Connect with us

West

Apex predator threatening Northwest salmon sparks rare bipartisan push to ‘kill more’

Published

on

Apex predator threatening Northwest salmon sparks rare bipartisan push to ‘kill more’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

An apex predator threatening a key sector in the U.S. Pacific Northwest is now the unlikely source of a bipartisan alliance in the House of Representatives.

Sea lions and their impact on salmon are a growing issue for Washington state, according to Reps. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.

“There’s a wall that stops the two parties from meeting in the middle on a lot of issues,” Gluesenkamp Perez told Fox News Digital. “Most of the time, you have to go brick by brick to tear it down. Every now and then, you can chuck a 2,500-pound sea lion at it.”

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER DOUBLES DOWN ON FELLOW DEM, ACCUSING THEM OF ‘ELECTION SUBVERSION’

Advertisement

California sea lions, apex predators, are posing an issue for salmon and steelhead trout populations in the Pacific Northwest. (Janet Jensen/Tacoma News Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The California sea lion population has boomed, thanks to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972. It’s now posing a threat to already endangered native fish species in Washington State.

Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife has deemed sea lions a “serious threat” to Columbia River salmon and steelhead trout. 

Both types of fish are key to the state’s culture, economy and natural ecosystems.

“Salmon are a huge deal in Washington State. We have extensive salmon-bearing rivers that have historical cultural significance to our Native American tribes, a lot of interest and economic activity with sports fishermen, and our rivers are also the site of really important hydroelectric dams,” Baumgartner told Fox News Digital.

Advertisement

ROGAN BLAMES LIBERAL POLICIES FOR ALLOWING ‘MONSTERS’ TO RUN AMOK, EAT HOUSE PETS

Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., attends a hearing on Feb. 5, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

“There are now huge numbers of sea lions in a far disproportionate amount to any sort of historical numbers that sit at the mouth of the Columbia River … and eat salmon all day. They have a huge impact on the number of salmon.”

Gluesenkamp Perez said action to reduce the invasive sea lion population is “exactly the type of real-world problem that Americans want Congress to be able to solve.”

“Many of my colleagues love to put their partisan blinders on, but it’s hard for even them to ignore their eyes when they see a sedan-sized pinniped snarfing up the salmon and steelhead that many of our communities depend on,” Gluesenkamp Perez said.

Advertisement

GOP REP RIPS BIG TEN COMMISH AFTER SCORE ACT VOTE GETS DELAYED

Baumgartner called for “broader latitude” for “more aggressive sea lion management techniques.”

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., walks up the House steps for the final votes in the Capitol before Congress’ October recess, Sept. 25, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

A subcommittee panel on the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing earlier this month on sea lion predation in the Pacific Northwest. Both Baumgartner and Gluesenkamp Perez participated.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

“Save more salmon, shoot more sea lions,” Baumgartner posted on X days after the hearing.

Gluesenkamp Perez compared the size of the Steller sea lion, another species threatening fish in the area, to a Toyota Corolla during the hearing.

“Southwest Washington has a serious predatory pinniped problem — tens of thousands of massive invasive sea lions are venturing further and further up the Columbia River and its tributaries to gorge on our local salmon. I’m pushing to explore more effective lethal removal options,” she posted on X.

Read the full article from Here

Denver, CO

Nuggets 2026 NBA mock draft tracker 2.0: What national experts predict Denver will do

Published

on

Nuggets 2026 NBA mock draft tracker 2.0: What national experts predict Denver will do


The NBA Draft kicks off Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in New York.

The Nuggets, who own the 26th overall pick, are looking to improve a team that was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.

The Athletic | Zach Harper | Updated June 23

Advertisement
Italy’s Alessandro Pajola defends against Spain’s Sergio De Larrea , right, during the Eurobasket, European Basketball Championship Group C match between Spain and Italy at Spyros Kyprianou Arena, in Limassol, Cyprus, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Chara Savvidou)

Sergio de Larrea, guard, 6-6, Valencia

“It’s hard to say whether the Nuggets will have the roster flexibility to use this pick or if they kick it down the road by trading it. This team needs offensive creation outside of what Nikola Jokić does. Jamal Murray is more of a scorer than a creator, and they’ve been missing that guard off the bench to run some offense through. With de Larrea in the mix, they’ll have good size at the guard position and someone who can orchestrate more.” See the full mock draft.

