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
Politics Rational budgeting: Inslee should return state to recent, Democratic model Gov. Jay Inslee by JasonMercier / March 26, 2013
Politics What Oregon can teach us about mail-in voting Both Washington and Oregon vote by mail, but Washington may wait weeks to see their final election results, where Oregon will have unofficial results on election night. by JasonMercier / November 1, 2012
Politics Gregoire and unions: bargaining takes on political stakes Washington State Governor, Christine Gregoire by JasonMercier / September 5, 2012
Politics Washington needs a more powerful governor Washington state ballot (2010). by JasonMercier / August 7, 2012
Politics As it waits for High Court decision, state receives good budget news Stacks of money can be yours, without having to risk your own. by JasonMercier / June 27, 2012