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
News Photos: Seattle reopens as pandemic restrictions finally lift On the first day without COVID-19 restrictions, Crosscut photographers document what reopening means for Seattleites by Matt M. McKnight & Lindsey Wasson & Jovelle Tamayo / June 30, 2021
News The New Normal: Cattle ranchers in Eastern WA face the pandemic The Coon family of Adams County are no strangers to challenges when it comes to their fifth-generation family cattle ranch. But the pandemic is a different story. by Matt M. McKnight / October 19, 2020
Side hustles become essential as jobs disappear during the pandemic Whether they lost their jobs or the nature of their work changed, these Seattleites are finding creative ways to supplement their income. by Matt M. McKnight & Dorothy Edwards / September 14, 2020
Support for The New Normal is provided by Comcast. The New Normal: A bus driver steers Seattle through crisis As an operator for King County Metro, Clay McClure risks his own health and safety to keep the community moving during the pandemic. by Matt M. McKnight / June 15, 2020
Culture Art Seen: Finding joy in the everyday Before the stay-at-home order, Seattle and Burien residents reflected on ways to create happiness. by Aileen Imperial & Shaminder Dulai & Matt M. McKnight / March 27, 2020
