Cascadia today: Idaho's cruel anti-trans law + Portland mayor dismisses homeless data + Vancouver Island marmots rebound
Thanks to all who became paying subscribers in March – YOU ROCK. Your memberhip helps make this daily newsletter about the Pacific Northwest and our pushback against fascism possible. If your current subscription is up for renewal, please continue to help fund Cascadia Journal. I really appreciate your support. --Andrew
Idaho governor signs cruel anti-trans bill on day of visibility
Idaho governor Brad Little signed a bill into law yesterday that criminalizes trans people for using a public restroom of their choice, Idaho Capital Sun reports. Highlighting the cruelty behind the bill, Little signed it on Trans Day of Visibility, a day for celebrating and seeing trans people. The bill, one of the strictest in the nation, allows for a prison term of up to one year for using the "wrong" restroom for the first offense and up to five years prison for multiple offenses.
Cascadia shouldn't tolerate such attacks on basic human rights. Trans people have already been fleeing Idaho because of new, bigoted anti-trans laws, and Oregon and Washington welcome these refugees. If you want to support trans people in Seattle who've fled hostile states, please consider a donation to KOI, a mutual aid organization helping resettle trans people in Seattle.
Portland mayor doesn't believe homeless data
OPB has a detailed report on new data that show that 3,000 additional people are homeless in Portland since mayor Keith Wilson took office. Wilson, who campaigned on reducing homelessness, says he doesn't believe the data, which shows that 18,000 people are homeless, 8,800 of which are without shelter. The article finds that housing advocates and members of Wilson's own administration are frustrated by his refusal to acknowledge the data. In related news, King county executive Girmay Zahilay says plans are in the works for the county's first housing levy to confront the housing crisis. And the South Seattle Emerald looks at a new tiny home village geared toward providing shelter to families.
Progressives challenge status quo in WA legislature
PubliCola interviews two progressive candidates for the Washington legislature who are challenging status quo Democrats: Ron Davis, a former candidate for Seattle city council and a vocal urbanist who supports legislation making it easier to build dense housing, will try to unseat Gerry Pollet, a centrist who has opposed increased density. In Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, Hannah Sabio Howell, communications director for a labor nonprofit, is hoping to defeat longtime state senator Jamie Pedersen, a centrist and senate majority leader who successfully pushed the millionaires tax across the finish line. Speaking of the millionaires tax, a bunch rich conservative goobers are preparing a lawsuit against it.
Thousands of artifacts to be returned to Umatilla tribes
OPB reports that a private collector has donated thousands of cultural artifacts– including stone and metal tools, beaded bags and garments, and photographs – which will be returned to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The collection will be housed at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute in eastern Oregon.
Vancouver Island marmots on the rebound
CBC reports on Vancouver Island marmots – who several years ago were on the verge of extinction – are now on a path to recovery and currently number about 400 individuals. The story features Gob the marmot, a critter who was raised in captivity and released – but who made the trek back to the breeding center to be with his pals.
“They like to be in groups. And that's the same in the wild.” – Jamie Gorrell, professor at University of Northern British Columbia
Seattle's Bumbershoot music fest announces lineup
The Stranger reports on the artist lineup for the Bumbershoot music festival in Seattle over the Labor Day weekend in September of this year and it is SICK. I mean – Bikini Kill, De La Soul, Death Cab for Cutie, Japanese Breakfast, Turnstile? In one weekend? Damn. Tickets are available here.
Thanks for reading, and as always: keep fighting and keep loving. --AE
