The organizer of the ballot initiative to return the planning commission (PC) to an appointed body suggested in last week’s CVN that the current PC doesn’t follow code, do their homework or know how to read plans. As a current PC member (representing myself), I would like to point out to the initiative organizer that our commission has more diverse representation than we ever had as an appointed body. We focus on a more rounded…
Why would we lease out our cruise ship dock to an outside corporation, letting them make all the decisions about how many cruise ship passengers come to town? They will do what’s best for them, not what is best for us. Three-hundred-thousand passengers each summer? No thanks!
I live here because I want to be part of a community, with businesses run by folks who live here and care about our town, and a place…
It’s about that time, as the offseason winds down, and predictions start looming. Which teams are bound to make waves this college football season? As Oregon returns plenty of production from their 2025 team and Indiana aims for a repeat title, the competition for conference championships and a national title are wide open. Here are Klatt’s predictions for every Power Four conference champion, 12-team bracket and his national champion prediction: Conference Championship Game Predictions Klatt’s thoughts: “I do think that the Big Ten is absolutely loaded at the top. I think all of us know that after all these preseason rankings have finally come out. We saw Ohio State at the top of the AP [Top 25 Poll]. Oregon was at the top of my preseason poll. And you still have Indiana, the defending national champion. You’ve got teams like USC, Penn State and Michigan, who will all be in there vying and trying to level up into that rarefied air of those top three teams in the Big Ten. “Ohio State’s schedule is going to be too difficult. … They’ve got to play at Iowa after opening on the road in Week 2 against Texas. They’ve got to play on the road several times against very difficult opponents. They’ve got to go to USC. They’ve got to go to Indiana. These are all very difficult places to play. That’s why I don’t think Ohio State will make it to Indianapolis. “Oregon’s also got a difficult schedule, but I think they’re going to be prepared to handle it. I think Indiana gets back into that spot. … I’m going to take Dan Lanning and the Ducks.” Klatt’s thoughts: “This is a very deep conference — we all know that. I think there are two, at least in this month, that are maybe better than the rest. We’ll see how it plays out, particularly with a team like LSU. But I really, really like Georgia and Texas. I really like Texas a lot. My wild card is LSU. “You start to wonder to yourself if [Texas coach Steve Sarkisian] can get over the hump. Let’s just say if Ohio State were to beat them early in the season, that could be a real defining moment for that program. For them to turn things around and break some of those barriers later in the season — one of those barriers being Georgia and Kirby Smart. I don’t want to bet against Georgia and Kirby Smart, but I don’t know if they’re going to have the firepower to keep up with what could be a very good offense in Texas. “I think Texas and Steve Sarkisian can get over that hump.” Klatt’s thoughts: “This one’s pretty easy. Texas Tech is the most talented team in the league, and they’ve got a pretty soft schedule. They only have one ranked opponent on their schedule as it stands right now: Week 3 against Houston. “Who will Texas Tech face? I like Arizona a lot, but I just don’t love their schedule in the Big 12. They’ve got quarterback Noah Fifita coming back. I really like what they’ve done with their program. … You just look at these schedules and I just don’t love it for Arizona. They’ve got at BYU, at Texas Tech and home against Utah. “I think the second spot goes to the winner of the Holy War, BYU and Utah. As was the case a year ago, I’m going to lean toward BYU. A lot of turnover at Utah. Meanwhile, BYU, they still have head coach Kelani Sitake, quarterback Bear Bachmaier and running back LJ Martin. “Texas Tech is just at a different level in terms of the roster compilation against the other Big 12 schools.