Andrew Engelson
@andyengelson.bsky.social
Seattle-based journalist and resident of Cascadia 🇱🇸 ️🌈 He/They
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@cascadiajournal.bsky.social
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https://cascadia-journal.ghost.io/
@cascadiajournal.bsky.social
Have a news tip? Message me on Signal @andyjourno.55
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Andrew Engelson
@andyengelson.bsky.social
· May 13
It’s time for Washington and Oregon to work for an independent Cascadia
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by Andrew Engelson, Drew Alcosser, and Brandon Letsinger
Earlier this month, there was a pivotal moment in Donald Trump’s four-month attack on demo...
cascadia-journal.ghost.io
In this authoritarian crisis, it's time for us to start having conversations about what independence for #Cascadia would look like, and how to achieve it peacefully. My latest post for @cascadiajournal.bsky.social cascadia-journal.ghost.io/its-time-for...
This piece at the @thetyee.ca has a good summary of the court rulings that have opened up debate over Indigenous land title and how BC should address the legacy of colonization and meet the requirements of DRIPA, which requires consultation with First Nations: thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
BC Business Leaders Fall Silent on Relations with First Nations | The Tyee
Unwarranted panic over court decisions mean Premier David Eby faces lose-lose options in the legislature.
thetyee.ca
January 16, 2026 at 8:18 PM
This piece at the @thetyee.ca has a good summary of the court rulings that have opened up debate over Indigenous land title and how BC should address the legacy of colonization and meet the requirements of DRIPA, which requires consultation with First Nations: thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
WA bill would ban farming of octopus, BC business community silent on First Nations land title issue, feds and Republicans continue to demonize trans kids, and more news from across #Cascadia: www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Cascadia today: Are goons ICE agents or imposters? + data centers suck + bill would ban octopus farming
Goons tried to kidnap Portland man: were they ICE?
The Portland Mercury has a disturbing story of three men in tactical gear trying to kidnap a man in southeast Portland. In the video, they leap out ...
www.cascadia-journal.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:54 PM
WA bill would ban farming of octopus, BC business community silent on First Nations land title issue, feds and Republicans continue to demonize trans kids, and more news from across #Cascadia: www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
"...plans in the works for Oregon to withhold payments to the federal government if the feds illegally revoke funds allocated to the state."
Good morning to everyone but ICE agents! OR legislature will consider measure that would limit federal tax payments, BC ends drug decriminalization, and a south Seattle musician & storyteller's look at gentrification. Today's news from across #Cascadia: www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Cascadia today: OR legislature to consider withholding fed tax + BC re-criminalizes drugs + artist responds to gentrification
Good morning – to everyone but ICE agents! Here's your daily roundup of news from the Pacific Northwest and our region's pushback against fascism. If you appreciate this feisty newsletter about Oregon...
www.cascadia-journal.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:08 PM
"...plans in the works for Oregon to withhold payments to the federal government if the feds illegally revoke funds allocated to the state."
That 30/30 initiative to have women officers represent 30% of SPD's police force is going about how you'd expect...
In 2025, 90 Percent of New Seattle Police Department Hires Were Men
"We acknowledge we must do better to meet the 30x30 commitment but as we move into 2026, we will continue our work to resemble the community we serve," a spokesperson said.
publicola.com/2026/01/14/i...
"We acknowledge we must do better to meet the 30x30 commitment but as we move into 2026, we will continue our work to resemble the community we serve," a spokesperson said.
publicola.com/2026/01/14/i...
In 2025, 90 Percent of New SPD Hires Were Men - PubliCola
“We acknowledge we must do better to meet the 30×30 commitment but as we move into 2026, we will continue…
publicola.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:06 PM
That 30/30 initiative to have women officers represent 30% of SPD's police force is going about how you'd expect...
