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 Labor shortages, heat bring tough tides for WA shellfish farm At Taylor Shellfish Farms, hiring is increasingly a challenge as skyrocketing housing costs and difficult working conditions make it hard to recruit. by Mara Kardas-Nelson High Country News / October 17, 2022
News Young activist candidates try to spur peers to get out and vote Despite a slate of hard-left candidates, younger voters didn’t cast many ballots in August’s primary election. What might change that? by Hannah Krieg / September 16, 2021
News Can Seattle activists make it as 'career' politicians? Activists found their power in the streets in the summer of 2020. Now they're looking to use it in the halls of power. by Hannah Krieg / September 15, 2021
Politics Young WA progressives eye electoral offices – with reservations A new batch of candidates aim to make an impact without becoming 'career politicians.' by Hannah Krieg / September 14, 2021
News For 2020 high school grads, freshman year of college was crazy too We check back in with Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero from Crosscut's 'Senior Year Was Crazy' documentary after her first year at the University of Washington. by Hannah Krieg / June 17, 2021