California has led the way for other states to reduce prison populations.
Sarah Tory
Sarah Tory is a journalist based in Colorado. Previously, she was a correspondent for High Country News.
Posted inMarch 7, 2016: The Parks You Don't Know
Tracing America’s Borderlands history along the Anza Trail
Immigrants still follow Juan Bautista de Anza’s historic route.
Posted inArticles
In Utah, a massive water project is gaining ground
The project could divert 86,000 acre-feet from Lake Powell to the retirement community of St. George.
Posted inFebruary 22, 2016: Fractured
Far from home, the West’s foreign sheepherders get a pay raise
Since the ’50s, Western states have brought in international workers but offer them few of the benefits given other workers.
Posted inArticles
Dispatch from Blockadia
Where enviros are uniting with social justice and tribal rights activists in the Northwest to stop new fossil fuel development.
Posted inDecember 21, 2015: Secrets of the Deep
Holiday publishing break
The holidays are approaching, and we’re taking a break from our 22-issues-per-year schedule. Look for High Country News again around Jan. 25. But new stories will be published online at hcn.org nearly every day. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more news. With the cold weather and short days, […]
Posted inDecember 21, 2015: Secrets of the Deep
Latest: Gila River diversion inches forward
The project will start environment reviews, but it’s far from a done deal.
Posted inArticles
Is the West prepared for climate change?
A new report shows most states are vulnerable to future increases in extreme heat, drought, and flooding.
Posted inDecember 7, 2015: Good Neighbors
New staff and fellow
We’re hard at work here at High Country News, trying to get this issue to press before Thanksgiving. But we still have time to share some gossip from our Paonia headquarters. We are delighted to announce that former intern Kate Schimel will be our new assistant editor. Kate proved herself invaluable during her internship and […]
Posted inDecember 7, 2015: Good Neighbors
Latest: Anti-gay stance spurs exodus from Mormon Church
The church has a history of anti-gay actions.
Posted inNovember 23, 2015: Water Hustle
Could Los Angeles design its way to water independence?
A pair of architects are reinvisioning the city’s relationship with water, starting with storm runoff.
Posted inArticles
Will a new state plan solve Colorado’s water troubles?
After years of growing scarcity and population pressure, Colorado finally has a plan of action.
Posted inNovember 9, 2015: The Campaign Against Coal
The Latest: Supreme Court denies roads rule appeal in Utah
Decision makes it harder for counties to claim roads on public land.
Posted inArticles
How Western towns profit from detaining immigrants
Detention facilities provide economic stability for many rural towns.
Posted inArticles
Environmentalists on both sides of the border eye Canadian election
Our neighbor to the north has taken an aggressively anti-climate, pro-pipeline tack. But the upcoming election could change that.
Posted inArticles
Utah’s Supreme Court delivers a victory for immigrant rights
Tens of thousands are deported each year for accepting plea deals. Now they will have a new way to fight back.
Posted inArticles
Does optimism have a place in Western water politics?
Writer John Fleck wants us to abandon our dried-up narratives of doom.
Posted inArticles
Hopes high for a ‘Super’ El Niño
The weather phenomenon could bring rain but also mudslides and drought to the different regions of the West.
Posted inArticles
In Colorado, a green fleecing worth millions
How hundreds of Front Rangers got scammed.
Posted inArticles
Abnormal weather linked to more recreation deaths
Summer is always high season for fatal outdoor accidents, but increased lightning and heat seem to make it worse.