INBOX: Seattle mayor Katie Wilson issues an executive order directing SDOT to create a dedicated bus lane on Denny Way to improve service reliability for Metro's Route 8 line. 🥳
January 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM
INBOX: Seattle mayor Katie Wilson issues an executive order directing SDOT to create a dedicated bus lane on Denny Way to improve service reliability for Metro's Route 8 line. 🥳
Everything you need to know today about #Cascadia and our pushback against fascism:
Good morning to everyone but ICE agents! OR legislature will consider measure that would limit federal tax payments, BC ends drug decriminalization, and a south Seattle musician & storyteller's look at gentrification. Today's news from across #Cascadia: www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Cascadia today: OR legislature to consider withholding fed tax + BC re-criminalizes drugs + artist responds to gentrification
Good morning – to everyone but ICE agents! Here's your daily roundup of news from the Pacific Northwest and our region's pushback against fascism. If you appreciate this feisty newsletter about Oregon...
www.cascadia-journal.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Everything you need to know today about #Cascadia and our pushback against fascism:
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
This led by teachers at two schools in Rainier Beach. Here's more from them: "Southshore and Dunlap will conduct our annual MLK March on Friday along Henderson from 9:45-11:00. We would sure appreciate a safe and supportive buffer of neighborhood people around as well as the press. Thanks!"
January 15, 2026 at 3:28 PM
This led by teachers at two schools in Rainier Beach. Here's more from them: "Southshore and Dunlap will conduct our annual MLK March on Friday along Henderson from 9:45-11:00. We would sure appreciate a safe and supportive buffer of neighborhood people around as well as the press. Thanks!"
Hey Seattle friends: kids from several schools in the Rainier Beach area are doing a march in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Friday, January 16 from 9:30 am to 11 am, starting at the Rainier Beach community center. In this difficult time they're asking for neighbors march with them.
January 15, 2026 at 12:57 AM
Hey Seattle friends: kids from several schools in the Rainier Beach area are doing a march in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Friday, January 16 from 9:30 am to 11 am, starting at the Rainier Beach community center. In this difficult time they're asking for neighbors march with them.
If you appreciate this "news smorgasbord" please consider buying a paid subscription. It's about the cost of one latte per month.
Good morning! Oregon joins Washington in pushing a police mask ban, radon gas is a risk in eastern BC, an aide to former Seattle mayor won't be charged with sexual assault, and a longtime Seattle cinema closes. It's your daily #Cascadia news smorgasbord: www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Cascadia today: OR pushes police mask ban + Portland mayor evicts homeless + another Seattle cinema closes
Oregon legislators push police masking ban
Oregon Capital Chronicle reports that the Oregon legislature, in addition to Washington, is considering a bill that would ban police officers from covering ...
www.cascadia-journal.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:01 PM
If you appreciate this "news smorgasbord" please consider buying a paid subscription. It's about the cost of one latte per month.
This is where we're at: show me your papers. Don't talk to me about funding or reforming ICE, it needs to be dismantled and abolished now.
BREAKING: ICE agents in Minneapolis violently detained and arrested a U.S. citizen for one reason only: he refused to prove his citizenship.
No crime. No warrant. No probable cause.
No crime. No warrant. No probable cause.
January 14, 2026 at 4:24 AM
This is where we're at: show me your papers. Don't talk to me about funding or reforming ICE, it needs to be dismantled and abolished now.
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
A ban on police face coverings has been one of the most talked about policy proposals in the first two days of Washington’s legislative session, with lead lawmakers and the governor lining up in support. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/13/p...
Proposed ban on police face coverings gains momentum in WA Legislature • Washington State Standard
A ban on police face coverings has been one of the most talked about proposals in the first two days of Washington’s legislative session.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM
A ban on police face coverings has been one of the most talked about policy proposals in the first two days of Washington’s legislative session, with lead lawmakers and the governor lining up in support. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/13/p...
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
Legislation Would Give Prisoners Serving Long Sentences a Path to Release
The proposal, from Washington's first formerly incarcerated legislator, would make it possible for people incarcerated long-term to make the case that they're no longer a threat.
publicola.com/2026/01/13/l...
