alongside multiple federal partner agencies recently conducted a comprehensive Multi-Agency Strike Force Operation (MASFO) at a cargo container terminal in the Bay of San Juan authorities inspected approximately 105 containers and 40 vehicles while conducting 30 Transportation Worker Identification Credential verifications While no security violations were detected three containers were temporarily detained due to preexisting damage and improper cargo securing Coast Guard Sector San Juan waterways management division chief emphasized the operation’s strategic importance: “This MASFO is part of the Coast Guard’s strategic efforts to ensure the safety and security of containerized cargo shipments within our marine transportation system and is essential to ensure the safe flow of commerce between the continental United States and other countries in the Caribbean Sea” The operation demonstrated a robust interagency collaboration bringing together key federal agencies including Coast Guard Investigative Services Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan and Captain of the Port highlighted the importance of this collaborative approach: “Port security is a top priority which requires a whole-of-government approach to achieve the highest possible standard.” The MASFO’s primary objectives focused on elevating regulatory inspection activity and reinforcing cargo safety and security These efforts aim to prevent the transportation of materials linked to malign actors or terrorist organizations This operation follows recent container security initiatives at other major U.S recent inspections revealed a 60% deficiency rate in hazardous material compliance resulted in the seizure of eight undeclared hazardous material containers and 33 stolen vehicles valued at over $2.4 million Coast Guard Sector San Juan team consists of Marine Science Technicians from the prevention department and Maritime Enforcement Specialists from the Sector Boarding Team maintaining their commitment to ensuring regional maritime security and operational integrity Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update and updates delivered daily straight to your inbox 2025 (Bloomberg) –Sudan’s army said its opponents used drones to strike a military airbase and other locations in Port Sudan May 3 (Reuters) – India said on Saturday it had banned the import of goods coming from or transiting via Pakistan and barred Pakistani ships as tensions rise between the nuclear-armed neighbours in the wake of a deadly attack on.. May 3 (Reuters) – The mayor of the Russian port city of Novorossiisk declared a state of emergency on Saturday after local authorities said a Ukrainian drone attack had damaged a grain terminal.. Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news Stay informed with the latest maritime and offshore news For general inquiries and to contact us,please email: [email protected] To submit a story idea or contact our editors, please email: [email protected] For advertising opportunities contactEmail: [email protected]Phone: +1.805.704.2536. Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. Suspected DUI driver leads deputies on chase prompts San Juan County elementary lockdownby Danielle MacKimm was flown to the hospital after crashing through a fence while fleeing law enforcement San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies said they began receiving reports of a possible intoxicated driver seen along SR-191 just before noon on Friday Authorities responded and located the vehicle near milepost 37 Deputies stopped the truck and made contact with the driver who was reportedly noncompliant and fled south toward Bluff Authorities pursued the truck but were forced to call off the chase just north of Bluff A lockdown was ordered for nearby Bluff Elementary School a sheriff's deputy located the pickup near Bluff’s old elementary school at 600 E a Utah Highway Patrol trooper responded to assist and attempted to stop the vehicle the pickup reportedly lost control and crashed through a barbed wire fence Authorities rushed to the scene and began rendering aid to the driver—the sole occupant Medics responded and transported the driver to a regional facility before they were flown to a hospital The extent of the driver’s injuries was not disclosed Deputies did not provide information about whether any arrests or citations have been made posted May 5,  2025 – U.S. Representative Rick Larsen visited the library on April 14th to speak with Library Director Laurie Orton, trustees, and other library staff about the effects of an executive order issued by the federal administration on March 14 which calls for deep cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Representative Larsen tours the library with the Library Director and two members of the Library Board of Trustees IMLS is an independent federal agency that supports libraries and museums in all 50 states and U.S It is the nation’s only federal agency that funds America’s libraries The Washington State Library (WSL) oversees the distribution of these funds to Washington libraries The newly appointed acting director of IMLS has gone so far as to cancel all existing grants for three states–California Representative Larsen and Director Orton spoke about several of the concerns for San Juan Island Library due to this cut to federal funding Representative Larsen expressed concern for this loss of funding and will use this information to inform his work in the U.S “Libraries are more than just stacks of books and other nonprofit cultural organizations like San Juan Island Library receive in government funding they return more than $5 in tax revenue,” said Representative Larsen rural libraries like the one I went to growing up may be the only source of free internet in a community This administration says they are going after "waste and abuse" in government spending — but they are actually attacking services that kids and families rely on.” Representative Larsen also donated a box of youth-age books from the Library of Congress to the library These will be added to our collections or given away as prizes during our summer reading program Library staff can answer any questions you have at 360.378.2798 or sjlib@sjlib.org Library programs and cards are free of charge to San Juan Island residents the library also provides public access computers and a suite of databases that patrons can access in the library or at home Voting is underway in San Juan for the city's mayor Incumbent Mario Garza is hoping for a third term meanwhile his colleague and city commissioner Ernesto Guajardo is looking to take the spot RELATED COVERAGE: San Juan mayoral candidates share vision for city Unofficial election results show Garza is ahead in the polls with 1,524 votes and Guajardo has 1,275 votes Election results are unofficial until they have been certified Garza plans to tackle drainage issues in the city and Guajardo says he's looking to improve city infrastructure Both candidates have been serving since 2017.  For more election results, click here. FARMINGTON, N.M. — The San Juan Basin, in the northwestern part of the state, is one of the oldest federal lands drilling areas in the U.S brown high desert that first started booming in the 1950s Today, some 40,000 wells pockmark the rolling hills of the Four Corners region several thousand of them still reliably pump up light sweet crude oil and natural gas through the old iconic pumpjacks But this historic and remote drilling region has struggled for the last decade or more "It used to be an epicenter," says Sean Dugan the third-generation president of Dugan Production a family drilling business in the boom-and-bust town of Farmington He's talking about the major international companies like Chevron and BP that started pulling out of the basin after the 2008 financial crisis Many left for shale drilling areas like the Bakken in North Dakota or the Permian Basin in southern New Mexico and Texas where drilling on private land was more productive Today it's only the smaller independents like Dugan still hanging on. But he sees potential for another boom out here we've got a lot of tricks up our sleeves," says the cheerful and charismatic Dugan Local drillers say more than half the natural gas reserves in this region have yet to be tapped And the hope is all the new computer data centers being built in places like Phoenix will want cheaper gas-powered electricity But watching a group of roughnecks on a rig in grubby overalls moving huge which is what these pipelines are made out of now That all comes from the Asian markets," Dugan says Dugan says the cost of doing business out here was already expensive and President Trump's trade war is making it worse Many oil and gas company executives, particularly the larger ones, initially celebrated Trump's return to the White House. But lately, that optimism for higher oil company profits appears to have faded amid growing fears of a recession drill baby drill and lower oil prices are not simpatico," says George Sharpe investment manager for Merrion Oil and Gas one of the San Juan Basin's oldest drillers if Trump tanks the economy and oil prices hover at or below the cost of production you can remove all the regulatory barriers you want but companies will be wary of drilling new wells "I think the whole tariff thing is going to backfire on Trump," Sharpe says Today Dugan says he wants to plan for ten years out But he doesn't even know what's going to happen tomorrow "It just kneecaps ya when all this uncertainty and volatility is in the air," Dugan says President Trump lost New Mexico handily in the presidential election last year but he did rack up big wins in rural counties like this In interviews with local industry and community leaders it's clear there is still plenty of hope that the Trump administration's newer revised slogan of "build baby build" will make it easier to get a new gas pipeline built between the San Juan Basin and Mexico Our workers welcome energy policies that put American energy first," Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett said noting in an email that his town was built on top of one of the richest gas and coal fields in the U.S On the day President Trump issued four new executive orders to revive America's coal industry local environmentalist Dave Fosdeck was driving his four-wheel drive truck to the top of a hogback for what turned out to be a bit of an apocalyptic view "Four Corners power plant about 11 o'clock there and San Juan Generating station up to our left at 9 o'clock." There was the enormous San Juan coal plant — currently being dismantled — a hulking gash of twisted metal and steel glaring in the desert sun The Four Corners plant on the Navajo Nation is supposed to be decommissioned in 2031 but Trump has promised to stop coal plants from closing "It's about supply and demand and also the cost of producing in this remote region compared to like But people here are tired of seeing Farmington in the headlines as a town that's losing population "It's hard to find an area like this that has been so dependent on oil and gas trying to transition to something else." Farmington has tried to diversify by promoting tourism and outdoor recreation on all the federal public lands in the region With virtually no new drilling here for now most of the oilfield work is in servicing existing wells Alex Prieto is supervising a crew that's laying production pipe into a shuttered well He's grateful for the job in a time when so much feels uncertain "I provide for my family which is the most important thing." It also means he doesn't have to travel to other oil patches out of state for work The oil field is the main thing out here," Prieto says But no one seems to be preparing for a lot of new hiring here at this point despite promises of a new oil and gas boom on federal land This is the latest report in an occasional NPR National Desk series examining how President Trump's early actions are playing out across America Become an NPR sponsor A whale watch company with a spare vessel is operating