Cascadia today: Another stupid war + Wilson is now Seattle's mayor + BC glaciers shrinking
Trump launches war in Venezuela, Cascadia resists
Happy 2026, friends! Well, we're not even a week into the new year and Trump has launched a war against Venezuela to seize its oil – and he's not even hiding this fact: "We're going to have our very large U.S. oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country."
Protesters in Cascadia scrambled to organize rallies over the weekend, including one outside the US District courthouse in Tacoma, and one in Portland.
Trump and his allies also threatened last week to invade Greenland, which is controlled by NATO member Denmark.
Without consulting Congress and violating the sovereignty of Venezuela to seize its leader, Trump and his cabinet are engaging in an illegal, immoral war, and if the United States fails to impeach Trump, or otherwise remove him, the people of Cascadia have the right – and an obligation – to peacefully separate from the US and not be a party to these war crimes.
If you're interested in organizing for Cascadia independence, consider signing up for alerts from Cascadia Democratic Action or attending an organizing meeting. The next online meetup is this evening, 7 pm, Monday January 5. Email cascadiademocratic@protonmail.com or message me on Signal at andyjourno.55 for more information.
Katie Wilson sworn in as Seattle mayor
Much to the dismay of Seattle's corporations, NIMBY homeowners, and landlords, Katie Wilson was sworn in as Seattle's mayor last week KUOW reports, vowing to work to address housing affordability, the homeless crisis, and tenants' rights. Jacobin magazine has an excellent, extensive interview with Wilson to talk about her socialist agenda for the city. Meanwhile, Oregon Capital Chronicle has a preview of what's coming in Oregon politics in 2026 – most importantly, the race for governor and more battles over the state's transportation bill.
"Dense, affordable housing is also a transportation strategy and a climate strategy." – Katie Wilson
WA measure to ban trans athletes submits signatures
Washington State Standard reports that conservative wanker Brian Heywood and his right-wing pals have submitted signatures to put two measures on the Washington ballot, codifying parents' rights and banning trans athletes from participating in school sports. What a colossal waste of time and an assault on trans rights. Support the Gender Justice League and oppose this garbage.
BC Indigenous land title controversy heats up
The Tyee looks at the debate simmering in British Columbia over a BC Supreme Court ruling last year that Cowichan Tribes v. Canada, which attempts to resolve the issue of title in areas in and around Vancouver. In 2024, I reported on how the Gitanyow First Nation of northern BC is also seeking title through the courts.
BC glaciers are shrinking
The Narwhal looks at the state of glaciers in British Columbia, which have been shrinking at an alarming rate thanks to climate change. The province has about 17,000 glaciers, and the article notes that they've lost 22 % of their surface area between 1985 and 2021. Want to take the province in a new direction? The Tyee has an interview with BC Greens leader Emily Lowan, who says the center-left NDP isn't doing enough to fight climate change.
Mah-jong revival in Vancouver
The Vancouver Sun has a feature on the rising popularity of mah-jong among Gen Z and millennial people in Vancouver. The ancient game has been a longtime pastime among immigrants from Asia, and groups such as the Dragon Tile Social Club are extremely popular.
Thanks for reading! --Andrew
