Mossback Mossback's Northwest: Roll on, Columbia! From its beginnings at a bucolic Canadian lake to shipwreck dangers at its mouth, the Columbia River has defined the region's history and culture. by Knute Berger / April 3, 2025
Mossback A history of vaccine skepticism, from 1920s Seattle to RFK Jr. Current debates over Trump’s controversial DHHS nominee echo the Pacific Northwest’s reputation a century ago as a bastion of “alternative medicine.” by Knute Berger / February 4, 2025
Investigations Officials inspect Tacoma ICE detention center after legal battle Washington Labor & Industries inspectors found no violations, but the Department of Health is still fighting to investigate detainee living conditions. by Jaelynn Grisso / January 6, 2025
News The Newsfeed: WA court weighs new standards for public defenders Caseload caps are being reevaluated as public defenders argue they don’t have enough time to adequately represent clients. by Jaelynn Grisso / December 13, 2024
Mossback Mossback’s Northwest: The Columbia River’s elusive origins The remarkable journey of the Columbia River starts at a modest lake in remote British Columbia. by Knute Berger / November 22, 2024
Mossback Mossback’s Northwest: The 1800s influencer obsessed with Tacoma George Francis Train, self-dubbed ”The Psycho,” ignited media fervor by circling the globe in 67 days in an effort to make the city a household name. by Knute Berger / November 15, 2024
Mossback Mossback’s Northwest: ‘The Graveyard of the Pacific’ Since 1792, an estimated 2,000 ships have sunk at the treacherous spot where the Columbia River meets the ocean. by Knute Berger / November 8, 2024
Politics Incumbent Chris Reykdal leads in Washington’s OSPI race Reykdal is likely to hold onto his position as the state public education leader with 54% to 46% of initial votes over challenger David Olson. by Jaelynn Grisso / November 5, 2024
Mossback Mossback’s Northwest: Dead people tell no tales. Or do they? This trilogy of terrifying and true Northwest tales includes a corpse that turned to soap and shoes that washed ashore with feet still inside. by Knute Berger / November 1, 2024
Mossback Mossback’s Northwest: How racism pervades PNW outdoors culture Alison Mariella Désir and Knute Berger talk about the complex legacy of Catherine Montgomery, often called “the mother of the Pacific Crest Trail.” by Knute Berger & Alison Mariella Désir & Gavin Borchert / October 25, 2024