Cascadia today: Medical research hit by visa fees + Seattle mayor sweeps homeless + BC ostrich drama
Good morning! Are If you appreciate Cascadia Journal, please consider helping with a paid subscription. I'm trying to meeting my goal of 70 paid members by November 1. Thanks! --Andrew
WA medical research giants pause H1B visas
The Seattle Times reports that Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research and the University of Washington – two giants of medical research in Cascadia, have halted all H1B visas for foreign workers after Trump slapped a $100,000 fee on each application. Though H1Bs in the medical field aren't as crucial as in the tech industry, they're critical, especially with a lack of qualified applicants. Cascadia-based Amazon and Microsoft together applied for 15,000 H-1Bs this year.
Trump is determined to punish Cascadia for its progressive politics and opposition to his fascist takeover. A New York Times analysis of funds revoked by the feds during the Trump administration finds that the $28 billion slashed affects almost exclusively blue-leaning Congressional districts. This includes more than $1 billion for a clean hydrogen energy project in Washington.
It's time to go our own way. More than $37 billion in federal taxes paid by Oregon and Washington each year never return to Cascadia. It's time to explore a pathway toward independence.
Andrew Engelson
Cascadia represents at No Kings protests this Saturday
Another round of No Kings protests against Trump's tyranny will take place this Saturday. I'll be tabling at the Seattle No Kings rally and march on Saturday Oct 18 from noon to 4 pm, near the Pacific Science Center. Stop by and show off your Cascadia flag and learn about a new organization, Cascadia Democratic Action, working for resilience and autonomy for our bioregion.
If you want more information on how to protest safely, check out this handy one-page guide to preparation, what to bring, and what to do if you're approached by police:
Seattle mayoral candidates differ on approach to homeless
Bolts magazine has a deep dive into Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell's punitive approach to homelessness and how things might change under Katie Wilson if she's elected. Under Harrell, sweeps and tent removals have climbed steeply, but he hasn't delivered on his promise of 2,000 new units of housing our shelter beds (and has lied about it on the campaign trail).
Ostrich farm drama in BC includes lies, threats
The story of ostriches on a farm in rural British Columbia infected with avian flu that the Canadian government has ordered to be culled is full of right-wing anger, threats and lies. The Tyee reports that those opposed to the culling have threatened government officials and local businesses. Opponents also forged a letter supporting their cause from the Syilx Okanagan Nation. US health secretary RFK Jr. – never one to turn down an opportunity to attack public health – even inserted himself into the controversy, offering to ship the sick birds to Dr. Mehmet Oz's ranch in Florida. Makes you want to put your head in the sand.
--Andrew Engelson