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Miami has a similar gap over the ACC. I don’t see them losing an ACC game this year. They might lose to Notre Dame. I’ll predict that they do lose to Notre Dame. But Miami is not going to have a large issue when it comes to the ACC schedule. “The real question is who is Miami going to face? You start to throw out those teams you think might have the talent and schedule to get themselves into the ACC Championship Game. I have four teams I considered here: Clemson, Virginia Tech, SMU and Louisville. With Clemson and Virginia Tech, I just don’t know. … Louisville and SMU happen to play each other in a monster game in September. I’m going to go with SMU because they’re 14-2 in ACC play since joining the conference a year ago. “But SMU is not in Miami’s hemisphere, at least as it currently stands.” The 12-Team Bracket Klatt’s thoughts: “If Oregon were to win the Big Ten with only one loss, then I think the Ducks take the No. 1 seed. They’re rewarded for winning the Big Ten.” Klatt’s thoughts: “I think Notre Dame goes undefeated, but their schedule is just not anywhere close to Oregon’s.” Klatt’s thoughts: “With only one loss to an undefeated Notre Dame on the road, I think Miami gets the No. 3 seed. … They’re 12-1 with an ACC championship.” Klatt’s thoughts: “The fourth spot is a tough call. I think it’ll come down to a team that did not play in their conference championship game, but beat a conference champion. Texas is going to get the fourth spot because the SEC championship, fresh off a win against Kirby Smart and Georgia, will help give Texas all the love that they want, and they’re going to be one spot ahead of a team that beat them: Ohio State.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Ohio State is going to be rated one spot ahead of the sixth-place team, Indiana, because in this prediction, I’ve got Ohio State with a win over Indiana. Ohio State would have wins over Texas and Indiana, but loses on the final bye seed because Texas has the SEC championship.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Indiana would have the sixth seed because of their loss to Ohio State as an 11-2 team.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Georgia would be No. 7 after the loss to Texas in the SEC Championship Game.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Texas Tech’s strength of schedule is not anywhere close. So, even as a conference champion, unless they were undefeated and beating everyone by 20 or 25 — I could see them losing a game in the Big 12 slate — I’ve got them as the eighth seed.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Now, it starts to get interesting. I think everyone can agree that the first eight teams are the best eight teams. Who in the world is going to play themselves into the final at-large spots? I’m bullish on [USC]. … I think USC is going to have a real fantastic year. I like what they’re doing at the line of scrimmage, both offensively and defensively. I love the fact that they’re going to run the football. I love the fact that they’re returning their starting quarterback. I’ve got them going 10-2 with loss to Oregon and Indiana, but they pick up a huge resume-building win against Ohio State.” Klatt’s thoughts: “I just think LSU is going to come out and play very solid football. That doesn’t mean they’re going to win their conference. I don’t know if they’re going to go to that echelon. But I can certainly see them fixing what happened on the offensive side of the football. … Lane Kiffin’s going to have them generating 500 yards of offense, week in and week out. This idea that it’s somehow a question or anomaly of how this is going to come together with all these players from the transfer portal, let’s not act like Kiffin hasn’t done this before. … LSU is going to be a 10-2 team.” Klatt’s thoughts: “I’ve got three teams going for the final at-large spot in the College Football Playoff: Penn State (they’re going to be 10-2), Alabama (at 10-2) and the winner of the Michigan-Oklahoma game. I think the winner of that game will go 9-3. So, they’re going to have a huge resume-building win out of conference, but they’re still 9-3. … I think Penn State gets thrown out right away because they won’t have a resume-building win. In this scenario, they would have lost to Michigan and USC and there’s not a marquee win on their schedule. Alabama would be 10-2 against either 9-3 Michigan or Oklahoma. “This team should be excellent on defense. … This is a team that I think can get back to that Alabama defensive identity.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Let’s just go with Boise State. Can anyone predict the Group of 5? These rosters turn over with such a huge degree. … I think Boise State will get rewarded with a tougher strength of schedule.” First Round Klatt’s thoughts: “Ohio State should win this game pretty handily.