Daily Digest: Anti-LGBTQ rally in Seattle, Trump wants Oregon to be digitally illiterate, and a free Black Belt Eagle Scout show!
Anti-LGBTQ rally in the heart of Seattle's queer community
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's administration approved a permit for a controversial rally by the far-right Christian group Mayday USA over the Memorial Day weekend, resulting in SPD arresting 23 counter-protesters, The Stranger reports. In other municipal news, the Seattle City Council voted to lower its ethics standards and allow council members to vote on matters they would financially benefit from, PubliCola reports. And I dunno, maybe it's related, but according to the Urbanist, mayoral candidate Katie Wilson is leading Bruce Harrell in a poll by Northwest Progressive Institute.
Oregon program to help people bridge digital divide at risk
OPB reports that programs in Oregon that help older people and people of color gain computer skills are at risk because of Trump's attempt to slash funding for the Digital Equity Act. If a program helps anyone but white people, it's deemed racist by this administration, I guess. In other news of local programs at risk, the Seattle Times notes that federal cuts have forced the closure of a planned food hub in the city's south end, shutting down a facility that would have made it easier to get local produce to those in need. Meanwhile, Washington State Standard reports on how top school officials in Oregon and Washington are standing firm in opposition to federal funding cut threats meant to end diversity programs.
Will BC fast-track mines and LNG projects?
The Tyee reports on growing opposition to British Columbia's proposed Bill 15, which would would make it easier to permit infrastructure projects (including mines and LNG projects) and avoid consultation with First Nations. It's a continued effort by the NDP and Canada's Liberals to deregulate resource extraction. The Tyee previously reported on Indigenous groups' strong opposition to the bill, which they say is in direct conflict with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, passed in 2019, which aligned BC law with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Black Belt Eagle Scout free concert
Black Belt Eagle Scout, the stage name of Indigenous singer-songwriter Katherine Paul, is holding a free concert at Henry Hagg Lake west of Portland on May 31. The occasion is her commission to create a soundwalk for the park by Third Angle New Music. Sounds like a cool way to spend this Saturday. Note, the show is free but you do need to buy a parking pass.
--Andrew Engelson
