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High Country News

High Country News

A nonprofit independent magazine of unblinking journalism that shines a light on all of the complexities of the West.

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HCN has covered the lands, wildlife and communities of the Western U.S. for more than 50 years. Get to know the West better by signing up to receive HCN’s on-the-ground reporting and investigations in your inbox.

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Articles

Posted inArticles

2024 set the stage for clean energy on public lands

by Erin X. Wong December 24, 2024December 23, 2024

Thanks to Biden administration policies, the momentum behind the energy transition could be hard to stall.

Posted inArticles

Utah’s coal mines can’t find enough workers

by Brooke Larsen December 23, 2024February 17, 2025

A mine just reopened in eastern Utah, but the industry has changed.

Posted inArticles

Tribes sue after massive wind farm in Washington gets green light

by Natalia Mesa December 20, 2024December 19, 2024

The Yakama Nation contends that the project, which threatens ceremonial sites and wildlife habitat, is unlawful.

Posted inArticles

The Supreme Court decisions that gutted environmental protections in 2024

by Natalia Mesa December 19, 2024December 18, 2024

Several major cases destroyed federal agencies’ ability to address climate change and pollution.

Posted inArticles

The radical act of sharing Native literature

by Heather Hansman December 18, 2024December 18, 2024

NDN Girls Books Club is more than a big pink truck full of free books.

Posted inArticles

Wildfire … in winter?

by Kylie Mohr December 12, 2024January 9, 2025

Expect more fires like the fast-moving one in Malibu, scientists say.

Posted inArticles

How did Native people vote this election cycle?

by Anna V. Smith December 11, 2024December 12, 2024

Accurate data is hard to come by, but one poll suggests many supported progressive priorities and liberal candidates.

Posted inArticles

The Biden administration weighs in on Colorado River management

by Natalia Mesa December 3, 2024December 2, 2024

Amid mounting drought, changing federal leadership and stalled state negotiations, new federal proposals aim to chart a forward path.

Posted inArticles

Audio: How nature can thrive despite human impact

by Ruxandra Guidi November 27, 2024November 27, 2024

What disturbance-loving plants teach.

Posted inArticles

Why did Nevada vote to ban slavery, when California didn’t?

by Natalia Mesa November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

Both states require incarcerated people to work — often for critical and dangerous jobs.

Posted inArticles

Western monarch butterflies favor private land. Now what?

by Kylie Mohr November 25, 2024December 5, 2024

A new analysis of the butterflies’ migration routes shows the need for collaborative conservation.

Posted inArticles

Beautiful Bears Ears is at risk, again

by Jonathan Thompson November 22, 2024November 22, 2024

What are the consequences for the land if the incoming president shrinks the national monument?

Posted inArticles

My family experienced Indian boarding schools – and genocide

by Rosalyn LaPier November 20, 2024November 19, 2024

Why Biden’s apology didn’t go far enough.

Posted inArticles

Where horses roam, sage grouse struggle

by Christine Peterson November 19, 2024November 18, 2024

A new study shows the imperiled bird declines as free-roaming horses exceed the land’s capacity.

Posted inArticles

How a dwindling helium supply is impacting public land management

by Zoë Rom November 18, 2024November 18, 2024

A new BLM plan for western Colorado makes a priority of helium production, worrying environmentalists.

Posted inArticles

Western voters reject ranked-choice voting

by Erin X. Wong November 14, 2024November 19, 2024

The alternative electoral system has many benefits, but public opinion remains mixed.

Posted inArticles

Washington voters stand up for climate action

by Natalia Mesa November 13, 2024November 21, 2024

The state’s landmark climate law survived a repeal effort — and has raised billions of dollars. Here’s where that money is going.

Posted inArticles

Key Senate and House races remain uncalled across the West

by Nick Bowlin November 8, 2024November 13, 2024

A dramatic shift by Latino voters toward Trump helped create a red wave.

The child of a Black Star Farmer coalition member holds kale that they harvested.
Posted inArticles

Meet Seattle’s radical gardeners

by Natalia Mesa November 7, 2024November 8, 2024

How Black Star Farmers cultivates community.

Posted inArticles

Taking the long view

by Natalia Mesa November 6, 2024November 13, 2024

After election day, stories to step back and gain perspective.

Posts pagination

Newer posts 1 2 3 4 5 … 189 Older posts

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Most popular stories

  • People brace for impacts on land, water and wildlife after feds fire thousands over holiday weekend
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Featured Stories

People brace for impacts on land, water and wildlife after feds fire thousands over holiday weekend

People brace for impacts on land, water and wildlife after feds fire thousands over holiday weekend

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The West in Perspective

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