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Kalen DeBoer and company go up to Bloomington and guess what? They still can’t stop Indiana from running the football. Indiana might run it 55 times in the weather up there.” Klatt’s thoughts: “Great year for Lane Kiffin. I do think they need to win a playoff game for them to reach their expectations. … But Georgia moves on.” Klatt’s thoughts: “I don’t think Texas Tech, based on what we saw last year in the postseason when it got shut out by Oregon, will be up to par with a team like USC, who’ll be very tested by that point.” Quarterfinals Klatt’s thoughts: “I like USC a lot, but not in this game. Oregon’s my No. 1 overall seed for a reason.” Klatt’s thoughts: “I think Notre Dame is going to be incredible. They’re going to play against Georgia, and they’re going to win. Notre Dame is going to win that game for the second time in three years.” Klatt’s thoughts: “I thought it was a coin flip… but Miami is just building something. I think Miami wins that game.” Klatt’s thoughts: “This would be the fourth meeting in the last three years. I have to take Ohio State. I think they have something over Texas.” Semifinals Klatt’s thoughts: “I said that Oregon is super talented… at this point, who knows what the depth looks like for Ohio State?… Give me Oregon.” Klatt’s thoughts: “A rematch of that game in South Bend this year. I think Notre Dame wins the first one, I think Notre Dame wins the second one. Notre Dame is that good.” National Championship Klatt’s thoughts: “It might be a curse to be the team that I pick as the national champ. Last year, I picked Clemson. “My national champ in my very first bracket prediction of the year is [drumroll please]: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.”Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
On behalf of Haines Huts and Trails, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Chilkat Valley Community Foundation for their ongoing yearly support.
CVCF’s consistent investment in local organizations like ours makes a profound difference in our community. Thanks to their support, we were able to hire our first full-time seasonal trail crew employee this summer, fundraise for our four-person 2027 trail crew, build the Tukga Hut, and continue planning out future huts…
Fried rice in its various forms has existed since the Sui dynasty. This Asian staple continues to grace tables – and menus – all over the world.
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A gray whale carcass washed up on a beach north of Ocean Shores, Washington, It was one of the 187 gray whales that, as of late August, have been found dead this year along West Coast shorelines from Mexico to Alaska. Environmentalists are seeking a return of Endangered Species Act protections for the population, and they cited recent years’ die-offs as a major part of the justification. (Photo by Hal Bernton)
Amid a decade of die-offs and a sharp decline in the population of gray whales that swim along the Pacific coast of North America, three environmental groups are preparing to sue the Trump administration over its failure to bring back Endangered Species Act protections for the animals.
The Center for Biological Diversity, the International Marine Mammal Project and Oasis Earth on Tuesday submitted a notice of intent to sue the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration over gray whale protections.
Oasis Earth submitted a petition a year ago to NOAA Fisheries for a threatened or endangered listing to be granted to the Eastern North Pacific gray whale population. But the agency neither issued a 90-day finding on the petition’s validity nor a 12-month finding on the population’s status, as required under the law, the groups’ notice said.
With its population halved over the past decade, the gray whales’ situation is dire, the groups said. Lapses in Endangered Species Act action put the whales “at greater risk of extinction,” their notice said. “These delays contribute to the decline of the gray whale population.”
A notice of intent to sue, which is filed at least 90 days before a complaint is filed, is required under the Endangered Species Act.
The Eastern North Pacific gray whale population was estimated at about 27,000 in the 2015-2016 period. Last year, the population fell to about 12,890, one of the lowest levels since counts began in the late 1960s, according to NOAA Fisheries. This year’s count indicated a bit of a rebound, with a median estimate of 17,750 animals, the agency said last month.
Despite that increase, Endangered Species Act protections are still needed, the environmental groups said.
“We’ve lost half of these Pacific gray whales in just a decade. It couldn’t be clearer that the population needs protections, but we’re just getting silence from the Trump administration as the crisis unfolds,” said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans director at the Center for Biological Diversity.
“Gray whales are washing up dead all along the West Coast, and if federal officials keep dragging their feet, it could be too late for the species,” she said. “These majestic whales are starving and they face other threats we need to fix to save these creatures from extinction.”