the demonstration of passenger-only ferry service from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands until June 30 Free foot ferry lasts for five fortnights with state funding For the next 10 weeks, people can travel to and from the scenic San Juan Islands for free as the archipelago tests the waters of county-run, passenger-only ferry service State money is paying for a twice-daily roundtrip between the three most populous islands and Anacortes using a chartered whale watching tour boat The boat trial grew out of frustration with unreliable state ferry service in recent years But even if the county’s walk-on ferry proves popular it’s unclear how it could be sustained permanently “Until people in San Juan County feel that they can count on the [state] ferries like they did 10 years ago,” San Juan County Council Chair Kari McVeigh said McVeigh rode along on the inaugural round trip between Friday Harbor and downtown Anacortes The foot ferry made intermediate stops at Orcas Landing and Lopez Island in each direction Ridership was light during the opening weekend of service due to the short-notice startup and limited pre-launch publicity Captain Brian Goodremont steered the 55-foot tour boat Sea Lion across sun-splashed seas at about the same speed as the state ferries — 17 knots — on an unusually warm Good Friday to inaugurate the service “I think it is mostly going to be islanders that use this service,” said Goodremont the contracted passenger-only ferry operator “As we get closer to peak season for visitors — once school is out — I can see visitors using it as an alternative.” As part of the same state-funded pilot project, San Juan County also contracted with a different local tour company for emergency interisland water taxi service which will sail only when the state interisland ferry is expected to be out of service for more than four hours That standby water taxi contract similarly expires on June 30 In recent weeks, state ferry system leaders have told the public and their overseers in the state Legislature that the car ferries have turned the corner on reliability. Washington State Ferries Chief Steve Nevey and his deputy told a state Senate panel last month that crewing is back to pre-pandemic levels and cancellations significantly reduced “We’re clearly going in the right direction,” deputy John Vezina testified But it’s been tough for our customers and we are aware of that.” The San Juans to Anacortes passenger-only ferry pilot project was designed with the needs of ferry-dependent islanders at the top of mind but the service should be appealing to visitors from the mainland The foot ferry terminates in downtown Anacortes at the Cap Sante Marina where islanders can walk to a wide variety of businesses Daytrippers headed to the San Juans can park at the marina for free unlike at the state ferry Anacortes terminal The Sea Lion vessel is certified for 49 passengers but Goodremont said it will be limited to 35 riders for the time being so that everyone has access to the heated Orcas Island resident Sooz Stahl was pleased to hear about the new county-run ferry as she waited in the sun for the state ferry to take her to her job running the post office on neighboring Shaw Island.  “They should support ways and plans for people to get here and to visit the islands without a car.” Stahl said she was unsure whether she would use the walk-on ferry during its 10-week tryout The county-provided service skips Shaw Island because the isle lacks a public dock suitable for the passenger-only ferry A potential drawback of the foot ferry for visitors is that there is no public transit or Uber/Lyft on the islands but Orcas Landing and the Lopez dropoff at Odlin County Park are a good distance from the main attractions of their respective islands Traditional taxis are available on San Juan and Orcas islands Bikes can be brought on board the passenger boat with prior reservation For travelers going between Friday Harbor and the mainland the walk-on ferry takes longer than WSF because of the intermediate stops Bellingham was proposed as the mainland terminus for a San Juan Islands passenger-only ferry run But San Juan County officials considered only Anacortes as the mainland landing this time around because the point of the state funding was to backstop the state ferry service The temporary passenger-only ferry is fare-free because the state is footing the bill Jay Inslee awarded the county $1.5 million in discretionary emergency relief funds last September after hearing a litany of complaints from islanders about missed appointments stranded schoolchildren and other disruptions caused by cancelled state ferry sailings the state Department of Commerce denied the county’s request to spend leftover grant funds after the state’s fiscal year ends on June 30 so this walk-on ferry service could be extended into peak tourist season in July Passengers who use the free foot ferry will be surveyed to provide the county with data that it can then use to make the case for a permanent service An ongoing passenger-only run would require a big subsidy if the fares were to be kept reasonable McVeigh said San Juan County does not currently have the deep pockets to shoulder those operating costs San Juan Safaris’ contract to operate the grant-funded temporary foot ferry costs $7,647.50 per day which adds up quickly to more than half a million dollars for the ten-and-a-half week duration of the pilot project Earlier this year at the Legislature, San Juan County council members testified in support of a bill dubbed the Mosquito Fleet Act to launch new locally operated walk-on ferry routes across Puget Sound But that proposal was stripped of funding last month and then died in the state Senate at the beginning of April Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) said the state government is not in a position to subsidize new ferry services in the near to medium term “The (2025-27) budget is really focused on making sure that our mainstay Washington State Ferries service is healthy strong and sustainable,” Liias said in late March.  “We want to make sure that the service we’re providing is top notch again and we’re investing to get there Passenger service in the future makes sense but for now we’re focused on the core of WSF service.” another option would be federal grant funding But McVeigh observed the chances of getting that look grim given the current budget-slashing tenor in the nation’s capital A third option would be to turn to local voters for approval to create a county transit district with taxing authority McVeigh said it is very premature to go down that path We want to see how our constituents feel about this.” the council chair from Friday Harbor said people should try out the limited-term passenger service and let the county know what they think “It’s a free ferry ride for now,” McVeigh said Did you find this story useful? If so, share it with a friend, a family member or colleagueand ask them to subscribe to Salish Current (it’s free) for more stories like this Help keep the local news flowing — support nonpartisan, fact-based, no-paywall local journalismwith a donation to the Salish Current — news for people Correspondent Tom Banse is an Olympia-based reporter with more than three decades of experience covering Washington and Oregon state government Most of his career was spent with public radio's Northwest News Network but now in semi-retirement his work is appearing on other outlets A STRONG COMMUNITY NEEDS A STRONG LOCAL PRESS.Help us revive local journalism Moab Sun News The Grand County High School softball team clinched their seventh victory in their last eight games with a decisive 6-1 win against the San Juan Broncos on Saturday It was a taste of redemption for the Red Devils who had previously lost to the Broncos 4-3 in April Chloe Byrd dominated the mound for all seven innings allowing just one unearned run on two hits and striking out 12 batters the Red Devils saw hits from four different players Hope Shumway made a significant impact by going 1-for-3 Bailey Altoff also shone with a 2-for-3 performance The Red Devils’ recent performance has propelled them to a 17-8 record thanks in large part to a solid pitching lineup that has averaged only 2.9 runs allowed in recent games Grand County will clash with Duchesne who have their own five-game winning streak See more information about Grand County High School sports SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 2, 2025, the iconic San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino celebrated three decades of history and excellence with an unforgettable anniversary party and distinguished media to commemorate Marriott's 30 years as an icon of hospitality in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean The evening began with a cocktail hour followed by a reception featuring live music provided by Ramón Vázquez and Friends offering an exquisite repertoire that blended Latin jazz and Caribbean rhythms guests enjoyed artistic performances that added a vibrant touch to the ambiance The venue was transformed into an immersive setting featuring green tones The color green symbolizes the 30th anniversary and hope—values that reflect the hotel's evolution as a community anchor and a symbol of resilience and innovation in the heart of Condado the hotel collaborated with the Kroniko Arte project and renowned artists Luis "Güillo" Cruz Martes and Steven Rivera López on the design and production of a commemorative silkscreen print The piece pays tribute to the hotel's history and its connection to the city blending the duo's distinctive artistic style with visual elements from the commemorative logo and the property's iconic architecture The silkscreen print was gifted to guests as an exclusive keepsake from the event A variety of culinary stations offered a world-class dining experience with a menu created by Executive Chef Romeo Penacino and led by the hotel's talented culinary team authentic dishes like pastelillos and roast pork The celebration not only marked an important milestone in the hotel's journey but also served as a showcase for the achievements of the past three decades including hosting numerous international events playing a crucial role as a center for refuge and recovery during hurricanes and national emergencies and having a strong and ongoing commitment to sustainability and community support the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has undergone a significant transformation including a multimillion-dollar investment from its owners recreational areas like the pool and new cabanas the renovated tennis and pickleball courts "We are incredibly proud to celebrate these 30 years of history and success The San Juan Marriott has been a symbol of hospitality and elegance for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and we will continue to be a key destination for both the community and visitors This anniversary not only celebrates our legacy but also our commitment to continuing to innovate and offer exceptional experiences," said Mariano Formariz General Manager of San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino As part of its firm commitment to excellence in hospitality Marriott International continues to strengthen strategic partnerships with entrepreneurial owners who share a common vision of quality This collaboration has been key to the sustained success of a distinguished portfolio of hotels and resorts where the company contributes its operational expertise and personalized management approach enhancing the value of each property and ensuring memorable guest experiences About San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino SOURCE San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino is thrilled to announce a comprehensive transformation that redefines hospitality and leisure in the heart of.. Retail Travel Hotels and Resorts Entertainment Do not sell or share my personal information: BLOOMFIELD – Five San Juan County teams punched tickets to the state tournament which kicks off with