Sports Illustrated | Kevin Sweeney | Updated June 23

Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John's Red Storm during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John’s Red Storm during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Isaiah Evans, F, Duke

“Evans is a polarizing prospect after two years at Duke. At his best, he’s one of the most dynamic shooters in this draft, capable of getting his shot off with next-to-no separation and regularly going on streaks of multiple threes in short spurts. His overall impact on the game can be muted at times though, especially when threes aren’t falling. He’s a below-average athlete and mediocre defensively.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks:

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Aaron Nkrumah, G, Tennessee State

The Sporting News | Stephen Noh | Updated June 23

Isaiah Evans, F, Duke

“Denver has built a great offense without relying much on 3-pointers. What if they could take an even bigger step on that end of the floor?

“Evans could provide that extra oomph. He’s a good shooter who should be able to drill wide open looks while playing off Nikola Jokic. He has the size to defend capably. And he’s a decent athlete who can attack closeouts well.” See the full mock draft.

Advertisement

CBS Sports | Adam Finkelstein | Updated June 22

Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Maples Pavilion on Jan. 14, 2026 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Maples Pavilion on Jan. 14, 2026 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

“The Pistons, Grizzlies, and Wolves have done the most work on Okorie, but Denver has a real need for a paint touch point guard, especially as Nikola Jokic begins to age and they are forced to explore other ways of creating offense. Ejiofor has reportedly been to Denver as well. Veesaar would fit their system; Reed would be another potential backup five if he were available, and Isaiah Evans and Meleek Thomas could provide floor spacing.” See the full mock draft.

Yahoo Sports | Kevin O’Connor | Updated June 22

Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

“The Nuggets need some variety to their half-court offense aside from having Nikola Jokić initiate everything. Well, here’s a guy who could help. Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game. He’s not an above-the-rim athlete, though, and not long ago he was a kid from New Hampshire who ranked outside the top 100 and committed to Harvard. Then Stanford found him, he flipped his commitment, and he proceeded to lead the ACC in scoring with eight 30-point games and a habit for hitting clutch shots. NBA teams will have to decide whether what carved up the ACC will survive against bigger, longer defenders.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks: 

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Tobe Awaka, F, Arizona

CBS Sports | Gary Parrish | Updated June 23

Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Koa Peat, F, Arizona

“Peat impacts winning in a variety of ways and was among the reasons Arizona won the Big 12’s regular-season championship before advancing to the Final Four. Good size. Good body. Intriguing prospect. The issue is that he’s a 6-7 wing who doesn’t really shoot, evidence being that Peat only took 20 3-pointers in 36 games with the Wildcats. That’s not ideal for the modern-NBA and why Peat’s draft-range seems vast.” See the full mock draft.

SB Nation | Ricky O’Donnell | Updated June 23

Advertisement

Koa Peat, F, Arizona

No writeup available. See the full mock draft.

ESPN | Jeremy Woo | Updated June 23

Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against Trey McKenney #1 of the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against Trey McKenney #1 of the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama

“This would be quite a fall for Philon, who has interest in the late lottery from the Bucks if they opt for a guard at No. 13. But it seems likely that one of the point guards falls toward the back of the first round with the way the board has shaped up — particularly in this scenario, where the Pistons don’t take one.

“Philon’s range has seemed particularly wide of late, and teams have speculated that he could slip, with his recent workout for the Timberwolves (who have since traded out of the first round) raising some eyebrows.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks: 

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Jaden Bradley, G, Arizona

Bleacher Report | Jonathan Wasserman | Updated June 22

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of a game in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of a game in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

“Tarris Reed Jr. has been receiving strong reviews from workouts after putting together a rare statistical season, posting a 9.0 block percentage, 13.0 offensive rebounding percentage and 15.0 assist percentage.

“His combination of strength, paint touch, passing and rim protection should put him in first-round conversations for teams that want bigs.” See the full mock draft.

Advertisement

Other picks:

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Dillon Mitchell, F, St. John’s

USA Today | Bryan Kalbrosky | Updated June 23

Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Seattle, WA

How to watch Bosnia vs. Qatar in next Seattle World Cup match

Published

on

How to watch Bosnia vs. Qatar in next Seattle World Cup match


play

Soccer fans waiting for affordable World Cup tickets might be in luck this week.

