Bigg's Orcas on the Rise in Puget Sound

Bigg's Orcas on the Rise in Puget Sound

Bigg’s killer whales are on the rise in Puget Sound and Salish Sea, appearing far more frequently than a decade ago—especially in Bellingham Bay—thanks to abundant prey like seals. Their growing numbers signal a thriving ecosystem, contrasting with the fish-focused southern residents. The Orca Network’s reports skyrocketed from 2,000 in 2014 to over 14,000 last year, mostly Bigg’s. Pods like T-123 are making Bellingham Bay their spring hotspot, hinting at a busy, healthy season ahead. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/f7ae619ff2ef7042

Governor Vetoes Environmental Bills

Governor Dunleavy just vetoed two bipartisan bills—one to tackle invasive species threatening Alaska’s ecosystems and economy, and another to ban polystyrene foam containers to curb plastic pollution. He called them overreach that would burden businesses, claiming existing systems could handle the issues. But scientists and environmental groups fired back, calling the veto misguided and a missed chance to protect wildlife, public health, and future generations. The divide is stark: lawmakers and advocates see these as urgent, practical steps, while the governor sees them as government expansion he won’t support. The fight’s not over—advocates are already preparing to push these bills again. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/4190eefc7ccfe21a

Rural Opioid Funds Prioritized

Idaho’s opioid settlement council is rallying lawmakers to direct funds toward rural communities, prioritizing prevention for high-risk populations, mental health support for first responders, and workforce development to tackle the crisis head-on—ensuring frontline help reaches the areas most in need. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/afe95e2d42ad10ba

Willamette River Algae Crisis Deepens

A toxic algal bloom is choking the Willamette River near Ross Island, fueled by heat and drought—posing serious health risks. A $20 million fix involving channels to restore river flow is stalled without legislative support, despite years of advocacy by Oregon State University and the Human Access Project. Private plans to fill the lagoon won’t help until 2042, leaving communities stuck with blooms for decades. Critics call it a bureaucratic failure, with state agencies avoiding responsibility while funding dries up. With no clear timeline or funding path, locals wait for action—before the algae gets worse. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/ed81fa148d72e2af

Teens Skipping Licenses, Slowing Voter Sign-Ups

Teens are driving less, which is quietly sabotaging voter registration — and civic groups are racing to fix it. With fewer teens getting licenses, states are losing automatic voter sign-ups. Advocates are stepping in with school-based drives, pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds, and tools to empower young voters — even as a new bill threatens to block third-party efforts. New Hampshire proves it works: high school registration drives boosted turnout from 9% to 64%. The race is on to make sure every eligible voter gets counted — before it’s too late. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/bb5a568f958952bf