a first round best of three series that get underway across the state on Friday The Class 4A state tournament features the sixth-seeded Bloomfield High team winners of the District 1-4A crown for the second straight season facing the 11-seed Deming with game one scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m and game two scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m it will be played immediately following game two This will be the second year Bloomfield has hosted an opening round play game after hosting Valley in 2024 the last time the Bobcats hosted a playoff game was in 2014 when it took part in the Class 3A state tournament Bloomfield is the only San Juan County baseball team that will host an opening round game “The boys are in pretty good spirits right now A lot of them were surprised where we ended up so we like where we’re at right now,” Bloomfield coach Anthony Valencia said Valencia improved his squad’s seeding in 2025 by two spots from the eight seed the Bobcats earned in 2024 one out at a time and one at bat at time is all I want the boys to be thinking about right now,” Valencia said but if they can remain positive and just play the way they have been all year long they have the potential to go all the way.” Kirtland Central snuck its way into postseason play with the 15 seed and will be on the road for its opening round game against the number two seed St Game one of that series will be Friday at 4 p.m The Broncos turned in a 13-13 record on the season finishing second in District 1-4A behind Bloomfield at 7-3 The District 1-3A champion Navajo Prep grabbed the 12-seed and is set to face off against number fifth-seeded West Las Vegas Navajo Prep finished with an even winning percentage at .500 for the season and a perfect 8-0 in district play where it outscored its opponents 103-40 the Eagles have sustained an 11-game winning streak a stark contrast to its 0-8 start to the season Navajo Prep’s schedule included a mix of teams from Class A-5A with a majority of its success coming in district play the Eagles only carried a 4-13 record with those four wins coming against teams that did not make the postseason in their respective classes Navajo Prep entered the state tournament with the number nine seed and squared off against none other than West Las Vegas who sat at the eight seed West Las Vegas swept Navajo Prep by scores of 10-3 and 9-3 in last year’s playoff meeting before finishing as the runners-up to Roberston in 3A The first game of this series at West Las Vegas High is Friday at 6 p.m with game two scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m Piedra Vista finished its season with a winning record of 16-10 fourth in District 1-5A in what is widely considered as one of the toughest districts to play in the state of New Mexico District 1-5A will send all six of its teams to the postseason with two of the teams earning top four seeds The Panthers took the 11-seed in the state tournament and will hit the road to face off against sixth-seeded Sandia Piedra Vista allowed the second least amount of runs in district play only averaging four runs in its 10 district games Sandia finished third in District 2-5A behind number one seeded La Cueva and five seeded Eldorado finished second in its district in runs allowed First pitch is scheduled at Sandia High School Friday at 4 p.m Farmington grabbed the 15-seed after finishing sixth in District 1-5A and will face a familiar foe on the road in second-seeded Rio Rancho after facing the Rams two times in district play Farmington lost both contests by a combined score of 16-10 with its most recent contest coming on the final day of the regular season last weekend when Rio Rancho defeated Farmington 6-1 Game one of that series is set for Friday at 4 p.m. with game two to be played Saturday at 11 a.m The email "' + userEmail + '" could not be added Please try again or email Shane at shane@durangoherald.com for assistance Choose from several print and digital subscription packages We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to our policies Cover Page Legal HistorySports SearchDNER seeks budget increase for flood control pumpsThe San Juan Daily Star17 hours ago3 min readNatural and Environmental Resources Secretary Waldemar Quiles PérezBy The Star Staff Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez has asked the House Treasury Committee for a $61.6 million hike in the agency’s budget for 2025 to cover the leasing of flood control pump houses and to enhance technological infrastructure During a budget hearing last week chaired by Rep Quiles emphasized that the increase is crucial for the operation and maintenance of the 13 pump houses located across the island He is requesting a total allocation of $176.6 million from the General Fund some $47.9 million will be designated for cleaning and security contracts as well as increased insurance premiums for the pump houses the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has recommended $76.3 million less than the General Fund budget proposed by the DNER I lose sleep,” Quiles stated in response to questions from Charbonier Chinea whose district includes some of the most flood-prone communities in San Juan “It is extremely important for our staff at the Department of Natural Resources that the pumps are operational and updated for the 21st century.” Quiles confirmed that he has reached an agreement worth some $30 million with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to redesign the 13 pump houses in a state-of-the-art project that includes a geographic information system (GIS) A GIS will allow monitoring of the pumps from a control room at DNER headquarters providing real-time information on fuel levels and water levels during floods Particular attention will be given to the pump house located on Baldorioty de Castro Avenue in Santurce which has historically faced significant issues during heavy rain events Quiles noted that it currently employs outdated technology but will soon be transformed into one of the best flood-control structures in the nation Charbonier Chinea highlighted the necessity of acquiring security cameras as part of this “critical infrastructure” for flood control He said the cameras would enable both rescuers and law enforcement officers to monitor water levels in communities and take preventive measures and lives and property can be saved,” the legislator said we can monitor conditions and make informed decisions from both an administrative and a security perspective.” Quiles reported that the DNER is implementing digital platforms to automate licensing and payment processes to enhance revenue collection the agency is working on digitizing documents and implementing electronic invoicing to reduce long-term costs A proposed GIS platform will also include information on fines but it is absolutely necessary given the complexity of the Department,” the secretary said “It will provide us with a significant advantage in preparation and strategic planning especially during hurricane season or in the event of an atmospheric disturbance we are the ones who go out onto the streets afterwards with our equipment.” Quiles said the DNER requires a payroll budget of $68.5 million with $47.7 million coming from the General Fund Included in the budget is the intended hiring of 55 essential employees and an optimal number of 75 rangers they will begin with the recruitment of 45 rangers who are currently completing training programs as many existing positions are occupied by individuals nearing retirement The overall budget request by the DNER for the fiscal year 2025-2026 stands at $362 million whereas the OMB has recommended a total of $285.8 million © 2025 The San Juan Daily Star - Puerto Rico – There’s a place in San Juan County where people love to hang out – McGee Park holds the largest county fair and only second to the state fair,” said Steven Saavedra manager of the San Juan County Department.  County leaders are now introducing the McGee Park Master Plan they want ideas from the people who use the park “What we’re trying to do with this master plan is be able to cater to local residents and citizens of San Juan County be able to make improvements and attractions so that visitors can be able to take part in some of the great things that we offer in San Juan County specifically at McGee Park,” said Saavedra The first step was finding out what the people wanted to see “We decided to hold a public meeting to get public input on what would be the community vision for a master plan for Mickey Park,” said Saavedra There is a central area that is looking at a dog park that would cater to those who are in RVs and then there is the infield of the racetrack,” said Saavedra an outdoor covered arena or a plaza like the ones in Albuquerque and Santa Fe vendors can sell jewelry and other items all year round The county will continue to take suggestions for the next couple of months before a plan is presented to the commissioners to share your ideas online, click here. Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KOB via our online formor call 505-243-4411. The mineral resource estimate for the Vicuña district, effective as of April 15, 2025, reveals outstanding figures: Contained copper: 13 million tonnes in Measured and Indicated categories, and 25 million tonnes in the Inferred category. Contained gold: 32 million ounces (Moz) in Measured and Indicated, and 49 Moz Inferred. Contained silver: 659 Moz in Measured and Indicated, and 808 Moz Inferred. These volumes place the Vicuña district among the top ten largest mineral resources of the world's major copper-producing mines. The Filo del Sol sulphide deposit features a high-grade core with 606 million tonnes (Mt) in Measured and Indicated categories, at a copper equivalent grade (CuEq) of 1.14%, comprising 4.5 Mt of copper, 9.6 Moz of gold, and 259 Moz of silver. Meanwhile, Josemaría offers a near-surface high-grade core of 196 Mt in Measured and Indicated categories, with a 0.73% CuEq, including 978,000 tonnes of copper, 2.4 Moz of gold, and 11 Moz of silver. In addition, the Filo del Sol oxide mineralization, with 434 Mt at a copper grade of 0.34%, offers a lower capital intensity heap leach development option. Drilling at Filo del Sol has encountered mineralization at depth, and the Flamenco zone—located about 2 km to the south—has intercepted mineralization beyond current resource model limits, indicating clear expansion potential. In January 2025, Lundin Mining and BHP completed the joint acquisition of Filo Corp. for approximately C$4.0 billion, forming the Vicuña Corp. joint venture. Simultaneously, BHP acquired a 50% interest in the Josemaría project for US$690 million. Vicuña Corp. operates independently and is responsible for managing both projects, with joint governance between Lundin Mining and BHP. The close proximity of Filo del Sol and Josemaría—separated by roughly 10 km—enables operational synergies, economies of scale, and flexible phased expansions, supporting the development of a world-class mining complex. The mineral resource estimate represents a critical milestone and will serve as the foundation for an integrated technical report, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026. This report will outline a combined project that could position the Vicuña district as one of the world’s leading producers of copper, gold, and silver. Jack Lundin, President and CEO of Lundin Mining, remarked: “Filo del Sol has been one of the most significant greenfield discoveries in the last 30 years. The initial mineral resource estimate has highlighted its potential to become one of the highest-grade undeveloped open-pit copper projects in the world, as well as one of the largest gold and silver resources globally.” Follow us on Google NewsJoin our mining community! