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 Military families are getting sick from mold in their homes. Now they’re suing A recent Army report showed that some residents at Joint Base Lewis-McChord worried about facing reprisals if they raised concerns or complained. by Kevin Knodell / November 21, 2019
Politics Fear of a new nuclear arms race revives hotbed of anti-nuclear action Trump's plans for escalation kick off a new chapter in Washington's long history with nuclear proliferation and resistance. by Kevin Knodell / October 18, 2019
Politics As Afghanistan peace talks progress, WA continues to suffer losses in America’s longest war For 18 years Joint Base Lewis-McChord has played an essential role in a war that has been forgotten by many Americans. by Kevin Knodell / May 27, 2019
Politics How Trump’s wall could hurt WA’s wildfire readiness An upgrade to the fire department at the Yakima Training Center is on the list of military projects that might be put on hold due to the president’s emergency declaration. by Kevin Knodell / March 26, 2019
Why so many female veterans are homeless A U.S. Army Pvt. pulls her way to the top of an obstacle during basic combat training. by Kevin Knodell / November 10, 2016