Read the release announcement for the third episode of PNWcurrents, NPI’s uniquely regional podcast. This episode features State Representatives Mia Gregerson, Ilana Rubel, and Dan Rayfield, who who joined NPI’s Caya Berndt to discuss boosting voter turnout and combating election fatigue.
Monthly Archives: August 2021
Practicing civil discourse in polarized times isn’t easy, but it can bring people together
In this guest post, author Erin Jones explained what prompted her to write her recently published book Bridges to Heal US, which lays out ideas that people can use to establish a dialogue with fellow Americans who don’t share their politics.
Last Week In Congress: How Cascadia’s U.S. lawmakers voted (August 23rd-27th)
The week’s major votes included House approval of reconciliation rules for the American Jobs & Families Plan, along with passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Book Review: It’s worth “Demystifying Shariah” instead of continuing with our ignorant prejudices
Read NPI’s review of Demystifying Shariah: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It’s Not Taking Over Our Country by Sumbul Ali-Karamali.
Judge strikes Compassion Seattle’s Charter Amendment 29 from November ballot
Barring a successful appeal — and it doesn’t sound like there will be one — people in Seattle will not be getting a chance to vote on a charter amendment that would alter the city’s plan of government to add new directives regarding the city’s obligations with respect to homelessness this autumn.
COVID-19 Update: Vaccine mandates ramp up as nation feels the strain from delta variant
Mask mandates are also coming back as officials in the Pacific Northwest grapple with the more infectious delta variant, which now accounts for most new COVID-19 cases.
Read the guest essay defending City Attorney Pete Holmes that The Seattle Times refused to publish before the August Top Two election
With self-absorption and self-praise, The Seattle Times has made a big deal of its dogged pursuit of public records and commitment to open government. The newspaper should display an equal commitment to public comment.
Idaho Supreme Court voids Republican Legislature’s newest anti-initiative law
Senate Bill 1110 does not comport with the Gem State’s plan of government because it infringes upon the fundamental rights of direct democracy guaranteed to Idahoans by Article III, Section I of the state’s constitution.
State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti to speak at NPI’s Eighteenth Anniversary Picnic (08/22)
Join us on Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 to hear from Washington’s newest statewide elected official, who will deliver the keynote address at our celebration of NPI’s eighteenth anniversary.
Pacific Northwesterner chosen to lead the National Park Service by President Joe Biden
Charles “Chuck” Sams, of Oregon, will be first Native American to head the National Park Service if the United States Senate concurs. He has lived the history of one park unit.
Big climate win! ConocoPhillips’ “Willow” Arctic oil drilling scheme stopped by judge
The ruling nixes the development permits approved by the Trump regime, which were not withdrawn by the Biden-Harris administration, stopping the drilling scheme from moving forward for at least the time being.
Governor Inslee reimposes statewide mask mandate, adds vaccine mandate for educators
The State of Washington is taking two important steps to stop a resurgence of COVID-19 from continuing into the autumn and resulting in needless suffering and death.
The Taliban’s reascendance is regrettable, but there were no good options for concluding the U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan
We can all wish that our withdrawal had been smoother, better executed, and not so inconsiderate of the Afghans who risked so much to help us. But again, there’s no such thing as a war that ends well, and all wars are messy.
Last Week In Congress: How Cascadia’s U.S. lawmakers voted (August 9th-13th)
The week’s major votes included Senate passage of the Invest in America Act (as altered by bipartisan negotiations) and a reconciliation instructions bill to allow a $3.5 trillion investment plan in jobs and families to move forward.