The Energy News Digest for December 29, 2021

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Alaska Experiences Record-High Temperature for December, Freezing Rain (Washington Post – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/12/28/alaska-record-temperatures-climate/

Lake Tahoe Shatters 50-Year December Snowfall Record with More Than 16 Feet of Snow (USA Today – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/12/28/lake-tahoe-december-snow-fall-breaks-record/9031911002/

British Columbia: Electricity Demand Breaks Records Reports BC Hydro (E-Know, Canada)

https://www.e-know.ca/regions/east-kootenay/electricity-demand-breaks-records-reports-bc-hydro/

Dismissal of Charges Sought in Death of Skookumchuck Wind Farm Worker (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/dismissal-of-charges-sought-in-death-of-skookumchuck-wind-farm-worker,281595

What We Learned This Year About Human Waste & Puget Sound (Crosscut Seattle)

https://crosscut.com/environment/2021/12/what-we-learned-year-about-human-waste-and-puget-sound

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      British Columbia: Electricity Demand Breaks Records Reports BC Hydro

2.      WA State: Chelan PUD Expecting Record-Breaking Energy Demand with Frigid Cold This Week

3.      NW Natural Asks Oregon Regulators for a 9.9% Rate Hike

4.      Idaho Power Seeking Approval for Large-Load Special Contract

5.      New Mexico Tribes Concerned About Plan to Power Nuclear Lab

6.      Buffett, Anschutz-Backed Power Lines Get Deal to Move Forward

7.      How New England Bungled Its Plan to Transition to Renewable Energy

8.      Clark Public Utilities Gives Out $3.4 Million in Aid

9.      WA State: Okanogan County PUD Helps Ratepayers Keep the Lights On

10.   Will Nuclear Fusion Ever Power the World?

11.   Alexa Tells 10-Year-Old Girl to Touch Live Plug with Penny

12.   One Unexpected Way for Biden to Help the Climate & Rural America at the Same Time – The president has the power to reform the wayward Tennessee Valley Authority

13.   Guest Essay: Utility Pole Regs Could Hamper Montana Broadband Initiative

14.   The Future of the Universal Service Fund

15.   Dismissal of Charges Sought in Death of Skookumchuck Wind Farm Worker

16.   As Miners Chase Clean-Energy Minerals Across the West, Tribes Fear a Repeat of the Past

17.   Clean Hydrogen Use Gaining Momentum in Countries

18.   Keep Your Bills Low During Winter Weather with Energy Saving Tips from the Benton PUD

19.   Here’s How to Save Big on Your Energy Bill During Whatcom’s Record-Breaking Low Temps

20.   What We Learned This Year About Human Waste & Puget Sound

21.   Sewage Spill Contaminates Percival Creek, Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet

22.   Alaska Experiences Record-High Temperature for December, Freezing Rain

23.   Data Confirms All-Time Record Temperatures During Summer Heatwave in North Central Washington

24.   Oregon’s Smallest, Southernmost Glacier Has Disappeared, Observers Say

25.   For The Northwest, Climate Change Was Hard to Ignore in 2021

26.   Washington State Public Works Board Has Approved $44.6 Million In New Grants for Broadband Expansion

27.   WA State: Broadband to Expand West of Port Angeles – Agency Leaders Anticipate More Fund Opportunities

28.   China Urges U.S. to Protect Its Space Station from Internet-Providing Satellites

29.   The Generation That Desires Good Internet Over Love: Young People Value Strong Broadband Connection More Than Finding Romance, Survey Finds

30.   Watch a Tesla Owner Blow Up His Model S with 66 Pounds of Dynamite Instead of Paying $22,000 to Repair It

31.   Montana Producers Prepare for Recreational Marijuana Jan. 1

32.   How Oklahoma Became a Marijuana Boom State

33.   Is Noon 12 AM or 12 PM?

34.   Lake Tahoe Shatters 50-Year December Snowfall Record with More Than 16 Feet of Snow

35.   Western Washington State: Clear & Cold Before Another Round of Snow Overnight

WORD OF THE DAY

Wreak \REEK\ Verb - 1: to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment) 2: to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling) 3: bring about, cause.