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive news, insights, and updates on the mining industry and Panorama Minero's latest initiatives. During his annual State of the Province address, the governor of Mendoza held a copper ore rock in his hand and declared mining as the key engine for the province’s future development. The latest appearance by President Javier Milei and Economy Minister Luis Caputo at Expo EFI 2025 confirmed the government’s reformist and pro-deregulation stance, with implications that extend directly to the mining sector. The Argentine Mining Workers’ Union (AOMA) has reached a new wage agreement with the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM), establishing a cumulative 8% increase in base salaries for the extractive segment. The adjustment will be applied in two stages: 4% in March and 4% in April. Joaquin Marias to lead the development of El Quevar Project The latest drill results continue to demonstrate multiple high-grade silver intercepts beyond the current conceptual open pit limits. Amid a climate of pronounced volatility in key energy transition metals, the latest reports from S&P Global Platts present mixed signals for lithium, cobalt, and recyclable materials such as black mass. These market fluctuations are directly affecting ongoing projects in Argentina — a critical player in the global lithium supply chain. Less than a month before its opening, Arminera 2025 has revealed an ambitious activity agenda, consolidating its role as Argentina’s most important mining event. Organized by the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM) and Messe Frankfurt Argentina, it will take place May 20–22 at La Rural Trade Center in Buenos Aires, bringing together key industry leaders, with participation from provinces, producing countries, and global stakeholders. Belararox Limited reached a target depth of 1,305 metres at Tambo South, confirmed copper mineralization associated with multiple intrusions, and successfully concluded the 2024/2025 field season. Laboratory results and updated geological models are expected in the coming weeks. A new Accenture study reveals that while 59% of natural resources companies have already implemented AI agents, the widespread adoption of generative technologies and workforce transformation still face critical gaps. Grupo Calidra, a leading company in the lime sector, inaugurated its first native plant nursery in San Juan, marking a key milestone in its environmental strategy to restore ecosystems and strengthen ties with local communities. With record attendance, high-level discussions, and an agenda focused on innovation, sustainability, and geopolitics, Expomin 2025 reaffirmed Chile and Latin America's strategic role in the new global order of critical resources. According to a recent report from Argentina’s Secretariat of Mining, the global minerals market experienced significant volatility in March, reflecting a complex international backdrop shaped by macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in trade policies among major global powers. Against this backdrop, Argentina’s Mineral Export Price Index rose 3% month-over-month, consolidating at historically high levels. The leading media and event organizer in Argentina's Mining Industry Yvette Sanchez JACKSONVILLE – A bicyclist riding an e-bike was killed in a crash involving a tow truck Thursday morning at the intersection of Blanding Boulevard and San Juan Avenue according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office According to JSO Sergeant Robert Hungerford a female bicyclist and a tow truck driver were traveling southbound on Blanding Blvd as the tow truck made a right turn onto westbound San Juan Ave. The tow truck driver was cooperating with the investigation and there were no indicators of impairment Concerns over the safety of e-bikes have been on the rise as they continue to become more popular On Monday night, a middle-school boy was airlifted to a trauma center with critical injuries after being involved in an e-bike crash on Race Track Road in St RELATED | As use of e-bikes, scooters increase, so does need for safety measures, study finds Johns County submitted a draft e-bike ordinance but officials did not share further details on the exact changes In late March, the Atlantic Beach City Commission approved an ordinance aimed at regulating bikes Some of the key rules and provisions approved by the city commission included e-bikes being restricted to a 10 mph speed limit and requiring all e-bikes to abide by “all state statues and regulations” like stop signs and bike laws MORE | St. Johns County community showers injured 12-year-old with prayers, love after e-bike crash Thursday’s crash marked the 50th traffic fatality in Duval County so far this year and the 4th involving a bicycle. Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism. Yvette Sanchez joined News4JAX in February 2025. Originally from Southern California she’s a first-generation Cuban/American who is very proud of her Latina heritage. She attended Arizona State University and received her degree in Sports Journalism from the Walter Cronkite school of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Careers at WJXT / WCWJ Closed Captioning / Audio Description WJXT Public File WJXT EEO Report WCWJ Public File WCWJ EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group SearchHow John Cena became the last great crossover wrestling starThe San Juan Daily Star17 hours ago5 min readCena said this inside a trailer on a movie set one snowy Sunday morning in early April near Cierne a small Slovakian village near the border of Poland and the Czech Republic He was roughly 6,000 miles away from Las Vegas he would face Cody Rhodes in the main event at WrestleMania 41 Cena’s 17th and final time participating in WWE’s flagship spectacle making him the most decorated champion in the history of professional wrestling.By Timothy Bella Cena was a symbol of excellence and inevitability in professional wrestling Cast as the ultimate good-guy character in World Wrestling Entertainment he was Superman in jorts — a 16-time world champion and perhaps the last of the monocultural But even in the world of sports entertainment And Cena remembered a promise he had made to the audience: When I get a step slow The realization kicked in a couple of years ago Cena was down 15 pounds from his ideal in-ring weight “I’ve never been the best wrestler out there — I know who I am and my capabilities when I can feel myself getting a little slower Cena says this inside a trailer on a movie set one snowy Sunday morning in early April near Cierne He is roughly 6,000 miles away from Las Vegas where Sunday he will face Cody Rhodes in the main event at WrestleMania A victory would make him the most decorated champion in the history of professional wrestling But a set like this has become Cena’s workspace as much as the squared circle over the years He’s here filming “Matchbox,” the latest toy-brand-comes-to-life franchise with blockbuster ambitions Cena has become a household name in action franchises (as Vin Diesel’s brother in the “Fast and Furious” movies) sex comedies (a buff boyfriend who is awful at dirty talk in “Trainwreck”) and world-conquering blockbusters (Mermaid Ken in “Barbie”) He’s a top-selling rap artist (that’s him on the mic for his enduring entrance music) and has made memorable appearances on “Saturday Night Live.” Almost 20 years after his first foray into acting Cena has carved out an identity as someone with a rare gift for combining action and comedy with a bit of self-deprecation “His superpower is that he defies what he looks like He defies his aesthetic,” said actor Idris Elba who co-starred with him in “The Suicide Squad” and will reunite with him in the film “Heads of State” later this year Added filmmaker James Gunn: “I think the only people who are missing John’s talent as an actor are the ones who haven’t seen his work.” Cena also possesses another quality essential to stardom: People love him as Cena is set to retire from professional wrestling at the end of the year there’s a twist in his goodbye tour: He’s the bad guy In the weeks since his character kicked Rhodes in the groin to cement his heel turn women have cried and TV cameras find children in Cena shirts crestfallen and confused There were two options for how the retirement run could play out The first would be for Cena to go the route of a past-its-prime band and play all the hits and send everyone home happy and drunk on nostalgia was more intriguing but more of a gamble: What if Cena went to the dark side Cena’s wrestling success grew out of a series of “crazy accidents,” as he called them His memorable 2002 TV debut happened because the WWE Hall of Famer the Undertaker got sick and someone else was needed to fill a segment When Cena was on the verge of being released by WWE his bosses saw him freestyle rapping on a plane and decided that should be his new gimmick Others hated him because they felt like he was forced on them A divide became clear: Children and women embraced him while many men and saw the polarizing reaction as a good thing when they worked together in the main event of WrestleMania 22 but on one team,” he recalled saying to him “This crowd hates you and this crowd loves you even though it came at the expense of many relationships Cena divorced his first wife in 2012 after three years of marriage; his high-profile engagement to Nikki Bella ended a month before their planned wedding in 2018 I wouldn’t say no to anything because I was tunnel-visioned on the plan,” he said and I was a great employee for WWE because that was the plan.” Cena has time to reflect on his current crossroads “I’m really trying to appreciate everything — every second on the canvas sitting in the trailer with my heater blasting since it’s snowing in Slovakia.” then his time is now in Hollywood (or so he hopes) the question was asked: Do you think people see you now He delivered his answer in a rapid succession of statements “But I do hope there is an understanding out there that I never shortchanged anybody through wrong decisions or right decisions I don’t know if I could squeeze another drop of effort.” “I don’t think I could have given any more.” That’s usually the moment his theme song would hit and roars would erupt from the crowd it was just the barely-there sound of snow falling in the Slovakian countryside Méndez University sweeps the LAI GamesThe San Juan Daily Star16 hours ago3 min readIn the overall competition at this year’s Inter-University Athletic League Games Méndez University again captured the Luis F UPR-Mayagüez finished second with 2,780 points and Inter-American University took third with 2,735 points.By The Star Staff Méndez University (UAGM by its initials in Spanish) won their respective divisions in the Inter-University Athletic League (LAI) Games and combined to win the school’s second-straight Luis F Sambolín Global Cup on Saturday night in Mayagüez I have to thank God and all the competitors who participated today Especially Interamericana [University],” said Edgar Díaz the UAGM athletic director since 2018-2019 “All the universities that were present and for all their sacrifice.” UAGM won the men’s division with 248 points with runner-up Inter-American University (UIPR) finishing with 220.50 points the same two universities tied with 245 points each The title was awarded to UAGM for winning nine gold medals to UIPR’s seven “We worked very hard to achieve this,” Díaz added and the coaches who make all this possible who work day in and day out with our athletes The Tarzanes of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR)-Mayagüez in the men’s division and the Jerezanas of UPR-Río Piedras on the women’s side won bronze with 136.50 and 111 points UAGM’s Sebastián Quiñones set a new LAI record in the 10,000-meter walk last Thursday with a time of 46 minutes UIPR’s Héctor Pagán set a new LAI record in the 10,000 meters The Barranquitas native broke the 29:43.70 mark set in 1982 by Héctor “Papo” Díaz UPR-Río Piedras international student-athlete Sharon Herrera broke the women’s 10,000-meter walk record with a time of 47:20.68 was set by fellow Jerezana Rachelle de Orbeta Two universities now hold records in a track and field event as the Taínos and Taínas