Salmon Return to Klamath River After 100 Years Following Historic Dam Removal

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For the first time in over a century, salmon have returned to the Klamath River Basin in Oregon and California, marking a historic ecological milestone following the largest dam removal project in U.S. history.

In October, biologists from Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife identified a Chinook salmon in an area upstream of the Klamath River where the J.C. Boyle Dam once stood. This significant sighting is the first anadromous fish in Oregon’s Klamath Basin since 1912 when the first of four hydroelectric dams was constructed, blocking salmon migration routes.

The removal of the dams—completed in August 2024 after decades of advocacy by Native American tribes—has reopened over 400 miles of the river, allowing salmon and other fish species to reclaim their historical spawning grounds far sooner than expected.

A Triumph for Tribal Advocacy

For the Yurok, Karuk, and other tribes along the Klamath River, the salmon’s return is deeply symbolic. Known as the “salmon people,” these tribes have depended on the river’s fish for sustenance and cultural practices for generations.

“This is incredible news,” said Barry McCovey, senior fisheries biologist for the Yurok Tribe. “The sheer number of fish returning and their geographic range has exceeded all expectations.”

Brook Thompson, a Yurok tribal member and civil engineer, expressed profound relief and joy, stating:

“Seeing the videos of the salmon returning home brought me to tears of happiness and relief. We did it. I am filled with newfound energy and hope to keep up my work in restoration and supporting the rights of tribes and fish.”

The effort to remove the dams began in the 1990s as tribal communities sought to restore the river’s ecosystem and salmon fisheries. After decades of negotiations and setbacks, the final dam was demolished in 2024, clearing the way for the river’s revival.

Restoring a Vital Ecosystem

The Klamath River was once the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast. However, the construction of dams led to a catastrophic decline in fish populations, with fall Chinook salmon numbers plummeting by 90% and spring Chinook by 98%.

Now, biologists and tribal members are witnessing an ecological transformation. Salmon are spawning in tributaries that were previously submerged under reservoirs just nine months earlier. Steelhead trout, coho salmon, and Pacific lamprey are also expected to return in the coming years as the ecosystem heals.

Mark Hereford, leader of Oregon’s Klamath fisheries reintroduction program, expressed amazement:

“The fish are spawning in these tributaries that were underwater just months ago. It offers so much hope for the future.”

Challenges and Optimism Ahead

While the initial results are promising, the restoration project is just beginning. The Yurok Tribe is also restoring 2,200 acres of land newly exposed after the reservoirs were emptied, aiming to rebuild a thriving salmon fishery.

“There’ll be ups and downs,” McCovey acknowledged. “Any restoration project this big does. We know it won’t be easy, but that’s ok. We’re looking to the future.”

The tribes envision a day when they can host their salmon festival using fish from the Klamath River, as their ancestors once did. Brook Thompson shared her dream:

“My future descendants will see so many salmon they could walk across their backs to the other side, just as my grandfather experienced.”

This achievement signals not only the resilience of the salmon but also the enduring determination of the tribes and conservationists who fought for decades to see the river restored.

 

The Grueling World of the Chess World Championship

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The Chess World Championship stands as one of the most demanding and prestigious events in competitive chess. Since its inception 138 years ago, only 17 players have claimed the title, a testament to the extraordinary skill and endurance required. This year, defending champion Ding Liren faces 18-year-old challenger Gukesh Dommaraju in Singapore, with the stakes as high as ever.

A Mental Marathon

The championship is not merely a game of chess; it is a test of mental fortitude over weeks of intense competition. Former champions compare it to monumental feats like climbing Mount Everest. Each move demands unparalleled focus, as a single lapse can alter the outcome of a game.

Vishy Anand, a five-time world champion, described the championship as “our Mount Olympus,” a lifelong dream for those who dedicate themselves to the sport. Malcolm Pein, chess correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, emphasizes the toll:

“You lose weight during a chess tournament of this intensity. The pressure is absolutely enormous.”

Players must not only outthink their opponents but also endure physical strain. Despite minimal movement, the brain’s demands necessitate peak physical condition. Preparing for matches often involves rigorous physical training to maintain concentration for hours at a time.

Historic Rivalries and Unmatched Pressure

The championship’s legacy is shaped by epic rivalries, such as the 1984 duel between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. Their contest, lasting five months and 48 games, ended controversially to preserve their health. Kasparov’s comeback from a 5-0 deficit, only to see the match called off, remains legendary.

In today’s era, matches are shorter but no less intense. Ding Liren, for instance, faced significant personal and mental health challenges after his 2023 victory. Speaking ahead of the current tournament, he described himself as an “underdog,” suggesting his struggles could impact his performance.

Inside the Mind of a Champion

Chess players operate in a world of relentless calculations. When an opponent makes a move, players must assess threats, anticipate strategies, and decide on their next steps—all while considering the match’s broader context.

Games can last for hours, with 2021 champion Magnus Carlsen once taking seven hours and 47 minutes to secure a victory. In between games, rest becomes paramount.

“There’s no point tossing and turning,” Anand said, highlighting the importance of deep, restorative sleep to maintain mental clarity.

Training is equally meticulous. Competitors analyze countless game scenarios with the help of computers, train physically to enhance endurance, and collaborate with expert trainers to refine their strategies.

A Path Few Can Follow

Even reaching the championship stage is an extraordinary achievement. Challengers must win the grueling Candidates Tournament, which pits the world’s best against each other. For many, qualifying for the championship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, heightening the pressure.

Losing the title match often leaves lasting scars on players. Pein notes:

“It’s such a blow … It affects people quite badly.”

The Prestige Endures

Despite the rise of faster-paced chess formats like rapid and blitz, the World Championship retains its unique allure. The title is a symbol of mastery that transcends the sport, cementing the champion’s place in history.

For Ding Liren and Gukesh Dommaraju, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As they sit across from each other in Singapore, the world watches, aware that this battle will demand the utmost from both players—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

 

Macy’s Discovers $154 Million in Hidden Expenses by a Single Employee

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Macy’s has uncovered accounting irregularities involving a single employee who intentionally hid up to $154 million in expenses over nearly three years. This revelation has prompted the retailer to postpone its quarterly earnings report, originally scheduled for Tuesday, to December 11.

The former employee, whose identity has not been disclosed, concealed small package delivery expenses through “erroneous accounting accrual entries,” according to the company. While Macy’s has not clarified the motive behind these actions, it emphasized that the issue did not impact cash management or vendor payments.

Details of the Discovery

The irregularities were identified during an internal audit and have led to an independent forensic accounting investigation. Despite the large sum involved, the hidden expenses account for a fraction of Macy’s $4.36 billion in delivery expenses recognized since the fourth quarter of 2021.

In a statement, Macy’s CEO Tony Spring reassured stakeholders about the company’s commitment to ethical conduct:

“While we work diligently to complete the investigation as soon as practicable and ensure this matter is handled appropriately, our colleagues across the company are focused on serving our customers and executing our strategy for a successful holiday season.”

Investigators have not found evidence implicating any other employees in the scheme.

Investor Concerns and Preliminary Earnings

The revelation has raised questions about the effectiveness of Macy’s internal controls and auditing processes. Neil Saunders, a retail analyst at GlobalData Retail, criticized the oversight, stating:

“Such things create more nervousness for investors who are already concerned about the company’s performance.”

Adding to investor unease, Macy’s released a preliminary earnings report showing a 2.4% decline in quarterly sales to $4.7 billion. Weakness in digital sales and cold-weather merchandise contributed to the drop, exacerbated by unseasonably warm fall weather.

Macy’s shares fell nearly 3% at Monday’s open and are down 20% year-to-date.

Operational Challenges and Strategic Plans

The 165-year-old retailer continues to face challenges in its middle-market segment, which has been underperforming. Macy’s is executing a turnaround strategy that includes closing hundreds of underperforming stores. Despite this, sales at remaining stores also declined.

Conversely, the company’s premium segments, including Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, performed better, with sales rising 1.4% and 3.2%, respectively.

Earlier this year, Macy’s rejected offers from private investors to take over the company, opting instead to pursue its own recovery strategy.

As the investigation proceeds and the company navigates its turnaround, the incident underscores the importance of robust internal controls in maintaining investor confidence.