Cascadia today: Feds arrest Spokane protesters + helicopters fix river habitat + Queer roller skating 🌈
Nine arrested in Spokane for June protests against ICE
In a disturbing escalation of a politicized US Justice Department, federal agents yesterday arrested nine leaders of protests against immigration crackdowns in Spokane, including queer organizer Justice Forral, Jac Archer, co-director of Spokane Community Against Racism and former city council president Ben Stukart, RANGE Media reports. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown issued a statement expressing outrage at charges against the leaders – many with felonies that could result in up to 6 years imprisonment:
“This politically motivated action is a perversion of our justice system. The Trump Administration’s weaponization of ICE and the DOJ is trampling on the U.S. Constitution and creating widespread fear across our community. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown
The Spokesman Review reported that Stuckart was released on bail today. RANGE Media has a good checklist of actions to take locally today in response (organizations are call for no protests today) including protest training session this evening led by Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane. Register here.
This is yet another outrage against the right of the people on the West coast to protest the kidnappings and campaign of fear the Trump administration is engaging in with masked, militarized ICE agents in California, Oregon, and Washington. I've called for ICE to be removed from the states of Cascadia, and if you're as outraged as I am, please take a moment to join ongoing discussions about peaceful independence at Cascadia Democratic Action:
Wildfire in eastern Oregon grows to 64,000 acres
OPB reports that the Cram Fire is growing east of Madras, Oregon. As of this morning, InciWeb says the fire is currently at more than 64,000 acres of private and BLM land. Weather forecasts for hot, dry weather and high winds are a concern. In related news, Washington State Standard reports that the Washington Department of Natural Resources is now making remote video feeds from areas at high risk of wildfire available online. View the video feeds here.
BC falls behind on affordable childcare
CBC reports the British Columbia, once a leader in affordable childcare, is now falling behind other provinces – with Richmond and Surrey having some of the most expensive options for care. In related news, the ACLU of Washington is joining a lawsuit seeking to reverse a Trump administration policy that forbids children of non-documented residents from attending federally funded Head Start preschools.
Tribe using helicopters to improve salmon habitat
The Seattle Times has a great, detailed report on how the Tulalip Tribe of Washington has contracted with helicopter teams to drop huge downed trees into the Pilchuck River to improve salmon habitat. Thanks to these "river teeth," new eddies and redds are being created and numbers of Chinook, coho, and pink salmon are increasing.
Queer roller skating in south Seattle!
We all need a little joy right now, and the South Seattle Emerald captures that with a fabulous article and photo essay on Pride Skate night every Wednesday at Southgate Roller Rink in the White Center neighborhood of south Seattle.
"I wish I could come every week," said skater Kelly Ewing. "I love people-watching the most. There's just so many fucking cool people here."
--Andrew Engelson