of UAGM and the Gryphons and Gryphos of Caribbean University lowered their times in the mixed 4x400-meter relay Wilfrido Rivera and Yereika Cruz of Caribbean University recorded the second-best time set the 4x100m record meanwhile with a time of 44.19 seconds The previous record of 44.45 seconds was set by Eliesit Palacios Yolanda Osana and Yolanda Hinestroza of Metropolitan University in 2011 two athletes broke the record of 11.51 seconds set by Amparo Caicedo of the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in 1988 UIPR’s Francés Colón set the new record of 11.38 seconds while Gladymar Torres finished second in 11.42 José Figueroa of UAGM added another gold medal and tied the LAI record of 20.49 seconds set in 2010 by Daniel Grueso of Metropolitan University Frace Otero and Géneris Collazo stopped the clock at 3:39.87 The most valuable athletes were UIPR’s Pagán and UAGM’s Angie Palacio had accelerated to 210 miles per hour when a wind gust kicked in SearchRíos Maury would prioritize UPR’s fiscal sustainability as presidentThe San Juan Daily Star17 hours ago3 min readHéctor Ríos Maury has crafted a robust 266-page academic and operational plan explicitly designed to reform the University of Puerto Rico (Facebook via Victoria840)By The Star Staff If elected president of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) one of the various candidates for the position will prioritize the urgent need to rectify the university’s financial situation consolidate campuses into efficient conglomerates for resource sharing Ríos Maury is determined to create the role of provost to manage university administration to direct his efforts toward vital networking that will ensure the institution’s sustainability Drawing on his substantial experience as a former provost at UPR-Humacao and as a tenured professor Ríos Maury has crafted a robust 266-page academic and operational plan explicitly designed to reform the university The plan includes definitive deadlines for implementing his initiatives along with the necessary resources “The University of Puerto Rico faces unprecedented challenges that demand a bold visionary transformation in alignment with global best practices in higher education,” Ríos Maury told the STAR “I am proposing an academic-administrative plan that will solidify governance This plan is focused on strategic vectors that will optimize our organizational structure and reinforce the UPR’s critical role in driving socioeconomic development for Puerto Rico.” Ríos Maury differentiates himself from other candidates through his entrepreneurial perspective recognizing that the university’s greatest challenge is its fiscal health he will implement initiatives such as “UPR Empresarial” aimed at establishing self-sustaining university-operated companies that can generate substantial revenue and optimize institutional resources He will launch a Business Center for Economic Development in collaboration with both government and private sector partners positioning UPR as a strategic ally in Puerto Rico’s economic revival “These corporate structures affiliated with UPR will open up significant new income streams from contracts totaling over $125 million annually with public and private organizations,” Ríos Maury said He will leverage the agricultural potential at UPR-Utuado to establish centers for producing and exporting organic products including coffee and other agricultural enterprises he proposes utilizing the Carolina Regional Hospital to develop a “Medical City Project,” which will deliver integrated community medical services through partnerships with companies in the medical sector Humacao and Carolina campuses would forge partnerships with private television networks to create innovative programming while UPR Aguadilla would excel as a center of expertise in logistics Ríos Maury firmly states that he has no intention of closing campuses; instead he will push for the formation of conglomerates that offer combined services Río Piedras and Carolina campuses would join forces for procurement to drastically reduce costs Ríos Maury would expand the quarter system currently available at UPR-Carolina to all campuses The system breaks the academic year into three consecutive 10-week quarters enabling students to complete their degrees more efficiently compared to a traditional semester system He is confident that the approach will not deter UPR-Carolina’s ability to attract students ultimately bringing an additional $60 million into the system the candidate is committed to establishing a virtual university by expanding online degree offerings by 2028 “I am determined to compete and succeed in this arena,” Ríos Maury asserted He will also implement a systematic approach to periodically review academic programs based on labor market data including conducting comprehensive surveys of students and alumni to assess the relevance of current offerings and ensure alignment with emerging trends in technology The Grand County High School Red Devils are heating up in the 2A state playoffs May 3—including a dramatic 7-4 upset over top-seeded San Juan in the second round The victory propels the Red Devils deeper into the championship bracket The win came on the heels of a commanding 18-1 rout of the Monticello Buckaroos last Saturday—their highest-scoring game of the season Senior Breckin Shepherd led the way in that matchup striking out six over four innings while giving up just one earned run He also went 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs The Red Devils have gone 5-1 this season when Shepherd scores multiple runs Trace York and Tatym Bisco delivered big bats against Monticello York knocked two triples and drove in four runs while Bisco went a flawless 3-for-3 with three runs and four RBI going 3-for-3 with four runs and a stolen base Grand County finished the game with a .686 on-base percentage and remains undefeated this season when topping .513 in that category the Red Devils have won five of their last six games They’ll look to carry that momentum into their upcoming matchup at BYU See more info on Grand County High School sports and upcoming games. OrcasFest , the creation of Tashi Litch, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms, is a weekend of music that is open to islanders and visitors alike. Come hear some of your favorite musicians from near and far, walk the streets of Eastsound, visit our shops and explore our beautiful island. For tickets and more info visit: orcasfest.com Thursday May 29  7 pm | Square dance at Oddfellows Hall | 112 Haven Road Friday May 30  12 noon - Late | Jams and performances 7 to 9 pm | Main stage performance at the Orcas Center with The Litch Brothers Duo and Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms | 917 Mt Baker Rd 10 pm to late | More jams and performances Print “You have got to see this first,” said Gary Folgner owner of the Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano as he walked into the kitchen at the storied music venue Inside the small but clean industrial kitchen baked potatoes are wrapped in foil ready to go into the oven and the pilot light glows a steady flame ready to ignite the burners at a moments notice “This place puts out 300 dinners,” Folgner said This year the Coach House celebrates 45 years of operation with Folgner at the helm bringing some of the biggest names in music and comedy to the intimate where a red double-decker bus used to sit as a landmark to direct patrons to the slightly hidden club The red bus subsequently became the venue’s logo and at 84 years old Folgner is still involved in the day-to-day operations “The menu is very simple and works really well,” Folgner said With no where else in Orange County for live rock music to play Folgner began booking the bands on his stage at the Coach House thus ushering in a new era of live music for the little steakhouse “I got their whole concert schedule and we never stopped from there,” Folgner said It isn’t easy to find a clear space on any of the walls inside the Coach House Nearly every inch is lined with framed and autographed photos of famous musicians and comedians who have performed there Dana Carvey and Jerry Seinfeld have all been on the Coach House stage “She played here two days before her daughter died and that was the end of her performing,” said Folgner referring to the death of Carrie Fisher in 2016 Owner Gary Folgner admires a picture of himself and Wille Nelson one of the many artist portraits on the walls of the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano (Don Leach/Daily Pilot) At the main entrance Roseanne Barr Debbie Harry and Chris Isaak are scattered among the sea of framed photos The tiny stage once held both Leon Russell Natalie Cole and Peter Frampton are also Coach House alumni Folgner credits the venue’s reputation for good hospitality that keeps big names coming back this is their home for the day,” Folgner said a bass player who toured with Ike and Tina Turner and Etta James He excelled in his role at the Coach House for 15 years then we’ll continue booking,’” said Blake Folgner Gary’s nephew and chief operating officer at the venue with nephew and chief operating officer Blake Folgner chat about the famous artists who have performed on the Coach House stage (Don Leach/Daily Pilot) Talent orders dinner right off the menu and gets comfortable at one of the venue’s many dressing rooms which are themed and located within the labyrinth of the building Signage directing talent to the stage is everywhere since people are easily lost Sometimes there are surprises and acts that aren’t on the bill then actor and musician Johnny Depp strapped on a guitar to join them Blake remembers friends in high school excitedly inviting him to check out a cool new band called The Violent Femmes at a small local venue remembers when guitar legend Buddy Guy played getting even closer to the audience by walking around the dining tables “This has been a place of where you can count on seeing some of your favorite bands,” Starks said Owner Gary Folgner and Doug Starks in the main room of the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano (Don Leach/Daily Pilot) Starks kicked off the anniversary celebration in April as the first performance in the “Coach House Concert Hall Celebratory Concert Series” with his act celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder called “Higher Ground.” A comedian and singer who has toured with the likes of Julio Iglesias Starks has made it on to Folgner’s wall of fame a true testament to how Coach House musicians often become family Long banquet tables go right up to the stage and the coveted seats up front are distributed on a first-come with 300 of those seats reserved for dining patrons although Blake maintains there isn’t a bad seat in the house There are even private rooms upstairs that give you an elevated view of the stage The rooms are also themed; a hippie room with black light posters and beaded curtains and a taco room an homage to the Villa Mexican Restaurant in Dana Point another business Folgner owned at one time you have a waitress that just serves up here,” Blake said “We have eight different rooms and each one holds a different quantity of people.” The intimacy is part of what makes the venue so unique “I went to an 11,000-seat venue and had front-row tickets but the artist is still 100 feet away,” Folgner said The furthest seat from the stage at the Coach House is 40 feet The Coach House is still a steakhouse in some sense with a simple menu of filet mignon and New York strip steak offered There is also a “Catch of the Day” and nostalgic appetizers like mozzarella sticks and potato skins Folgner is adamant that dinners come out fast before the show begins so people can fully enjoy the performance “We don’t want any serving happening during the show,” said Folgner especially the mud pie made in house with a real Oreo cookie crust coffee ice cream and enough whipped cream and chocolate syrup to make a bright red maraschino cherry obligatory There is even talk of bringing the double-decker bus