“Good grief,” opined Samuel Morse to his illiterate assistant. “It’s ‘what hath God wrought,’ you ninny. Not, ‘what hath god wreaked’.”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      British Columbia: Electricity Demand Breaks Records Reports BC Hydro (E-Know, Canada)

https://www.e-know.ca/regions/east-kootenay/electricity-demand-breaks-records-reports-bc-hydro/

2.      WA State: Chelan PUD Expecting Record-Breaking Energy Demand with Frigid Cold This Week (KPQ-Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/chelan-pud-expecting-record-breaking-energy-demand-with-frigid-cold-this-week/

3.      NW Natural Asks Oregon Regulators for a 9.9% Rate Hike (Portland Business Journal, OR – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2021/12/27/nw-natural-wants-a-9-9-general-rate-increase.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search

4.      Idaho Power Seeking Approval for Large-Load Special Contract (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/33245-idaho-power-seeking-approval-for-large-load-special-contract/?amp

5.      New Mexico Tribes Concerned About Plan to Power Nuclear Lab (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-mexico/articles/2021-12-29/new-mexico-tribes-concerned-about-plan-to-power-nuclear-lab

6.      Buffett, Anschutz-Backed Power Lines Get Deal to Move Forward (Bloomberg News)

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-28/buffett-anschutz-backed-power-lines-get-deal-to-move-forward

7.      How New England Bungled Its Plan to Transition to Renewable Energy (The Guardian, UK)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/29/maine-renewable-energy-hydropower-new-england

8.      Clark Public Utilities Gives Out $3.4 Million in Aid (Vancouver Columbian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/dec/29/clark-public-utilities-gives-out-3-4m-in-aid/

9.      WA State: Okanogan County PUD Helps Ratepayers Keep the Lights On (Quad City Herald, Chelan, WA)

https://www.qcherald.com/public-utility-dist/okanogan-county-pud-helps-ratepayers-keep-lights

10.   Will Nuclear Fusion Ever Power the World? (Gizmodo)

https://gizmodo.com/will-nuclear-fusion-ever-power-the-world-1848149991

11.   Alexa Tells 10-Year-Old Girl to Touch Live Plug with Penny (British Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-59810383

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

12.   One Unexpected Way for Biden to Help the Climate & Rural America at the Same Time – The president has the power to reform the wayward Tennessee Valley Authority (The New Republic)

https://newrepublic.com/article/164722/biden-climate-tennessee-valley-authority

13.   Guest Essay: Utility Pole Regs Could Hamper Montana Broadband Initiative (Montana Standard, Butte. MT)

https://mtstandard.com/opinion/columnists/guest-view-utility-pole-regs-could-hamper-montana-broadband-initiative/article_314904a7-26be-5294-903c-1694fb5af495.html

14.   The Future of the Universal Service Fund (Pots & Pans)

https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/12/29/the-future-of-the-universal-service-fund/

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

15.   Dismissal of Charges Sought in Death of Skookumchuck Wind Farm Worker (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/dismissal-of-charges-sought-in-death-of-skookumchuck-wind-farm-worker,281595

16.   As Miners Chase Clean-Energy Minerals Across the West, Tribes Fear a Repeat of the Past (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/as-miners-chase-clean-energy-minerals-across-the-west-tribes-fear-a-repeat-of-the-past/

17.   Clean Hydrogen Use Gaining Momentum in Countries (U.S. News & World Report)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2021-12-27/hydrogen-use-gaining-momentum-in-countries-amid-climate-change

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

18.   Keep Your Bills Low During Winter Weather with Energy Saving Tips from the Benton PUD (KAPP/KVEW TV, Yakima/Tri-Cities, WA)

https://www.yaktrinews.com/keep-your-bills-low-during-winter-weather-with-energy-saving-tips-from-the-benton-pud/

19.   Here’s How to Save Big on Your Energy Bill During Whatcom’s Record-Breaking Low Temps (Bellingham Herald, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/weather-news/article256893062.html

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

20.   What We Learned This Year About Human Waste & Puget Sound (Crosscut Seattle)

https://crosscut.com/environment/2021/12/what-we-learned-year-about-human-waste-and-puget-sound

21.   Sewage Spill Contaminates Percival Creek, Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet (Olympian, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article256905512.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

22.   Alaska Experiences Record-High Temperature for December, Freezing Rain (Washington Post – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/12/28/alaska-record-temperatures-climate/

23.   Data Confirms All-Time Record Temperatures During Summer Heatwave in North Central Washington (KPQ-Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/data-confirms-all-time-record-temperatures-during-summer-heatwave-in-north-central-washington/

