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High Country News

High Country News

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Natalia Mesa

Natalia Mesa is an editorial fellow for High Country News reporting on science, and environmental and social justice. Email her at natalia.mesa@hcn.org or submit a letter to the editor.

Posted inArticles

Denver’s new immigration plan, explained

by Natalia Mesa May 16, 2024August 8, 2024

The new program caps shelter stays for all new immigrants but expands services for 800 asylum seekers.

Posted inArticles

Denver lanza programa de asistencia para solicitantes de asilo

by Natalia Mesa May 16, 2024August 8, 2024

El nuevo programa busca brindar apoyo a 800 recién llegados, pero cortará recursos para los demas.

Posted inArticles

When dams come down, what happens to the ocean?

by Natalia Mesa April 19, 2024August 8, 2024

A long-term study of the Elwha River Delta reveals lasting change — and a healthier ecosystem.

Posted inArticles

Meet the women fighting to end detention and deportation in Washington

by Natalia Mesa April 2, 2024April 4, 2024

La Resistencia is working alongside people in immigrant detention to shut down the Northwest Detention Center.

Posted inArticles

Conozca a las mujeres que luchan por acabar con las detenciones y las deportaciones en el estado de Washington

by Natalia Mesa April 2, 2024April 11, 2024

La Resistencia, un grupo de base en el noroeste del Pacifico, trabaja junto a personas detenidas para cerrar el Centro de Detención del Noroeste.

Posted inArticles

Climate change is happening too fast for migrating birds

by Natalia Mesa March 25, 2024March 22, 2024

The early bird would get the worm, but migration timing isn’t matching green-up.

Posted inArticles

Washington’s controversial cap-and-trade program, explained. Really.

by Natalia Mesa March 20, 2024March 19, 2024

It’s hailed as the strongest in the nation, but will it reduce carbon pollution equitably?

Posted inArticles

Disaster disparities in the West

by Natalia Mesa March 4, 2024March 1, 2024

The risk of climate catastrophe is complex, but people of color often face ‘unnatural hazards.’

Monica Blanchard, a fish biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, uses electrofishing equipment to track down Pacific lamprey at Boardman Creek near Granite Falls, Washington, last October.
Posted inMarch 2024: Fertile Ground

Saving the Pacific lamprey

by Natalia Mesa March 1, 2024March 12, 2024

Documenting populations of
the ancient fish is a step toward ensuring their survival.

Posted inJanuary 11, 2024: The Creatures in Our Midst

Reviving the Samish Tribe’s kelp

by Natalia Mesa February 1, 2024February 6, 2024

Researchers are documenting the decline of once-plentiful kelp beds in an effort to reverse the trend.

Posted inArticles

Climate litigation to watch in 2024

by Natalia Mesa January 2, 2024January 31, 2024

These court cases could move the needle on the climate crisis.

Tia Yazzie (Diné) visits with a Nest relative at one of Hummingbird’s community events.
Posted inArticles

First direct cash assistance program exclusively for Indigenous parents launched

by Natalia Mesa November 22, 2023January 31, 2024

The Nest, a Washington nonprofit program, seeks to serve Native people during and after pregnancy.

Fantasy A as himself.
Posted inArticles

A new film asks: how do you make art in a city you can’t afford?

by Natalia Mesa October 18, 2023January 24, 2024

‘Fantasy A Gets a Mattress’ is a dark, surreal, fun adventure that deals with themes of eviction, homelessness and disability.

Posted inArticles

Western states saw increasing poverty and lower incomes in 2022

by Natalia Mesa October 10, 2023January 24, 2024

From Alaska to Wyoming, cash assistance can pull families out of income hardships.

Two labor advocates wave United Farm Workers flags at the rally in Seattle on August 31.
Posted inArticles

Farmworkers fight for higher pay, better hours and fair treatment

by Natalia Mesa September 18, 2023January 24, 2024

Labor advocates rallied in Seattle to demand a union contract from Windmill farms amid allegations of poor treatment and retaliation.

Edgar Franks, policy director of the farmworkers’ union Familias Unidas por la Justicia, at the union office in Burlington, Washington.
Posted inArticles

Washington to adopt rules protecting farmworkers from wildfire smoke

by Natalia Mesa August 22, 2023January 24, 2024

Some labor advocates say they don’t go far enough.

Japanese beetle in the grass in Grandview, Washington.
Posted inArticles

Meet the beetle threatening Washington’s cherries, hops and other crops

by Natalia Mesa August 15, 2023January 24, 2024

Invasive Japanese beetles are drawn to flowers and fruit. Washington officials are trying to eradicate them from the state.

Posts pagination

Newer posts 1 2

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