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 I managed public emergencies for years. Trump is unfit to lead on COVID-19. From spreading misinformation to doubting experts, the President's actions put Americans at risk. by Eric Holdeman / March 11, 2020
Opinion Olympia's indifference to earthquake prep could kill us all Washington state government’s financial contribution reflects the priority officials place on seismic public safety, which is zero, nada, nothing. by Eric Holdeman / January 30, 2018
Politics Washington dawdles as megaquake looms A brick building damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. by Eric Holdeman / January 2, 2017
Politics The real lessons from the Fizzle in the Drizzle A recent storm, which proved less damaging than feared, provided the first chance to test regional preparedness since a 2006 windstorm. by Eric Holdeman / October 20, 2016
Politics What will kickstart Northwest's earthquake preparations? Damage at the modern Sendai airport after the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster of 2011: No use planning for something like that here, right? by Eric Holdeman / August 3, 2015