24.   Oregon’s Smallest, Southernmost Glacier Has Disappeared, Observers Say (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2021/12/oregons-smallest-southernmost-glacier-has-disappeared-observers-say.html

 

25.   For The Northwest, Climate Change Was Hard to Ignore in 2021 (KUOW Radio, Seattle, WA)

https://www.kuow.org/stories/climate-change-was-hard-to-ignore-for-the-northwest-in-2021

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

26.   Washington State Public Works Board Has Approved $44.6 Million In New Grants for Broadband Expansion (Washington Policy Center)

https://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/detail/washington-state-public-works-board-has-approved-446-million-in-new-grants-for-broadband-expansion

27.   WA State: Broadband to Expand West of Port Angeles – Agency Leaders Anticipate More Fund Opportunities (Sequim Gazette, WA)

https://www.sequimgazette.com/news/broadband-to-expand-west-of-port-angeles/

28.   China Urges U.S. to Protect Its Space Station from Internet-Providing Satellites (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2021-12-28/china-calls-on-us-to-protect-space-station-from-satellites

29.   The Generation That Desires Good Internet Over Love: Young People Value Strong Broadband Connection More Than Finding Romance, Survey Finds (The Daily Mail, UK)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10351553/Young-people-value-strong-broadband-connection-finding-romance-survey-finds.html

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

30.   Watch a Tesla Owner Blow Up His Model S with 66 Pounds of Dynamite Instead of Paying $22,000 to Repair It (Yahoo! News)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/watch-tesla-owner-blow-model-161712290.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

31.   Montana Producers Prepare for Recreational Marijuana Jan. 1 (KFYR-TV, Bismarck, ND)

https://www.kfyrtv.com/2021/12/28/montana-producers-prepare-recreational-marijuana-jan-1/

32.   How Oklahoma Became a Marijuana Boom State (Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, CA)

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/how-oklahoma-became-a-marijuana-boom-state/?ref=TSM

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

33.   Is Noon 12 AM or 12 PM? (Royal Museums, Greenwich, UK)

https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/noon-12-am-or-12-pm

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

34.   Lake Tahoe Shatters 50-Year December Snowfall Record with More Than 16 Feet of Snow (USA Today – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/12/28/lake-tahoe-december-snow-fall-breaks-record/9031911002/

35.   Western Washington State: Clear & Cold Before Another Round of Snow Overnight (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/clear-cold-before-another-round-snow-overnight/56226JT6VNANNC63VTTQION2BA/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

NFL Hall of Fame Coach & Former Grays Harbor Community College Alum Choker John Madden Dead at 85

https://www.kxro.com/nfl-hall-of-fame-coach-and-former-grays-harbor-choker-john-madden-dead-at-85/

Trial to Open Next Month in Spectacular German Jewelry Theft

https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2021-12-29/trial-to-open-next-month-in-spectacular-german-jewelry-theft

The 3,500-Year-Old Mummy of an Egyptian King Has Been ‘Digitally Unwrapped’ for the First Time

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/28/world/egyptian-mummy-unwrap-scn/index.html

Letter That Arrived 68 Years Late Returned to Family

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/12/28/long-lost-letter-arrives-68-years-late/4291640716840/

SONG OF THE DAY

Sam Spence – The Power & Glory: Up as She Rises (NFL Films)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpbM8djgzwM

The Energy News Digest for December 27, 2021

The Energy News Digest is sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association. 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Media attribution includes information about possible paywall restrictions.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Snow Turns to Frigid Temperatures in the Pacific Northwest (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2021-12-27/snow-turns-to-frigid-temperatures-in-the-pacific-northwest

Already-Endangered WA State Salmon May Take a Hit from Flooding (Crosscut Seattle)

https://crosscut.com/environment/2021/12/already-endangered-wa-salmon-may-take-hit-flooding

WA State Sen. Jeff Wilson’s Bill Would Relaunch Solar Energy Incentives for Homes (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/state-sen-jeff-wilsons-bill-would-relaunch-solar-energy-incentives-for-homes,281484

California: Billions of Dollars Coming for Broadband Upgrades, Seeking to Close Digital Divide for North Coast Residents (Santa Roza Press-Democrat, CA)

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/billions-of-dollars-coming-for-broadband-upgrades-seeking-to-bridge-digita/

Canada’s First New Nuclear Reactor in Decades Is an American Design. Will It Prompt a Rethink of Government Support? (The Globe & Mail, Canada)

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-canadas-first-new-nuclear-reactor-in-decades-is-an-american-design/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      Canada’s First New Nuclear Reactor in Decades Is an American Design. Will It Prompt a Rethink of Government Support?