The proposal, from Washington's first formerly incarcerated legislator, would make it possible for people incarcerated long-term to make the case that they're no longer a threat.
publicola.com/2026/01/13/l...
Legislation Would Give Prisoners Serving Long Sentences a Path to Release - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett State Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-23, Bremerton) is trying, for the third year in a row, to…
publicola.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Legislation Would Give Prisoners Serving Long Sentences a Path to Release
The proposal, from Washington's first formerly incarcerated legislator, would make it possible for people incarcerated long-term to make the case that they're no longer a threat.
publicola.com/2026/01/13/l...
The proposal, from Washington's first formerly incarcerated legislator, would make it possible for people incarcerated long-term to make the case that they're no longer a threat.
publicola.com/2026/01/13/l...
I look forward to the day when the AP Style Guide adopts "goons" as the correct term to use when referring to ICE agents.
January 14, 2026 at 1:20 AM
I look forward to the day when the AP Style Guide adopts "goons" as the correct term to use when referring to ICE agents.
An amazing scoop from the Mercury. Protip: don't send a bunch of racist texts while sitting in a public meeting.
The Mercury has obtained a series of images of group messages that show racist, sexist, and homophobic tropes used by a local developer and other local conservative political activists during a council president election. Readers may find this content offensive.
"Racist, Dehumanizing": Chat Images Show Portland Power Players Disparaging Councilors of Color
Messages obtained by the Mercury contain a slew of offensive tropes sent during a council president election
www.portlandmercury.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:02 PM
An amazing scoop from the Mercury. Protip: don't send a bunch of racist texts while sitting in a public meeting.
You can find out how to make public comment in support of the bill banning law enforcement face coverings in this post...
WA legislator backs bill to ban police masking, Portland STILL doesn't have a council president, BC First Nations angry at at proposed oil pipeline, and controversial totem poles to return to Seattle's Pike Place market. It's your #Cascadia news roundup!
www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Cascadia today: WA bill would ban police masks + Portland fails to elect council leader + controversial totems return
Good afternoon! If you appreciate this feisty, opinionated roundup of news from across the Pacific NW, please consider purchaing a paid subscription, thanks!
Support Cascadia Journal for $5 per month...
www.cascadia-journal.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:55 PM
You can find out how to make public comment in support of the bill banning law enforcement face coverings in this post...
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
I think they should get the apartment at the top of the Smith Tower.
My least urbanist opinion is that Seattle needs a mayoral mansion.
January 13, 2026 at 6:09 AM
I think they should get the apartment at the top of the Smith Tower.
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
This is Minneapolis:
Walk into my neighborhood ACE last night & see the signage on their door notifying fed agents that it’s private property and cannot be used for immigration enforcement. These signs are all over the city.
Walk in & the nearest shelf has goggles & whistles.
Walk into my neighborhood ACE last night & see the signage on their door notifying fed agents that it’s private property and cannot be used for immigration enforcement. These signs are all over the city.
Walk in & the nearest shelf has goggles & whistles.
January 13, 2026 at 4:38 PM
This is Minneapolis:
Walk into my neighborhood ACE last night & see the signage on their door notifying fed agents that it’s private property and cannot be used for immigration enforcement. These signs are all over the city.
Walk in & the nearest shelf has goggles & whistles.
Walk into my neighborhood ACE last night & see the signage on their door notifying fed agents that it’s private property and cannot be used for immigration enforcement. These signs are all over the city.
Walk in & the nearest shelf has goggles & whistles.
Funny how when someone is accused of misconduct by the cops that's all public, but if someone accuses a cop of misconduct it has to all be kept secret.
SPOG is maneuvering in the appeals court to protect officers accused of serious misconduct, like racism, corruption, and dishonesty.
open.substack.com/pub/divestsp...
open.substack.com/pub/divestsp...
The police guild wants to rewrite the Public Records Act in the courts
In its lawsuit against DivestSPD, SPOG is attempting to bypass the state legislature and create new exemptions for officers accused of serious misconduct.
open.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Funny how when someone is accused of misconduct by the cops that's all public, but if someone accuses a cop of misconduct it has to all be kept secret.
