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
Inside Cascade PBS 15 photos of memorable 2021 moments (so far) Photo editor Dorothy Edwards selected images reflecting on shared humanity around Washington state. by Dorothy Edwards / August 22, 2021
Inside Cascade PBS WA is reopening. How will you make up for lost time? As the state lifts pandemic restrictions, Crosscut photojournalists want to document your first days in this different world. by Dorothy Edwards & Ana Sofia Knauf / June 29, 2021
News Cruise ships returning to Seattle as pandemic restrictions ease The big tourism business may give the city an economic boost, but it also reopens a clash between business and the environment. by Gregory Scruggs / May 28, 2021
Culture Photos: How the pandemic reshaped our milestones in 2020 From weddings to quinceañeras and births, six families reflect on how they celebrated their biggest moments this year. by Dorothy Edwards / January 4, 2021
Politics 2020 election could affect major WA bridge, road projects Voters may not be thinking about infrastructure when they fill out their ballots, but the election will determine how many federal dollars come to Washington. by Gregory Scruggs / October 20, 2020