Agency spokesman Michael Milstein declined to comment Tuesday on the environmental groups’ notice. He cited NOAA’s policies on pending litigation.
The Eastern North Pacific gray whale population has been struck by die-offs for several years, with beached animals found from Mexico to Alaska. NOAA determined that deaths from 2018 to 2023, with 690 documented cases, constituted an “unusual mortality event,” a finding that justifies further research. After a brief lull, the gray whale die-offs picked up.
There were 179 gray whales found dead last year along the Pacific coast, according to NOAA. This year’s toll has already exceeded that. As of Tuesday, 187 had been found dead this year, including 22 in Alaska, Milstein said.
The emaciated condition of the dead whales has supported scientists’ contention that the die-offs are tied to climate change. The whales spend summers feeding in Arctic and subarctic waters off Alaska, and long-term warming and changes in sea ice have affected supplies of the high-fat prey that gray whales need, scientists say.
Climate change and the resulting loss of suitable prey is the main threat facing the gray whales, the environmental groups said in their notice. But there are other threats, including ship strikes and entanglements in fishing gear and marine debris, the notice said.
A recent NOAA Fisheries report cites 31 documented cases of gray whale entanglements in fishing gear in Alaska from 1990 to 2024.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales were previously protected under the Endangered Species Act, but they were delisted in 1994 following a population increase that scientists attributed to the end of commercial whaling.
That delisting was premature, the environmental groups argue in their notice of intent to sue.
Correction: This story has been updated to clarify the groups are preparing to sue under the Endangered Species Act.
Will the Seattle Seahawks be able to fend off the Los Angeles Rams and win the NFC West again? Who will win the tight battle for the NFC North? With the regular season quickly approaching, Colin Cowherd provided his division predictions and projected playoff field for the NFC on Wednesday’s edition of The Herd. Highlighting a mix of returning contenders and rising rosters, Cowherd forecasted three new playoff teams across the conference while breaking down all four divisions. “I’ve got three new playoff teams in the NFC: the Lions, the Saints, and the Giants,” Cowherd said. Here’s how Cowherd predicts the placement of all four divisions in the NFC. Starting with the NFC East, Cowherd picked the Philadelphia Eagles to retain the division crown, pointing to roster continuity along the offensive line and past success under Jalen Hurts. “Jalen Hurts, since he became a full-time starter, has the winningest record in the NFL. I’m just going with this very, very well-run organization,” Cowherd said. Despite losing A.J. Brown, Philadelphia added Dontayvion Wicks and drafted USC receiver Makai Lemon, returning all five offensive line starters with the seventh-easiest schedule in the league. Behind Philadelphia, Cowherd projected the New York Giants to finish ahead of the Dallas Cowboys for second place, should Jaxson Dart stay healthy. “They were one and seven last year in those one-score games, worst in the league,” Cowherd said about the Giants. “And in fact, they blew five games in which they had a fourth-quarter lead. That is going to, even if it evens out, even if it doesn’t totally flip, it will even out. If Jackson Dart can stay out of the blue tent, I think it’s a playoff team.” Following a tough year in close games in 2025, Cowherd thinks the scales will balance out for the Giants in 2026. Cowherd pointed to a trend from last season as the reason why he thinks the Cowboys could hold themselves back. “Here’s the other thing, which has become a disturbing trend for the Cowboys. They were the most penalized team in the NFL last year. They did some big things well, like scoring. They did a lot of little things poorly. I have the Cowboys better, but not a playoff team.” Washington was placed fourth in the division, pointing to roster turnover at key positions like left tackle and overall roster age as major obstacles for their prospects. “Washington just doesn’t have enough talent. They lost Laremy Tunsil, their left tackle, who’s a beast. Second-oldest roster in the NFL. I just don’t like Washington right now going forward,” Cowherd said. Moving to the NFC North, Cowherd went with the Detroit Lions to win the division, citing offensive firepower and draft adjustments. “I think the Lions have a combination of the best roster in the division and the easiest schedule in the entire league this