2.      New Mexico Lawmakers Want to Study Costs, Benefits of Public Power

3.      Montana Governor’s Apprenticeship Ratio Proposal Sparks Concerns

4.      WA State: Chelan PUD Looking for Long Term Contract to Sell its Surplus Power

5.      Infrastructure Bill to Aid U.S. Tribes with Water, Plumbing

6.      What New York City’s Ban on Gas-Powered Heat Could Mean for the Future of Clean Energy

7.      Battle Between Urban & Rural Power Providers Could Hit Electric Bills Across Kansas

8.      National Labs to Help 21 Public Utility Commissions Pondering Grid Transformations

9.      Guest Essay: Don’t Burn Money to Fight Climate Change

10.   3 Out of 4 Americans Support Community Broadband, Yet 19 States Still Ban or Hinder Such Networks

11.   WA State Sen. Jeff Wilson’s Bill Would Relaunch Solar Energy Incentives for Homes

12.   Montana’s Largest Wind Farm Underway Near Miles City

13.   Efforts to ‘Solarize Corvallis’ Lands Its First Local Business, Block 15

14.   Pacific Gas & Electric May Slash Credits to Homes with Excess Solar Power. Where Do Modesto & Turlock Irrigation Districts Stand?

15.   The U.S. Wants More Clean Energy Projects on Public Lands. One Wyoming Wind Farm Shows It’s Not That Easy

16.   Tips On Saving Money on Your Power Bill This Winter

17.   Already-Endangered WA State Salmon May Take a Hit from Flooding

18.   Young Salmon Found a Haven During the Pacific Northwest’s Sweltering Summer. What That Means for Their Future

19.   WA State: Yakima Water Woes Need More Storage Options, Advocacy Group Says

20.   New NOAA Reports on Alaska’s Oceans Highlight Disruptive Warming Trends

21.   WA State: U.S. Rep. Newhouse Critical of Gaps in Gov. Inslee’s Climate Proposal

22.   How Climate Change Is Affecting the Wine & Champagne Supply

23.   California: Billions of Dollars Coming for Broadband Upgrades, Seeking to Close Digital Divide for North Coast Residents

24.   Alaska: Tlingit & Haida to Pilot Tribal Broadband Internet Service in Wrangell

25.   Chinese Citizens Slam Musk Online After Space Station Near-Misses with Internet Satellites

26.   Outlets Hurt by Dwindling Public Interest in News in 2021

27.   Tacoma Light & Water Co. Illuminates Tacoma Streets on December 26, 1886

28.   Canada’s First Zoo-Based Biogas Facility Produces Clean Renewable Electricity at Toronto Zoo

29.   Council Pushes Spokane Mayor to Collect Utility Tax on County Residents – Will She?

30.   Idaho Leads Country in Population Growth Rate for Fifth Year in a Row

31.   Snow Turns to Frigid Temperatures in the Pacific Northwest

32.   Heavy Winds Could Bring Blowing Snow, Dangerous Wind Chills to North Central Washington State

33.   Snowy, Icy Roads in Portland Metro Area; More Snow & Freezing Temperatures on the Way

34.   Oregon Winter Storm Updates: Long-Term Freeze with More Snow Forecast in Valley, 6,700 without Power

35.   Major Storm Dumps Snow, Closes Mountain Routes in California

WORD OF THE DAY

Rubicon \ROOB-ih-kahn\ Noun - A bounding or limiting line; especially: one that when crossed commits a person irrevocably.

