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
Environment Nonprofit finds hope against wildfires with unexpected ally: charcoal To capture carbon and jumpstart forest thinning, Methow Valley couple – and Washington taxpayers – bet on biochar. by Mandy Godwin InvestigateWest / September 2, 2021
Environment A first for Washington, locals advise lawmakers on climate change WA’s first climate assembly sends nearly 150 recommendations to lawmakers by Mandy Godwin / April 16, 2021
Environment Washington hosts first climate assembly in the United States Residents from all over the state begin virtual meetings to decide which climate change solutions to recommend to the Legislature in Olympia. by Mandy Godwin / January 19, 2021
Western Washington wildfire is different — and it’s coming Here's how we prepare. by Mandy Godwin / November 17, 2020
News Third wave of COVID-19 spikes in King County — and we aren’t ready The pandemic enters a dangerous new phase, threatening essential workers, holiday plans and more. by Hannah Weinberger & Mandy Godwin / November 13, 2020 / Updated at 9:09 a.m. on November 13, 2020
