In the second story of the series, the town of Boulder’s aging population is likely to put more pressure on housing.
Communities
Posted inArticles
How to turn a struggling small town around
In the first part of a series on Boulder, Montana, a well-rounded economic development effort.
Posted inArticles
The future of small-town Montana rides on public lands
From Dupuyer to Columbia Falls, a look at the growing recreation economy.
Posted inFebruary 19, 2018: Unfrozen North
Why some young professionals settle in small-town Montana
As rural areas struggle to hold onto youth, a look at a few young professionals who returned.
Posted inFebruary 19, 2018: Unfrozen North
Idaho protects the rights of faith healers. Should it?
A debate rages over the extent of religious freedom in the face of preventable deaths.
Posted inArticles
Alaska is open for drilling
The GOP tax bill opens the Arctic to energy development, setting the stage for divisive battles to come.
Posted inJanuary 22, 2018: A Separatist State of Mind
Hemp is one town’s way out of a uranium mining past
A former mining region embraces a trade with a ‘hippie’ reputation.
Posted inFebruary 5, 2018: Caught Between Crises
How Trump’s tax bill pits the rich against the poor
We are witnessing a government restructuring and a cultural divide widening.
Posted inDecember 25, 2017: Bear Essentials
On grappling with a past shadowed by violence
Two books examine the relationship people have with painful family histories.
Posted inDecember 25, 2017: Bear Essentials
A visit to Pie Town; Mermaids on maternity leave; Airplane pit-stop
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inJanuary 22, 2018: A Separatist State of Mind
A Civil Conversation: The lessons of Nicodemus, Kansas
One of the few black settlements of the West remains — barely.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
The geography of the Southwest, painted and illuminated
An artist of Kiowa and Caddo descent blends traditional and modern styles.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
‘Will my tears cool the ash?’
A firefighter contemplates the fire season.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
Car-eating marmots; poacher ring bust-up; a Tofurky surprise
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
Why Western wildfires are getting more expensive
This year’s fire season was the costliest on record, burning more than 9 million acres.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
In a burning West, wildfire smoke threatens public health
Montana hospitals handled an increase of respiratory-related problems this year.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
Oregonians experiment with a new model to prevent megafire
A collaborative community-based project tackles overgrown forests.
Posted inArticles
An agricultural community that embraces its artistic side
A town with cattle-ranching roots branches out.
Posted inArticles
Firefighters, your next mission might be next door
Many are still unaware of the dangers of living in the wildland-urban interface.
Posted inArticles
Utah national monuments face dramatic reductions
Cutbacks to Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears spark protests and lawsuits.