Indigenous Affairs Native nations lead salmon restoration efforts in Columbia Basin The number of returning adult salmon and steelhead has doubled since the 1990s, but is still only halfway to the NWPCC’s goal of 5 million. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / February 10, 2025
Indigenous Affairs Cowlitz Tribe youth help lead this year’s First Salmon Ceremony “It’s what we do to thank the salmon for what they give,” said Lydia Hodges, 15, part of the new generation carrying on the sacred ritual. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / June 24, 2024
Indigenous Affairs Yakama Nation’s new public safety campus gives justice room to grow The tribal court system, which had occupied a cluster of trailers since the ’50s, plans to add services like a mental health or a veterans court. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore News and ICT / January 9, 2024
Equity Snoqualmie Tribe starts land protection sales tax at Salish Lodge The 2% tax will preserve ancestral sites such as Snoqualmie Falls, and could be a model for other Indigenous nations. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore/ICT / July 17, 2023
News The Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people The Native and Strong Lifeline provides connection and culturally specific care to callers in crisis. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Indian Country Today and Underscore News / June 19, 2023
Opinion Republicans need to choose: Trump or America Members of the GOP at every level, including in Washington state, are responsible for the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol. by Chris Vance / January 8, 2021
Opinion What a Biden presidency could mean for WA politics With a friendly administration and a shifting local party system, a political realignment could be underway. by Chris Vance / November 7, 2020
Opinion Election 2020: A national blue wave will impact these WA races The outlines of the election are locked in: Democrats will remain on top. Only a few local contests remain in doubt. by Chris Vance / October 16, 2020
Opinion Four takeaways from Washington’s 2020 primary election Rural-urban polarization is growing, the Democratic civil war continues and other lessons from the Aug. 4 primary. by Chris Vance / August 10, 2020
Opinion Raul Garcia can’t save WA Republicans from Tim Eyman In the governor’s race and beyond, the GOP needs to get far away from the toxic populism of Eyman and Donald Trump. by Chris Vance / July 16, 2020