back for the occasion Folgner said he doesn’t plan to alter the Coach House We are going to try to keep the big name entertainment here,” said Folgner For a full concert schedule and tickets visit thecoachhouse.com She most recently worked as a staff writer in Food for the Los Angeles Times She also has several years of experience in the restaurant industry Mosqueda earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map An official website of the Washington state government  Log into your account Learn about San Juan County's unique labor market information and more the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.6% to 4.2% and total nonfarm employment increased by 90 The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% in March 2025 down from 5.6% in February 2025 and down from 4.7% in March 2024 San Juan County’s labor force had an estimated 7,588 workers Total nonfarm employment was estimated at 5,830 jobs in March 2025 Employment increased by 90 from February to March 2025 and increased by 220 compared to March 2024 San Juan County is located in northwest Washington state It consists of four large islands: San Juan Lopez and Shaw; and hundreds of small islands San Juan County is the smallest county in Washington by total landmass San Juan County is located in the Salish Sea to the west of Skagit and Whatcom counties and east of lower Vancouver Island The islands are spectacularly scenic and a popular destination for tourists and retirees private boat and float plane throughout the year with a pronounced uptick in the summer Tourism-related industries and retirement communities form the base of the San Juan County economy While the natural beauty and relative isolation of island life supports a vibrant seasonal tourism-based economy the relative isolation presents a challenge for economic diversification San Juan County is part of the Northwest Workforce Development Area. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the 12 regions The labor force decreased by 236 workers over the year to 7,588 workers Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics Total nonfarm employment increased by 90 jobs over the month bringing the total estimated job count to 5,830 in March 2025 Sectors adding the largest number of jobs over the month included retail trade (up 40) and leisure and hospitality (each added 20) Employment in education and health services dipped by 20 over the month the largest increases were observed in retail trade leisure and hospitality (60 jobs each) and manufacturing (up 50) Government employment dipped by 30 compared to March 2024 Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW) ND is used to avoid disclosing data for individual employers Industries labeled ND are grouped in the Not elsewhere classified category Average annual covered employment in San Juan County was 6,126 in 2023 Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023: Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another The average annual wage in Washington state for all industries was $87,054 in 2023 The average annual wage in San Juan County was $51,918 in 2023 Management of companies and enterprises ($182,830) scientific and technical services ($96,918) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S The Department of Labor makes no guarantees including any information on linked sites and including accuracy of the information or its completeness This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner © 2006-2025 Employment Security Department San Juan Islands travelers this spring can now choose to walk aboard a water taxi rather than wait on Washington State Ferries boats that often run late The MV Sea Lion, a whale-watching boat run by San Juan Safaris circulates seven days a week starting at 7 a.m Lopez Island and Cap Sante Marina in downtown Anacortes This niche service, using a 49-person boat, epitomizes the desperation of islanders for reliable travel, after hundreds of missed WSF sailings in recent years. WSF faces a chronic shortage of vessels, due to decades of underinvestment and cost overruns and the state tends to cancel one or two of its four scheduled daily San Juans boats on short notice “People were missing doctor’s appointments Life was becoming difficult for a large segment of our population,” said San Juan County Councilmember Kari McVeigh The 55-foot vessel cruised at 17 knots, the same speed as a state ferry, according to a report in Salish Current owner-captain Brian Goodremont said Tuesday he expects to shave about 40 minutes off the six-hour round trip The boat carried at least nine riders Tuesday and at least 27 others had made reservations, said Goodremont. Before calling, travelers are asked to read the reservations website at https://www.sanjuansafaris.com/passenger-boat-service San Juan County is planning to end the service June 30. In the fall, then-Gov. Jay Inslee approved an emergency grant worth up to $1.5 million to help the county boost ferry services in three ways About $500,000 of that is going to the Sea Lion service Unused funds would be returned to the state There’s no local or state money to operate the new walk-on ferry service long-term As of last month, WSF had only 21 vessels, five short of a full fleet, and was operating just 18 The ferry Wenatchee is supposed to return in June following a lengthy conversion to add rechargeable electric batteries alongside its diesel motors Only 72% of WSF’s Anacortes/San Juans boats — and 84% of its boats on all eight corridors — sailed on time during the 12 months ending March 31 The county foot ferry’s June 30 expiration which coincides with the end of the state’s fiscal year means it will not be available during the peak tour season after July 4 this spring’s trips ought to benefit students who can leave Friday Harbor High School at 2 p.m some 60 to 90 minutes sooner than the state ferry’s schedule Islanders will get easier access to Anacortes since the Sea Lion serves the downtown marina instead of the state terminal 4 miles away Sea Lion passengers can also skip the state’s $16.50 passenger fare leaving Anacortes The 10-week pilot project will yield valuable data a county administrator who led project development “I hope the boat’s full,” he said “It may take some time for people to get used to it.” such as whether foot ferries need to be faster than WSF — a key feature of Kitsap Transit’s fleet — and whether they should go to Anacortes can state ferries improve enough to make local water taxis unnecessary there was just one day WSF faltered enough to activate the county’s emergency interisland boat Ferry officials say they’ve recently managed to hire a full statewide crew The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls Submitted by the League of Women Voters Observer Corps President Donald Trump’s executive orders and funding freezes continue to impact the islands through various departments and organizations Summer Saturdays on Lopez Island are not complete without a visit to the Lopez Island Farmers Market Find fresh produce and meats from our many farmers Check out Poutine Your Mouth and other mouth watering food vendors Find locally made goods from pottery to jewelry A fleet of volunteer boaters will cruise to Stuart and Jones Islands to remove marine debris and microplastics from state park shorelines that are otherwise difficult to access without private watercraft ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Plastic Free Salish Sea is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the San Juan Island Yacht Club (SJIYC) to steward Washington State Marine Parks during a special clean-up weekend This new initiative brings the energy of the Great Islands Clean-Up to some of the Salish Sea’s most treasured and remote beaches “We encourage all boaters in the community to join in and meet up as we work together to make a Plastic Free Salish Sea a reality,” said Glen Margolis “This inaugural stewardship cruise marks the beginning of what we hope will become an annual tradition that drives positive change for our environment.” is dedicated to supporting safe and enjoyable boating in the Pacific Northwest This partnership combines the Yacht Club’s passion for the water and resources with Plastic Free Salish Sea’s environmental mission creating a powerful team effort to protect marine ecosystems “Partnering with the Yacht Club gives us the unique opportunity to reach and care for beaches that are typically out of reach for most volunteers,” said Katie Johnson Marine Project Coordinator for San Juan County “This is an exciting example of how local leadership and community collaboration can make a real impact.” The Great Islands Clean-Up is a long-standing county-wide event held each spring and fall that mobilizes hundreds of volunteers across the San Juan Islands to clean beaches This new summertime clean-up cruise expands that effort onto the water emphasizing marine park stewardship and cross-community engagement Plastic Free Salish Sea is a coalition of local organizations committed to reducing plastic waste in our waterways and landscapes Collaborators include the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship and local waste and recycling operators including The Exchange/Orcas Recycling Services Contact: Katie Johnson, Marine Project Coordinator, katiej@sanjuancountywa.gov **If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced no worries; we’re happy to share with you.** Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" FERRY SCHEDULE VESSEL WATCH CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS CONTACT US ADVERTISING RATES The 2025 Orcas Island Summer Farmers Market kicked off Saturday all Summer long you can head down to the Village Green and say hello to your favorite vendors and catch some amazing musical talent from the stage San Juan County is piloting a free daily passenger ferry service between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands through June 30.  Seven days a week, twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening), community members can take a ferry between Friday Harbor, Orcas, Lopez and Downtown Anacortes via Cap Sante Marina. Interested passengers must request a booking through the San Juan Safaris website Passengers should arrive 30 minutes before the departure time listed on their confirmation email but passengers must note this in their reservation request due to limited capacity The ferry operates in two round trips: from Friday Harbor There is no direct service from Anacortes to Friday Harbor Funded by state money from the Governor’s Office, the county is also tapping Outer Island Excursions and Pintail Marine to provide emergency inter-island passenger service and emergency barge service over the next two months. Those services will be available when the Washington State Ferry inter-island boat experiences service disruptions. More info here San Juan County Council Chair Kari McVeigh said in a news release that the service should give locals “peace of mind” knowing there are options for them to get home if ferries are canceled.  “We’ve set up a strong pilot program through which to serve our community and learn about how we could manage something like this in the future,” said Council Vice-Chair Jane Fuller in the news release “I see this as a first step in learning how to solve our transportation needs locally.”   Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext Email newstips@cascadiadaily.com or Call/Text 360-922-3092 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker San Juan College has announced a new partnership with accredited online Western Governors University that will create pathways for students and employees to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees professional certificates and other credentials through WGU degree programs The partnership will be formalized through a signing ceremony on Wednesday Graduates and employees will have the ability to transfer credits to WGU and apply for exclusive scholarships “This partnership strengthens our commitment to student success and lifelong learning,” said Toni Hopper Pendergrass “With WGU’s flexible and competency-based model our graduates can continue their education in a way that fits their lives and their goals.” WGU utilizes an online competency-based model enabling students to learn at their own pace making it ideal for working adults and nontraditional learners WGU application fees will be waived for SJC graduates and employees They will also have access to the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship – a $2,500 scholarship disbursed at $625 per term for up to four terms “San Juan College and WGU share a commitment to making high-quality affordable education more accessible,” said Linda Battles Regional Vice President for WGU’s South Region more New Mexicans will be empowered to earn degrees in high-demand fields like business Recognized nationally for workforce relevance and scale by the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education WGU serves 900 students and boasts 1,600 graduates in New Mexico – including 50 who began their journey at San Juan College San Juan College will promote WGU opportunities and scholarship information through internal communication channels and WGU will collaborate with SJC on enrollment campaigns and information sessions the nation’s leading nonprofit online university according to a SJC news release is transforming higher education to be more student-centric accessible to all and relevant to the workforce WGU creates life-changing pathways to opportunity for those underserved by traditional institutions – working adults historically underrepresented communities and a diverse growing number of learners looking for a flexible online model that better suits their life circumstances,” the release said Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities WGU operates in all 50 states and offers more than 80 programs in health WGU serves more than 185,000 students nationwide Chip Roy (R-TX) and passed unanimously by all Rs and four Ds (among them Marie Glusenkamp Perez,… With graduation season approaching, the New Mexico Department of Public Education has updated statewide graduation data that includes demographics from gender to ethnicity showing trends of increasing and decreasing rates since the pandemic the district has an overall 85% graduation rate the 1,139 students that will be earning their diplomas will be the highest number ever for the district FMS also leads San Juan County public schools in the highest rate of Native American students graduating Gallup schools exceeds the state graduation rate of Native American students with 77% Central Consolidated Schools has also seen a steady increase in graduating students with an overall number of 77% for the Cohort of 2024 At Central 76% of Native students that are graduating is third highest in the county Bloomfield Schools has the second highest amount of Native students graduating at 78% the overall graduation rate increased from 2020 to 2021 from 80% to 84% Although the rate for Bloomfield schools did see a decrease to 83% for the Cohort of 2024 Aztec Municipal Schools has data showing a decrease from 2021 from 72% to 70% the district did see an increase from last year’s cohort at 66% The public education department announced on April 21 that 78.04% of students in Cohort 2024 – those who began ninth grade in the 2020–2021 school year – graduated within the standard four-year period reflected a 1.34 percentage point increase over the previous year “The graduation rate of Cohort 2024 is noteworthy because it is both the highest graduation rate and the highest total number of graduating students in the last 15 years,” the NMPED said in a news release one of the largest improvements was among English learners with 74.9% graduating in 2023 and 77.5% in 2024 Improving graduation rates is a key goal in the Public Education Department’s Strategic Plan NMPED acknowledged the growth across the state in graduation rates but also encouraged continued progress to reach the national average graduation rate of approximately 87% approximately 2,400 more students would need to graduate on time schools that achieved high graduation rates or made significant gains for Cohort 2024 shared several common strategies: “Graduation is a crucial milestone in every student’s life and we are proud to see continued progress across the state,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla “This increase reflects the hard work of our educators and it underscores our shared commitment to student success we recognize that too many students are still not making it to the finish line – and we must continue working together to ensure every student has the support they need to graduate.” and community guests gathered at the Fort Lewis College Student Union Ballroom on April 19 to celebrate 10 years of student-driven innovation at the 2025 Hawk Tank Awards Gala where San Juan college student Joey DeMartino won the Grand Prize and the San Juan College track award The event highlighted creative business ideas from students marking a decade of success for the competition Hawk Tank has launched more than a dozen businesses awarded more than $95,000 in scholarships and raised over $400,000 to support regional entrepreneurship The news release provided the following details from the program earned the $5,000 Grand Prize of the 2025 Hawk Tank Competition along with an additional $5,000 for the San Juan College Track first prize a deep background in the industry and a tenacity that is unwavering,” DeMartino said after the event “A big reason we stood out – we did our due diligence on the numbers side of it breaking down everything to the minute detail.” who launched Noise Hub in February with his wife is a longtime audio professional who got his start as a radio DJ in high school He later toured with bands and worked in studios before deciding to focus on building a business at home in the Four Corners rockers – all genres really – and they all say there’s no sustainable place to record build a project or get guidance on how to turn their goals into a potential career.” The business offers professional audio engineering voice-over work and support for local creators who will graduate this spring with a degree in film and digital media operates the studio from home but said the prize money will help him expand and we’ll always be looking to grow,” he said “But hopefully we can get into a space and hit the ground running I need a bigger footprint so we can offer full services and even have a community aspect Hawk Tank is a business plan competition modeled after the show “Shark Tank.” The ballroom celebration capped off a monthslong program that challenges students from Fort Lewis College local high schools and recent alumni to pitch original business ideas to a panel of judges This year’s panel included regional business owners build full business plans and present their ideas at the final event Elveta Bishop of Bishop Management Associates Allison Aichele former La Plata County Treasurer Antonio Lecuna from the Katz School of Business Zeb Mielke from Z’s Performance and Repair Josh Bishop and Robert Martinez from Zia Drone Operations Scott Bird from Four Corners Economic Development Jim Magnuson from Souder Miller & Associates This year was also the 10th anniversary of Hawk Tank professor of management at Fort Lewis College the goal was to create something more than just a class assignment “We created a program that would allow a nonbusiness student to be successful – and we’d provide resources so they could take their businesses to the next level.” In fact Skoden Farm by Kiera McCabe was the first time the first-place award in the Fort Lewis College track was earned by a sociology major McCabe is also earning a certificate in Regenerative Food Systems awarded over $95,000 in scholarships to high school students and raised more than $400,000 to support young entrepreneurs and encourage innovation across the region associate professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management and co-director of Hawk Tank developed a course in which the students practice their event managing skills to put together the competition “Students are involved in every aspect of planning the event from marketing to logistics to budgeting This experience helps them build skills and confidence so they are competitive on the job market with plenty of stories to share about what they achieved and how they navigated challenges in the real world set to graduate from Fort Lewis with a degree in Business Administration next month took the Event Management class in 2024 and was invited to step in to lead the operations team for Hawk Tank 2025 Ponzo managed the competition and awards teams “I can take the experience gained from the challenges and successes of the event and apply it to other real-real world real- real world applications to overcome obstacles,” Ponzo said “I feel more confident in my leadership abilities Hawk Tank also featured a keynote address from Fort Lewis College alumnus John Keogh who shared his entrepreneurial journey – from struggling student with a “skiing problem” to co-owner of a company that sold for $80 million “We knew nothing of ergonomic office furniture,” he said His talk focused on what it really takes to build a business: focus urgency and deep knowledge of your industry He encouraged students to write everything down read constantly and speak clearly – skills he said helped him succeed after Fort Lewis College “I consider passions to be a hobby,” he said DeMartino’s story echoed some of those lessons He said he’s been serious about audio engineering and production for years always knowing he’d start his own business But it was in the past year or so he started making moves for his own studio I was working on the road constantly,” he said “I wanted to start something for my family.” he’s focused on connecting with the community marketing the studio to music venues “We’re definitely trying to keep striking while the iron is hot,” he said “It’s a mad dash to talk to anyone and everyone.” signed on as a three-year presenting sponsor of Hawk Tank LPEA will contribute $20,000 annually over the next three years as part of its ongoing efforts to invest in bright this is just a really special opportunity to partner with our local college and support entrepreneurship and support our community,” said Elizabeth Howe vice president of business services at LPEA awarded to the top team between Fort Lewis College and San Juan College first place went to Skoden Farms by Kiera McCabe a venture offering blue corn granola and snacks made with traditional Indigenous ingredients to support local food banks and food sovereignty Second place was awarded to Hangxiety App by Kahlil Ballenger while third place went to Hanhepi Wi Resort by Rosie Foolhead and Michael Dillon an ecotourism destination on the Pine Ridge Reservation followed by LRARS by Benjamin Selph and Erik Westover and Airtrez by Andres Garcia and Ellen Narvaez a company supporting small businesses with web and marketing tools Blue Castle by Jeremy Schmit claimed the top prize with a concept for a mountain bike freeride event company Rent to Teachers by Jude Alderton earned first place for an app helping teachers and first responders find affordable housing Second place went to Green Clothes Designs by Gabriella Cowan and Mira Quayle focused on redesigning clothing from landfills and Nicolina Lasher won third with a healthy As the 10th anniversary of Hawk Tank concludes the competition continues to serve as a platform for encouraging entrepreneurship With continued community support and investment the program is poised to inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs for years to come Introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and passed unanimously by all Rs and four Ds (among them Marie Glusenkamp Perez,… Public Works is planning a future for Shaw Island that it neither asked for nor wants. This future would include… For the past eight years, I’ve proudly served as a Commissioner for the Port of Friday Harbor and am committed… Dear County Council, County Mgr, and Community Planner: The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls. Submitted by the League of Women Voters Observer Corps. President Donald Trump’s executive orders and funding freezes continue to impact the islands through various departments and organizations. The back-and-forth… 2025Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links where the historic Garrison horse racing takes place year-round If you’re looking to soak up some winter sun by a pool lounger and nothing more, then any island in the Caribbean will do—the hotels in St. Barts are amongst some of the best in the world But if you’re willing to dig a little deeper and venture beyond the resort gates these are the best islands in the Caribbean What is the best Caribbean island for families When is the best time to travel to the Caribbean The Caribbean's high season runs from mid-December to mid-April with the winter holidays bringing the biggest crowds and the highest prices The rainy and hurricane season runs from June through the end of November You'll likely find more affordable flight and hotel prices during the shoulder season (May and early December) which makes this time a particularly enticing one to travel to the Caribbean What is the prettiest Caribbean island to go to We don't like to pick favorites, especially when beauty is so abundant as it is in the Caribbean. However, if we must, then we'd recommend St. Lucia as the prettiest island in the Caribbean. St Lucia is well known for its stunning Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers some of the best views in the Caribbean Barbados might just be one of the best all-around islands in the Caribbean Some of the top hotels in the region are found here all accessible to the public—there are no private beaches in Barbados Those looking for more diverse action can find it at the heritage railway a popular horse race that takes place throughout the year which I found shines even brighter at sunset and if you're looking for a holiday that balances luxury and laid-back beach vibes The Caribbean is synonymous with honeymoons, but it's St Lucia that tops them all when it comes to serving up romance You can thank the island’s mountainous landscape for that—it’s all about a room with a view of the 2,000-foot high Piton mountains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s calling card like exhilarating zip lines high above the island’s rainforest canopy or mud baths in Sulphur Springs a geothermically active basin of hot springs and fumaroles within the dormant Qualibou volcano in Soufrière In a region characterized by beautiful beaches Partly for their mesmerizing ribbon of blue water but also because their powdery white sands invariably host only a handful of other beach-goers and while each one I’ve encountered has been memorable Anguilla is also a worthy choice for its culinary scene there are no chain restaurants on the island which serves up a stellar coconut-crusted fish and marinated conch salad by Anguillan chef Dale Carty The British Virgin Islands (BVI) territory has few chain restaurants and no large hotels or mass tourism attractions and distinctive cuisine and culture across the four main islands: Anegada Hopping from island to island—whether via public ferry or private catamaran—is the characteristic way to explore the BVI On my last visit I sailed to Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay home to casual beachfront eateries serving dangerously delicious rum cocktails and locally caught fish Another fantastic spot is Willy T’s Floating Bar and Restaurant near Norman Island the cargo ship has been converted into an ultra-relaxed eatery The calm waters surrounding Dominica make it one of the best diving spots in the world The rainbow-colored seascape is best viewed at Champagne Reef named for its bubbling waters generated by volcanic thermal springs rising from the ocean floor and the remains of a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck a dive site located on the island’s southern tip and suited to all skill levels due to Soufriere Bay’s gentle current Underwater wonders are visible from 20 feet below the surface right down to a 1,500-foot maximum depth An underwater wall extending its entire length gives the site its name Grenada’s 133 archipelagic square miles are laced with waterfalls and tropical rainforests across three main islands: Grenada Ringed by 45 white- and nine black-sand beaches the hilly isles are dotted with acres of fruit and spice trees One-ninth of Grenada’s land mass is dedicated to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries best seen on a guided hike of Grand Etang Forest Reserve especially for the top-shelf diving and snorkeling There’s a distinct energy to Puerto Rico, one that draws upon a fascinating blend of Hispanic, African, American, and Caribbean culture and history. To see it, start in colonial San Juan the second-oldest European-founded city in the Americas Head to the old town where cobblestone streets are lined with colorful Spanish buildings housing trendy bars Hundreds of thousands of Africans arrived in Puerto Rico via forced migration in the colonial era Their contributions to the island’s culture home to Puerto Rico’s largest Black population You can witness it via the artwork on display at Samuel Lind Studio or at the Don Rafael Cepeda School of Bomba and Plena which puts on traditional music and dance workshops Kitts and NevisBest island for: visiting two islands in one trip Tiny Nevis’ resplendent landscape is overlooked by 3,232-foot-high Nevis Peak located at its center and visible from virtually every point on the island Mountainside hiking and ATV tours uncover haunting ruins of colonial-era plantations and sugar mills A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Flash floods swamped roads across Puerto Rico on Monday as days of heavy rain continued Attempts to rescue one driver ended in tragedy in San Juan We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good We may use or share your data with our data vendors The Weather Channel is the world's most accurate forecaster according to ForecastWatch, Global and Regional Weather Forecast Accuracy Overview RESERVE YOUR SPACE Join W&L travelers on an adventure to the San Juan Islands a magnificent archipelago of more than 170 islands in Washington State’s Salish Sea Renowned for their awe- inspiring natural beauty and serene atmosphere these islands offer a place where time slows down and nature takes center stage where you can explore the vibrant heart of Friday Harbor Venture beyond the town to discover picturesque farmland The island’s western bluffs offer prime whale-watching opportunities making it a perfect spot to witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat Friday Harbor enchants with its walkable historic waterfront It’s hard to imagine that this peaceful locale was once on the brink of war in 1859 amid a tense border dispute between the British and Americans which promises exceptional whale- and orca-watching Don’t miss the breathtaking Deception Pass State Park where rugged ocean cliffs meet serene old- growth forests offering panoramic views of the sea and Skagit Bay known as the “Emerald Isle” for its lush landscapes you’ll find some of the most rugged terrain in the archipelago where you can marvel at sweeping views of the entire San Juan archipelago with its iconic bridges connecting two islands you’ll discover tide pools teeming with marine life It’s no surprise that Travel Lens ranked this park among the top-five most beautiful in the U.S take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of La Conner and delightful shops and restaurants overlooking the Swinomish Channel one of Puget Sound’s three entrances life changes when you’re on island time and you’re invited to embrace the slow pace and natural wonders of one of North America’s most spectacular settings © Copyright 2025 Washington and Lee University Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced legislation Thursday aimed at lowering energy costs for residents of Puerto Rico and other noncontiguous parts of the United States a century old law which mandates that the transport of cargo between U.S Under Torres’ bill, oil and other energy products transported to Hawaii Guam and Puerto Rico would be exempt from Jones Act restrictions Ed Case of Hawaii and Delegate James Moylan of Guam are also sponsoring the legislation “The Jones Act has become a barrier to energy access and affordability in noncontiguous regions and it’s time to change that,” Torres said in a statement “The Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act is a common-sense reform that will lower energy costs and bring long-overdue relief to millions of Americans who are unfairly burdened by these constraints.” The Jones Act was created with the goal of boosting the U.S both to support commercial activity and ensure there is a fleet that can transport supplies in times of war or emergency Critics say the law has contributed to higher costs because there are not enough vessels that are Jones Act-compliant, forcing places like Puerto Rico to look outside the U.S. for resources and energy products.  Data compiled by the Cato Institute shows nearly all the liquified natural gas that Puerto Rico imported in 2019 2020 and 2021 came from foreign countries Temporary waivers to the Jones Act have been issued in the past, including after Hurricane Maria battered Puerto Rico and Superstorm Sandy hit the Northeast U.S. And there have been calls for its permanent repeal in the past, including by the late Sen. John McCain argued the Jones Act uniquely punishes the people he represents in Hawaii “The result is federally created monopolies on our community lifelines and resulting extortionist shipping prices passed through to sky-high costs for food “By exempting energy shipments from the Jones Act targeted relief to Americans who bear its harshest consequences “This legislation aims to lower energy costs for families and businesses in noncontiguous states and territories and improve access to critical energy infrastructure.” 4:52 PM | Updated: 6:58 pm BY ALEX CABRERO a small Navajo community in San Juan County has lived without something most of us couldn’t imagine going a single day without now everything has changed for the small town of Westwater No one knows how long water has flowed down the creek between Westwater and Blanding Westwater Community President Thomas Chee knows he’s been going there for decades which used to be residents’ primary water source I was just down there the other day,” Chee said That’s not because he likes this spot It’s because he needed water for his home “People have been doing it for many generations,” Chee said a Small community near Blanding where homes don’t have running water Bessie Begay remembers the first time her faucet actually worked “‘Is it ready now?’ I kept asking them Thanks to a cooperation between the Navajo Nation about twenty of the two dozen homes in Westwater are now hooked up to a new water facility in Blanding A ceremony was held Friday in Blanding to mark the occasion “You should not be forgotten, and I want to tell you, you aren’t,” Lt. Gov Deidre Henderson said at the ceremony Gov Deidre Henderson attends a ceremony in Blanding celebrating some of the homes in Westwater getting running water Even though Westwater is owned by the Navajo Nation which made the responsibility of getting things done a challenge The town just got electricity three years ago “There was a lot of people that wanted us to move off of here but we have ties to this land,” Chee said that’s why we had to remain here and tough it out.” Even though Chee won’t have to make the hike to the creek anymore blessing the water is just as important as drinking it Residents said they still need help with wastewater and coming up with a long-term solution While many of us take running water for granted people said it’s something they will never do Follow @KSL_AlexCabrero