year,” Cowherd said. “I would argue quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receivers, they have the best group in the NFL.” Cowherd added last year was considered a down year for Detroit and the offense still wound up amongst the league’s best. “They were the only team to have a top-five scoring offense in the last four years. Even last year, when they struggled, it was top five.” Last year’s NFC North champions, the Chicago Bears, were picked to finish second in 2026 by Cowherd. “They were a great fourth quarter team last year. They probably can’t quite equal that magic, but when they won the turnover battle, and nobody talks about this one, Chicago, they were 10-1 when they won the turnover battle,” Cowherd said. Cowherd also pointed to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who does not have a history of turning the ball over. “Caleb Williams doesn’t turn the ball over. He didn’t in high school. He didn’t in college. Even in the Eberflus year, 20 touchdowns, six picks. He is not a turnover quarterback. I have them for second.” The Green Bay Packers were picked by Cowherd to finish third in the division, despite the number of key pieces they have slated to return, ahead of the Minnesota Vikings. “Not only do they get Michael Parsons back in October, but they also get Tucker Kraft back, who looks to be a star young tight end in the NFL for years to come. Christian Watson got hurt. Jaden Reed got hurt,” Cowherd said. Cowherd also suggested the Packers may have reached their ceiling. “They’ve not been a great September team, but they’ve been a wild card team in the last three seasons,” Cowherd said. Minnesota landed in fourth place in Cowherd’s prediction, but he said this shouldn’t discredit what the Vikings are capable of. “Minnesota is going to be the best fourth-place team in the NFL,” Cowherd said. “Christian Darrisaw is back at left tackle. I love the coach and the defensive coordinator. There’s not a lot here I don’t like, but Kyler Murray’s backup is either J.J. McCarthy or Carson Wentz. I don’t trust either.” Despite an established coaching staff and offensive line talent, backup quarterback depth creates vulnerability behind starter Kyler Murray. Cowherd also pointed out how prone to turnovers and the injury history of all three quarterbacks on the roster. The NFC South featured a surprise pick from Cowherd, with the New Orleans Saints taking first place behind quarterback Tyler Shough, thanks in part to a favorable schedule. “Second easiest schedule in football is the Saints,” Cowherd said. “I thought they played very well at the end of last year. Tyler Shough, nobody paid attention, but they won four of their last five games.” Cowherd added that the NFC South is usually unpredictable most seasons. “This is a division where you see teams go from last to first on a regular basis.” The Carolina Panthers were picked for second place, highlighting leadership under Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan alongside offensive line stability for Bryce Young. “I think Carolina has the coach and the general manager for the future. Dave Canales and Dan Morgan are excellent. I think they’ve given Bryce Young a lot to work with.” Cowherd also pointed out the inconsistencies on the offensive line last year. “They had 11 different starting O-line combinations last year, so it was a bit of a mess in front of Bryce Young. I think they’ll get that corrected,” Cowherd said. Tampa Bay was picked to finish third by Cowherd, who pointed to recent offensive slumps, defensive regressions, and coaching pressure following late-season struggles. “You got a coach on the hot seat. You got a new offensive coordinator, 20th-ranked defense last year. No Mike Evans. Lost seven of the nine games down the stretch,” Cowherd said. “So they were a bit of a mess offensively, and they weren’t great defensively.” Atlanta rounded out the division in fourth place, with Cowherd citing early road schedule challenges and unanswered questions at quarterback. “I like the coach, like the owner. I think the GM is pretty sharp. There’s a couple of players like Drake London, a Bijan Robinson I love, but who’s the quarterback? We don’t know,” Cowherd said. “Cross my fingers with Michael Penix, but they start with three of their first four games on the road.” In the NFC West, Cowherd selected the Seattle Seahawks to claim the division title over the Los Angeles Rams, praising Seattle’s performance in road games and young core talent. “Here’s what I love about Seattle: the last two years best road team in the league, and I mean a fantastic road team, 15 and two,” Cowherd said. “They’re returning all their best players. All of them are in their prime.” Cowherd went on to