“You have crossed the Rubicon, grasshopper,” intoned the beefy tiddlywinks coach to his wiry young apprentice. “The callouses you gained on the amateur circuit show you are now ready to enter the ring of honor on the professional tour.” “May God protect your soul.”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Canada’s First New Nuclear Reactor in Decades Is an American Design. Will It Prompt a Rethink of Government Support? (The Globe & Mail, Canada)

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-canadas-first-new-nuclear-reactor-in-decades-is-an-american-design/

2.      New Mexico Lawmakers Want to Study Costs, Benefits of Public Power (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-mexico/articles/2021-12-22/lawmakers-want-to-study-costs-benefits-of-public-power

3.      Montana Governor’s Apprenticeship Ratio Proposal Sparks Concerns (KPVI-TV, Pocatello, ID)

https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/governors-apprenticeship-ratio-proposal-sparks-concerns/article_29f991b2-b14c-57de-84de-8945b115305b.html

4.      WA State: Chelan PUD Looking for Long Term Contract to Sell its Surplus Power (KPQ-Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/chelan-pud-looking-for-long-term-contract-to-sell-its-surplus-power/

5.      Infrastructure Bill to Aid U.S. Tribes with Water, Plumbing (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/infrastructure-bill-to-aid-us-tribes/283-350bd56c-7616-4ca5-804c-66296dd8f27d

6.      What New York City’s Ban on Gas-Powered Heat Could Mean for the Future of Clean Energy (National Public Radio)

https://www.npr.org/2021/12/26/1068160170/what-new-yorks-ban-on-gas-powered-heat-could-mean-for-the-future-of-clean-energy

7.      Battle Between Urban & Rural Power Providers Could Hit Electric Bills Across Kansas (Wichita Eagle, KS)

https://www.kansas.com/news/state/article256789862.html

8.      National Labs to Help 21 Public Utility Commissions Pondering Grid Transformations (Daily Energy Insider)

https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/33205-national-labs-to-help-21-public-utility-commissions-pondering-grid-transformations/

SOAPBOX SERENADE – VOX POPULI

9.      Guest Essay: Don’t Burn Money to Fight Climate Change (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2021/12/23/opinion-dont-burn-money-to-fight-climate-change.html

10.   3 Out of 4 Americans Support Community Broadband, Yet 19 States Still Ban or Hinder Such Networks (Techdirt)

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20211221/07351948160/3-out-4-americans-support-community-broadband-yet-19-states-still-ban-hinder-such-networks.shtml

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

11.   WA State Sen. Jeff Wilson’s Bill Would Relaunch Solar Energy Incentives for Homes (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA)

https://www.chronline.com/stories/state-sen-jeff-wilsons-bill-would-relaunch-solar-energy-incentives-for-homes,281484

12.   Montana’s Largest Wind Farm Underway Near Miles City (Billings Gazette, MT – Paywall Advisory)

https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montanas-largest-wind-farm-underway-near-miles-city/article_6531bced-e6fc-5a03-bb71-5e5e4762d714.html

13.   Efforts to ‘Solarize Corvallis’ Lands Its First Local Business, Block 15 (Corvallis Gazette-Times, OR)

https://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/efforts-to-solarize-corvallis-lands-its-first-local-business-block-15/article_110f5e1d-5c8f-5747-bce2-e472a748d9cb.html

14.   Pacific Gas & Electric May Slash Credits to Homes with Excess Solar Power. Where Do Modesto & Turlock Irrigation Districts Stand? (Modesto Bee, CA)

https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article256636011.html

15.   The U.S. Wants More Clean Energy Projects on Public Lands. One Wyoming Wind Farm Shows It’s Not That Easy (KSUT Radio, Ignacio, CO)

https://www.ksut.org/environment-climate/2021-12-24/the-u-s-wants-more-clean-energy-projects-on-public-lands-one-wyoming-wind-farm-shows-its-not-that-easy

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

16.   Tips On Saving Money on Your Power Bill This Winter (KMVT-TV, Twin Falls, ID)

https://www.kmvt.com/2021/12/24/tips-saving-money-your-power-bill-this-winter/

FISH & WILDLIFE

17.   Already-Endangered WA State Salmon May Take a Hit from Flooding (Crosscut Seattle)

https://crosscut.com/environment/2021/12/already-endangered-wa-salmon-may-take-hit-flooding

18.   Young Salmon Found a Haven During the Pacific Northwest’s Sweltering Summer. What That Means for Their Future. (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/young-salmon-found-haven-in-cool-coastal-waters-during-northwests-sweltering-summer-surveys-show/

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

19.   WA State: Yakima Water Woes Need More Storage Options, Advocacy Group Says (Northwest News Network)

https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/2021-12-22/yakima-water-woes-need-more-storage-options-advocacy-group-says

