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 How COVID-19 hurt Seattle's plan to strengthen its tree laws The city council passed legislation in 2008 that was supposed to be temporary, but stronger measures still haven’t taken root. by Jenny Cunningham InvestigateWest / July 9, 2020
Culture A different kind of ‘atomic tourist’ visits Hanford A survivor of the Nagasaki bombing hopes that his city's suffering will be recognized as a part of Hanford's history. by Jenny Cunningham / June 1, 2018
Culture The last 747: One of the biggest passenger planes in history returns home This winter a Boeing 747 touched down in the rain at Paine Field in Everett. It’s a common sight around Seattle, but this time was different. by Jenny Cunningham / March 5, 2018
Equity How feeding the homeless created a community -- and divided another The “Captain” and his fiancée, Michelle Nala are regulars at the supper. The couple lives nearby without a tent and without complaint. “Actually we could use a tent,” Nala says. (Photos by Jenny... by Jenny Cunningham / August 14, 2017
Politics South Seattle residents, scientists look for answers on air pollution's health threats Trucks operate at a Port of Seattle facility. Residents would like more steps to ensure diesel-engine pollution is minimized. by Robert McClure & Jenny Cunningham for InvestigateWest / June 13, 2011