package
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement on the Republican rescission package, which passed the House of Representatives 214-212: “I voted no on the package of funding cuts the Trump administration put forward because it is bad
Recycling Reform Act passes—with big impacts for San Juan County
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is celebrating an environmental milestone with the passage of Washington’s new Recycling Reform Act, signed into law this spring by Governor Bob Ferguson. The new law will reduce packaging waste, expand access to curbside recycling, and
WSF Weekly Update | Summer schedule starts Sunday; meeting on fare changes
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve This week, we had the honor of welcoming a U.S. Department of Transportation leader. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs Connor Torossian toured Colman Dock and Walla Walla on a sailing to Bremerton. He was in Seattle
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Welcome to our weekly feature, Occam's Razor, from local artist S.C. Watson.
Trump cancels landmark Columbia River agreement with tribes, WA, OR
||| FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES ||| A sweeping Biden-era initiative to restore Columbia Basin salmon runs, boost tribal energy development and provide a pathway for dam removal on the Lower Snake River has been canceled by President Donald Trump. A presidential memorandum issued Thursday revoked the 2023 Resilient Columbia Basin
Spirit of Peace Celebration
||| FROM NIK SCHULZ ||| The Orcas community and guests are invited to join in witnessing a historic celebration of peace between Lummi and Haida tribal leaders. The community will witness song, dance, celebration and culture in an embodiment of what it means to move forward from historical atrocities and
