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 Transit users 18 and younger ride free under new WA program Kids in Washington soon won’t have to pay to use public buses and trains across the state in a new $3 billion transit plan. by Melissa Santos / April 28, 2022
News WA prosecutors who withhold evidence rarely face discipline Legally and ethically, prosecutors are required to turn over evidence — even when it could hurt their case. Those who don’t, however, face few consequences. by Melissa Santos / April 19, 2022
Politics New WA police accountability law can now include past misconduct The state Criminal Justice Training Commission made the decision Wednesday, resolving a dispute about how far back the new law could reach. by Melissa Santos / March 31, 2022 / Updated at 8:31 a.m. Thursday, March 31
Politics WA redistricting panel withheld text messages, possibly breaking the law The messages show the degree of the Legislature's involvement in redrawing political districts — a process handled by a bipartisan commission. by Melissa Santos / March 18, 2022
Politics 5 major things the Washington Legislature approved in 2022 ... and a few bills they left on the table. by Melissa Santos / March 11, 2022