Cascadia today: OR responds to fed cuts + org pushes limits to queer student rights + protecting humpback whales

Good morning! Grab your cup of coffee (NOT from Starbucks – solidarity!) and check out today's roundup of news that's relevant to the Pacific Northwest. And if you're interested in becoming more active in the movement for Cascadia autonomy, be sure to follow Cascadia Democratic Action, now on Bluesky!

Oregon legislators discuss response to fed cuts

Oregon's legislature is returning to Salem this week, and at the top of the agenda is how to respond to Trump's harsh cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other federal funding critical to Oregon residents, OPB reports. The cuts have left Oregon with at least $373 million in deficits in Oregon's budget, and state tax revenues have been below forecast. Oregon Capital Chronicle has a great run down of items in the upcoming budget under stress, including human services, the state's underfunded public defender system, and K-12 education.

We need to tell legislators in Oregon that the solution to the feds giving up on funding essential services isn't austerity. Cascadia is a wealthy, thriving region and those at the top end need to pay their fair share. If you live in Oregon, please contact your state senator here and your representative here. Tell them that among other approaches to raising taxes on Oregon's wealthy citizens, it's time to end the corporate "kicker," which refunds up to $200 million in taxes to large companies every year.

Note to Harrell and SPOG: stop lying about Wilson's win

The Stranger reports on how former Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle police union president Mike Solan have alluded to "anomalies" in Katie Wilson's close victory in the Seattle mayor's race. King County Elections calls bullshit on these claims, noting they'll investigate any credible allegations and that "There’s been nothing amiss on our end." Solan has pushed plenty of right-wing disinformation in the past, and pushed back on reprimanding SPD officers who participated in the January 6 insurrection. It's time to stop using cops in Cascadia's cities as a solution to every problem. In Vancouver, there's increasing pushback on VPD putting 17 liaison officers in public schools. And advocates for those living without shelter are speaking out against Portland's new plan to have cops cite people for camping on the streets.

Spokane Valley org wants to limit student rights

RANGE Media reports that former Spokane Valley pastor Brian Noble has formed a think tank, Family Policy Institute of Washington that is teaming up with the right-wing initiative factory Let's Go Washington to push for limits on student's rights in Washington. In particular, it's attacking trans students rights, with limits on participation in sports and notifying parents when students under 18 seek school medical services. If you support trans rights, don't sign Initiative 26-638.

Humpback tangled in fishing line will likely die

According to the Oregonian, a humpback whale that washed ashore on the Oregon coast this weekend tangled in crab-fishing line will likely not survive, biologists say. It's a growing global problem. Cascadia should support strengthening the recently ratified UN High Seas Treaty with stronger penalties for nations whose fishing vessels consistently violate regulations (China, Russia, and the US).

Congrats to NSL champions Vancouver Rise!

The Vancouver Rise came back to win 2-1 against AFC Toronto and claim the first championship in the debut season of the Northern Super League, Canada's professional all-women soccer league, CBC reports. Go Cascadia!

Thanks for reading! --Andrew