Daily Digest: Universities in Cascadia grow a spine, BC a battleground in Canada election
Good morning! Here's your free sample of the Cascadia Journal's daily digest. Help me meet my goal of twenty paid subscribers by signing up for just $5 a month and supporting independent journalism in the Pacific NW!
Universities across Cascadia stand up to Trump
Many of the major universities across Cascadia signed a joint letter that included the leaders of more than 150 university and colleges across the US demanding an end to retribution and interference from the Trump administration. "We must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses," they said in the statement. Some of the universities finding some backbone and solidarity include the University of Washington, Seattle University, Lewis and Clark, Willamette University, and Reed College. Trump has threatened to cut research and other funding to universities that don't support his agenda, including attacks on diversity programs. Meanwhile, the University of Washington's faculty senate passed a resolution urging the creation of a "mutual defense compact" among major universities to better resist Trump's meddling.
Oregon attorney general joins lawsuit on tariffs
Oregon Capital Chronicle reports that Oregon's attorney general has joined a lawsuit with 11 other states suing to end the Trump administration's tariff trade war. KUOW looks at how some "local" businesses will be hurt by tariffs. Meanwhile, the Inlander notes that Spokane is expecting a huge drop in Canadian tourism after Trump has offended pretty much every one of our neighbors to the north.
BC a battleground in Canada's federal election
Speaking of news north of the 49th parallel, the Tyee looks at a competitive four-way race for a seat in Parliament in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, in greater Victoria. The seat is held by the left-of-center NDP, but the Liberals, Conservatives, and even possibly the Greens see a chance to gain the riding.
A cake walk for Black arts center in Seattle
The South Seattle Emerald reports on the sixth anniversary of Seattle's Wa Na Wari, an arts center and cultural space focused on the city's Black community. In a celebratory fundraiser, the center offered dance performances and "cake walk" sale that's a longtime tradition in African American communities.
Read this week's essay on Bob's timid response
If you haven't yet, please read this week's essay on how Washington governor Bob Ferguson and Democrats have failed this session to build resilience and defend the state's residents from Trump's federal cuts. And if you like what I'm doing please take a moment to subscribe. It's just 5 bucks a month, thanks! --Andrew Engelson