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

20.   New NOAA Reports on Alaska’s Oceans Highlight Disruptive Warming Trends (Anchorage Daily News, AK – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/science/2021/12/23/new-noaa-reports-on-alaskas-oceans-highlight-disruptive-warming-trends/

21.   WA State: U.S. Rep. Newhouse Critical of Gaps in Gov. Inslee’s Climate Proposal (KPQ-Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/newhouse-critical-of-gaps-in-inslees-climate-proposal/

22.   How Climate Change Is Affecting the Wine & Champagne Supply (Yahoo! News)

https://news.yahoo.com/global-warming-affecting-wine-supply-053844536.html

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

23.   California: Billions of Dollars Coming for Broadband Upgrades, Seeking to Close Digital Divide for North Coast Residents (Santa Roza Press-Democrat, CA)

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/billions-of-dollars-coming-for-broadband-upgrades-seeking-to-bridge-digita/

24.   Alaska: Tlingit & Haida to Pilot Tribal Broadband Internet Service in Wrangell (KINY Radio, Juneau, AK)

https://www.kinyradio.com/news/news-of-the-north/tlingit-and-haida-to-pilot-tribal-broadband-internet-service-in-wrangell/

25.   Chinese Citizens Slam Musk Online After Space Station Near-Misses with Internet Satellites (Reuters)

https://news.yahoo.com/chinese-citizens-slam-musk-online-105555814.html

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

26.   Outlets Hurt by Dwindling Public Interest in News in 2021 (Associated Press)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/outlets-hurt-dwindling-public-interest-050811424.html

27.   Tacoma Light & Water Co. Illuminates Tacoma Streets on December 26, 1886. (HistoryLink)

https://www.historylink.org/File/5020

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

28.   Canada’s First Zoo-Based Biogas Facility Produces Clean Renewable Electricity at Toronto Zoo (Toronto Star, Ontario, Canada)

https://www.thestar.com/local-toronto-scarborough/opinion/2021/12/23/canada-s-first-zoo-based-biogas-facility-produces-clean-renewable-electricity-at-toronto-zoo.html

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY

29.   Council Pushes Spokane Mayor to Collect Utility Tax on County Residents – Will She? (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/dec/26/council-pushes-spokane-mayor-to-collect-utility-ta/

30.   Idaho Leads Country in Population Growth Rate for Fifth Year in a Row (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/dec/25/idaho-leads-country-in-population-growth-rate-for-/

WHITHER THE WEATHER

31.   Snow Turns to Frigid Temperatures in the Pacific Northwest (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2021-12-27/snow-turns-to-frigid-temperatures-in-the-pacific-northwest

32.   Heavy Winds Could Bring Blowing Snow, Dangerous Wind Chills to North Central Washington State (KPQ-Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/heavy-winds-could-bring-blowing-snow-dangerous-wind-chills-to-ncw/

33.   Snowy, Icy Roads in Portland Metro Area; More Snow & Freezing Temperatures on the Way (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

https://www.kgw.com/article/weather/severe-weather/snow-ice-portland-metro-area/283-fbb277a8-785b-4c25-9574-4fe794cf08d1

34.   Oregon Winter Storm Updates: Long-Term Freeze with More Snow Forecast in Valley, 6,700 without Power (Salem Statesman-Journal, OR)

https://news.yahoo.com/oregon-winter-storm-updates-icy-155553528.html

35.   Major Storm Dumps Snow, Closes Mountain Routes in California (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-travel-environment-and-nature-california-nevada-2a4c0b1ff3ca1b40a487601dce28dec0

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Idaho: ‘Talk About Your Squirrel Assassin’: Squirrels Eating Holiday Lights Around the Treasure Valley

https://www.kivitv.com/news/talk-about-your-squirrel-assassin-squirrels-eating-holiday-lights-around-the-treasure-valley

Drawing Bought for $30 At Estate Sale Is Actually Worth $50 Million

https://nypost.com/2021/12/15/drawing-bought-for-30-is-actually-worth-50-million/

Texas Woman’s Stolen Class Ring Returned 18 Years Later

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/12/27/San-Antonio-class-ring-found-18-years/6181640624668/

Idaho Man Juggles Blindfolded for 32 Minutes to Break Own Guinness Record

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/12/27/Guinness-World-Records-David-Rush-blindfolded-juggling-duration/4691640630313/

SONG OF THE DAY

Starbuck – Moonlight Feels Right

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zP59ESRm4c