Two games in Seattle — Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (12 p.m. PT), Egypt vs. Iran (8 p.m. PT) — are dipping well below the $1,000 minimum price for Seattle’s first two games.

Advertisement

After an opening tie between Egypt and Belgium and a dominant 2-0 USA win over Australia, the city welcomes four more teams this week to finish out group play at the 2026 World Cup in Seattle.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the final group stage matches.

How much are tickets for the Bosnia vs. Qatar game in Seattle?

Tickets for the next World Cup match in Seattle start at $380, and $276 via FIFA.

How can I watch the Bosnia vs. Qatar game?

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Date: June 24, 2026
  • Kickoff: 12 p.m. PT
  • TV: FS1
  • Streaming: FOX One, Peacock

When are the remaining World Cup games in Seattle?

  • Wednesday, June 24, 12 p.m. PT (Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar) – Shop tickets
  • Friday, June 26, 8 p.m. PT (Egypt vs. Iran)  – Shop tickets
  • Wednesday, July 1 (Round of 32 match) – Shop tickets
  • Monday, July 6 (Round of 16 match) – Shop tickets

Seattle ticket prices by game

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar (June 24, 12 p.m. PT): starting at $380, $276 via FIFA
  • Egypt vs. Iran (June 26, 8 p.m. PT): starting at $630, $529 via FIFA
  • Round of 32 match (July 1): starting at $1,119, $977.04 via FIFA
  • Round of 16 match (July 6): starting at $3,011, $3,393 via FIFA

Where can I buy FIFA World Cup tickets?

Zachary Fletcher is a trending news reporter with USA TODAY Network’s Washington state team. Keep up with him on X (@zdfletch), BlueSky (@zfletcher.bsky.social) or reach him at zfletcher@usatodayco.com.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

San Diego, CA

San Diego Unified leaders propose policy to limit technology in classrooms

Published

on

San Diego Unified leaders propose policy to limit technology in classrooms


SAN DIEGO (CNS) – San Diego Unified School District leaders Tuesday announced an effort to better integrate technology in classrooms and reduce excessive media consumption, to be voted upon by the school board Tuesday evening.

If the Board of Education approves the proposed resolution at Tuesday evening’s meeting, the first changes would go into effect on Aug. 10, the first day of the 2026-27 school year.

The proposed changes include:

— Prohibiting video-streaming platform use such as YouTube on individual devices;

Advertisement

— Prohibiting non-instructional gaming platform use on individual devices; and

— Removing computer carts from Transitional Kindergarten classrooms, while still allowing for access to devices for students with needed accommodations.

“Technology has expanded educational opportunities for students in ways we could not have imagined a generation ago,” Board President Richard Barrera said. “But our responsibility is to ensure technology serves students – – not the other way around. This resolution takes thoughtful, research-based steps to reduce passive screen time and create more opportunities for students to engage with their teachers, collaborate with their peers, and develop the communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives.”

Other facets of the proposal, which would be phased in over the course of the next year, include:

— Developing age-appropriate device usage guidance;

Advertisement

— Limiting screen time outside established time frames;

— Expanding family resources and parent controls;

— Strengthening digital citizenship instruction;

— Reviewing instructional software annually; and

— Continuing evaluations of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Advertisement

District leaders said that while technology remains an important learning tool, excessive screen time and passive digital media consumption can “negatively impact attention, academic performance, sleep, social-emotional development, and overall student well-being.”

The impetus of the resolution is not to remove technology from classrooms, its proponents say, but to instead support diverse learning needs while “creating more opportunities for meaningful human interaction, student engagement, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.”

“One of the strengths of this resolution is that it recognizes these decisions should not be made in isolation,” Board Trustee Shana Hazan said. “Families, educators and community partners have helped elevate this conversation, and their voices will continue to guide this work. Technology remains an important educational tool, but it should never replace the relationships, creativity, collaboration, and human connection that are at the heart of a great education.

“This resolution creates a framework for bringing diverse perspectives together to determine what is best for students at every stage of their development,” Hazan added.

District leaders say if the resolution passes, staff will work with advisory groups such as the Community Advisory Committee, District Advisory Council and District English Learner Advisory Committee to further refine ideas.

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending