CR mascot drama, school threat arrest, a Hollywood spotlight, alleged threats, lawsuits, a new bear, and more—big headlines in Humboldt (346)

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College of the Redwoods delayed a decision on changing its mascot. The plan to replace the Corsairs with the Wolves is on hold as the community college seeks more community input. Some expressed concerns about changing a long-standing tradition, while others noted the Corsairs name stems from historical ties to slavery. The Wiyot Tribe supported the Wolves name, while other finalist options were the Condors and the Krakens for College of the Redwoods. *** LoCo / Weigh in

An Oklahoma man was arrested for allegedly threatening Humboldt County schools. He was identified as the suspect who targeted several local schools and businesses, initiating lockdowns with non-credible threats. The suspect reportedly has a history of alleged harassment and threats in the Humboldt County area. *** RHBB

A Eureka chiropractor is now part of an additional lawsuit against Providence-St. Joseph Hospital. Dr. Anna Nusslock claims the Eureka hospital refused emergency abortion care while she was suffering a life-threatening miscarriage. While the new lawsuit was filed on Anna’s behalf by the National Women’s Law Center, it follows a similar one filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office. Anna says the Eureka hospital’s religious policies put her life at risk and led to ongoing health issues. *** LoCo

An Arcata business reported a threatening letter referencing Trump which police are investigating. The letter warned of “physical warfare” ahead of a multicultural event at Culture Shrooms. Signed by the non-existent “Church of Arcata,” they took aim at a Hindu elephant in the business’ restroom and noted Trump as the king of the earth in its footnote. *** RHBB

Trump administration cuts will erase seven jobs and $3M in county health funding. The employees are public health nurses and disease investigators, 

while $1.2M of the funds were intended to upgrade our public health lab. Humboldt’s Public Health Director essentially said this Trump cut will hurt local disease investigations and responses. *** LoCo

Jared Huffman’s Eureka town hall meeting sparked some lively interactions. Big topics for our U.S. rep included the Trump administration, allegations of rising authoritarianism in our country, federal funding, our proposed offshore wind energy project, proposed PG&E rate hikes, the economy, Gaza, environmental concerns, and local issues. *** (VIDEO) AccessHumboldt / LoCo

Our state rep is hoping to strike down another PG&E bill hike. ​Assemblymember Chris Rogers joined other politicians in urging the California Public Utilities Commission to reject PG&E’s proposed rate increase. Hoping to boost shareholder profits, the increase would add about $5.50 to residential customer bills monthly, effective January 2026 at the earliest. This follows other recent PG&E bill hikes. *** T-S

Cal Poly Humboldt is reportedly dropping several degrees and a minor this fall. This includes the Arcata campus’ religious studies major, German minor, the economics department, international studies major, and educational leadership program, according to an email from the faculty union. A religious studies lecturer clarified that some courses in his field will still be available under the history department, and economics classes will fall under the business department's umbrella. Also, no faculty will be laid off, and current students will still be able to finish their Cal Poly Humboldt degrees.*** LoCo

A proposed rehab facility for women is moving forward in Eureka. Planned in Henderson Center, the City Council unanimously rejected an appeal against the project, which would provide structured sobriety maintenance support. Opponents had essentially said “not in my backyard,” but they were overruled, and the women’s rehab facility is still expected to open in early 2027. *** RHBB

A possible suicide was revealed north of Eureka. The deceased person was found near Jacobs Avenue. EPD said there was no suspicion of foul play. Mental health resources were included in the incident coverage. *** RHBB

Mary Burke will run for Humboldt County Supervisor as Steve Madrone steps away next year. Endorsed by Madrone, the McKinleyville resident says she’s focused on public safety, infrastructure, and effective leadership for Humboldt’s north region. *** RHBB

So, will Burke be in now that Madrone is out?

The Wiyot Tribe’s affordable housing projects in Eureka were the subject of a community meeting. 93 new units for tribal members and low-income residents are proposed on two city-owned parking lots near Lost Coast Brewery and the Dutch Bros at the north end of town. City officials and the tribe emphasized the need for affordable housing but acknowledged parking concerns. Construction on the Wiyot Tribe’s affordable housing project in Eureka is expected to start in early 2026 and finish by 2027. *** RHBB

Rescue teams saved stranded hikers on the Lost Coast Trail. They were stranded due to high tides blocking the trail. They used a helicopter and ground crews to extract ‘em. Officials reminded hikers to check tide charts before setting out on coastal trails. *** RHBB

Reminder: Shopping at farmers’ markets boosts resiliency in our local food system. As proposed federal funding cuts threaten small farms and food assistance programs, local growers are encouraging us to support them by shopping at farmers’ markets. The Arcata Plaza market has already opened, with others starting soon. *** LoCo

There are renewed calls for reinstatement after Cal Poly Humboldt discontinued its football program in 2018. A letter to the editor via Redheaded Blackbelt inquires about the feasibility of bringing back football as a Division III program. This comes in the wake of positive developments in local community college football at College of the Redwoods. Cal Poly Humboldt’s football program began in 1924.​ *** Letter

The locally shot Leonardo DiCaprio movie released a full-length trailer. Paul Thomas Anderson's upcoming film “One Battle After Another” has a bunch of scenes filmed here in Humboldt County. The movie stars Leo, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, and more. In the new trailer you can peep Murphy's Market in Cutten and the Arcata pedestrian bridge. Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead is scoring the soundtrack for the locally shot Leo movie. *** LoCo

Our zoo has a new bear. ​The Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka has a new female black bear named Ishŭng, meaning "she likes to eat" in the language of the Bear River Rancheria. She’s in a month-long quarantine at the zoo before being introduced to our male black bear, Tule. *** SPZ

Cal Poly Humboldt is hoping to boost enrollment with direct admission from local high schools. With no need to apply so long as students get good enough grades, we’ll see if this attracts higher attendance numbers on campus in Arcata. Similar programs have reportedly been successful at other California State University campuses. *** T-S