highlight the Seahawks’ ability to win away from home and performance against other playoff teams as key factors. Cowherd placed the Rams second as Super Bowl contenders, acknowledging both Seattle and Los Angeles rank among the top teams in the league. “They return all 11 offensive starters. There’s no reason to debate this. They could win the Super Bowl. I think these two teams, in my opinion, are the best two teams in the NFL: Seahawks, Rams, one and two in my book,” Cowherd said. However, the hype surrounding the Rams is not enough to convince Cowherd. “I’ll take Seattle to win over the Rams. Everybody in the world’s telling me the Rams are going to win the Super Bowl. The team is hearing that. You know what?” Cowherd said. “They’re going to be a really really good team and win 11 games. I think Seattle could win 12.” San Francisco was picked to finish third by Cowherd, pointing to an aging roster coming off major surgical recoveries and defensive pass rush struggles. “They were 20th ranked in defense. They struggled to get to the quarterback. They have the oldest roster,” Cowherd said. “They are highly reliant at left tackle, running back, edge rusher, linebacker on veteran players who are coming off injuries.” Arizona was projected to finish fourth in the division as the team undergoes a rebuild while playing in arguably the toughest division in football. “Arizona, bit of a mess. 0-6 against the division last year,” Cowherd said. “They’re playing like the Jets for next year’s draft. Arizona at fourth place.”Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
Costco’s wine and spirits section gets a lot of love for its low prices and dependable quality. Its popular sauvignon blanc wine is sourced from here.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
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Earlier this year, Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Shortly thereafter, Tiger checked into rehab with the goal of getting his life and career back on track.
But the golf legend’s latest appearance has some fans concerned about his health and well-being.
Yes, Tiger is back in the public eye.
The 50-year-old sports icon resurfaced Tuesday in a pre-recorded video message honoring longtime friend Notah Begay III, who received the Payne Stewart Award.
Woods appeared on the Golf Channel to celebrate Begay’s accomplishments both on and off the golf course.
He spoke warmly about their longtime friendship and praised Begay for his work supporting Native American communities and young people.
But while Woods’ message was meant to be a celebration of his friend, many viewers couldn’t help focusing on Woods himself.
Social media users immediately began commenting on the golfer’s noticeably different appearance.
“Tiger looks a shell of his former self, sadly,” one person wrote (via Page Six).
Another asked, “What’s going on with the Big Cat? Looks different for sure.”
A third fan was even more blunt, writing, “Geez, Tiger doesn’t look so good.”
Still, not everyone viewed Woods’ appearance negatively. Some fans said he appeared thinner, while others suggested that he looked sober and healthier following his time away from the spotlight.
The intense reaction comes after Woods has spent much of 2026 dealing with serious personal and legal issues.
In March, Woods was involved in a rollover crash in Florida that resulted in DUI-related charges.
Authorities subsequently found opioid pain medication in his possession. Woods has pleaded not guilty to charges including DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test.
Woods later entered a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland and remained largely out of the public eye after returning to the United States.
His legal troubles have also complicated what had been another attempt at a comeback. Woods has endured numerous surgeries and significant physical problems throughout his career, including injuries stemming from his devastating 2021 car accident.
For now, his future on the golf course remains uncertain.
Woods’ next major public appearance could come in front of a judge. His first in-person court appearance in connection with the March crash is currently scheduled for September 8 in Florida.
Until then, Woods appears to be keeping his focus on his recovery — and on staying out of the spotlight as much as possible.
That may be easier said than done for one of the most famous athletes in the world.
Tiger Woods Looks Like ‘Shell of Former Self’ Post-Rehab, Fans Allege was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
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These five Dolly Parton songs may never sound the same. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
