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
Environment Coronavirus could make fighting Washington wildfires harder Agencies that prepare for wildfires and recruit firefighters are busy responding to the pandemic. That could be a problem come summer. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 27, 2020
Environment Climate bills in WA a ‘comprehensive failure’ in 2020, critics say Key legislation to cut carbon emissions died, while goal-setting bill offers no path to reach target. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 25, 2020
Environment WA lawmakers pave the way for electric cars, but activists want more As the legislative session comes to a close, the green lobby is pushing lawmakers to do more to take on climate change. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 10, 2020
Politics WA lawmakers want to fund solutions for healthier soil — and less gassy cows Bipartisan proposals before the state legislature would help scientists learn about storing carbon in soils and invest in GPS-guided tractors and climate-friendly cattle feed. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / February 20, 2020
Politics Inslee, environmentalists want aggressive action on climate, including a clean fuel standard They call this year’s Washington legislative session an opportunity to complete unfinished business. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / January 14, 2020