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
My latest about how a new UW report shows ICE still has ways to access to WA's Dept of Licensing driver data, including photos, home addresses, etc. This is the latest in a now long saga of the DOL giving personal information to immigration enforcement.
UW Report: Immigration Agents Still Accessing WA Driver Data » The Urbanist
# The University of Washington Center for Human Rights reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is still accessing state license data to aid mass deportation, despite state efforts ...
www.theurbanist.org
January 12, 2026 at 8:14 PM
My latest about how a new UW report shows ICE still has ways to access to WA's Dept of Licensing driver data, including photos, home addresses, etc. This is the latest in a now long saga of the DOL giving personal information to immigration enforcement.
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
This woman is harder than goddamn steel dealing with these goddamn thugs. I want her to be my neighbor.
January 12, 2026 at 6:47 PM
This woman is harder than goddamn steel dealing with these goddamn thugs. I want her to be my neighbor.
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
New cost estimates have revealed that the funding gap on Washington and Oregon's joint megaproject to widen I-5 between the two states has grown to anywhere from $5 billion to $13 billion. The project as we know it is likely doomed.
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/t...
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/t...
The Pacific Northwest’s Biggest Highway Project Could be Cooked » The Urbanist
# New cost estimates on the long-planned Interstate Bridge Replacement over the Columbia River reveal a funding gap that could range from $5 billion to a staggering $13 billion, an amount that neither...
www.theurbanist.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:48 PM
New cost estimates have revealed that the funding gap on Washington and Oregon's joint megaproject to widen I-5 between the two states has grown to anywhere from $5 billion to $13 billion. The project as we know it is likely doomed.
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/t...
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/t...
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
Protests against ICE and the war in Venezuela, I-5 bridge replacement over Columbia is faltering, housing prices drop in Vancouver and remembering an Oregon nature photographer. It's your morning roundup of news from across #Cascadia: www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Cascadia today: Protesting ICE + Vancouver housing prices drop + OR nature photographer Dorband remembered
Protests across Cascadia as region reacts to ICE
Thousands of people across Cascadia turned out for protests against ICE, the killing of Renee Good and others killed by immigration officers, as well ...
www.cascadia-journal.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Protests against ICE and the war in Venezuela, I-5 bridge replacement over Columbia is faltering, housing prices drop in Vancouver and remembering an Oregon nature photographer. It's your morning roundup of news from across #Cascadia: www.cascadia-journal.com/cascadia-tod...
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
The message from the White House this morning is that, once again, it falls on ordinary American citizens to remain calm and professional when dealing with the heavily armed agents of the government because they are very emotional and might fly off into a murderous rage at the slightest insult.
January 11, 2026 at 3:19 PM
The message from the White House this morning is that, once again, it falls on ordinary American citizens to remain calm and professional when dealing with the heavily armed agents of the government because they are very emotional and might fly off into a murderous rage at the slightest insult.
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
Mayor who told ICE to get the fuck out of Minneapolis sics cops on people protesting ICE.
The Minneapolis Police Department has declared tonight’s protest outside a downtown hotel an unlawful assembly, calling it a public nuisance, and ordered the crowd to disperse. bit.ly/3Yu1KW3
January 10, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Mayor who told ICE to get the fuck out of Minneapolis sics cops on people protesting ICE.
Reposted by Andrew Engelson
Doesn’t game theory suggest that in a stable, cooperative system where powerful agents play by a set of established rules, someone who “defects” & stops playing by the rules wins big for awhile, but then the system gets destabilized, chaos rules, & eventually a new system gets rebuilt on the ruins?
January 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Doesn’t game theory suggest that in a stable, cooperative system where powerful agents play by a set of established rules, someone who “defects” & stops playing by the rules wins big for awhile, but then the system gets destabilized, chaos rules, & eventually a new system gets rebuilt on the ruins?