Oil and gas revenue funds everything from campaigns to government functions, complicating promises of a greener future.
New Mexico
Posted inJune 1, 2021: Once and Future Fires
The everyday violence of Indian Country’s ‘bordertowns’
In ‘Red Nation Rising,’ violence in the communities abutting reservations illuminates colonialism’s continued presence.
Posted inArticles
There are no clear winners in the West’s water wars
As climate stressors raise the stakes, states put energy into litigation before conservation.
Posted inMay 1, 2021: Beauty and Biodiversity in the Borderlands
Can a wildlife refuge help a community’s fight for environmental justice?
In Albuquerque’s South Valley, activists are happy for more green space but worry about gentrification.
Posted inApril 1, 2021: Holding Fast
A punchy cougar; wildlife comms; COVID-safe hugs
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inArticles
Can cloud seeding help the West’s drought?
States consider weather modification to make it rain.
Posted inMay 1, 2021: Beauty and Biodiversity in the Borderlands
Investigation: Illegal cannabis operation looks for roots in Indigenous communities
High Country News and Searchlight New Mexico confirmed that Dineh Benally, who set up illegal ventures on the Navajo Nation, attempts new operations in South Dakota.
Posted inApril 1, 2021: Holding Fast
Modern redemption in a small New Mexican town
Kirstin Valdez Quade’s debut novel depicts everyday Catholicism in a struggling family.
Posted inApril 1, 2021: Holding Fast
Albuquerque’s racist history haunts its housing market
Policymakers and activists fight to remove pro-segregation, anti-immigrant provisions from property deeds.
Posted inArticles
Megadrought: New Mexico farms face uncertain future
‘If they have an option to not farm, they should consider that option.’
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
Will the climate crisis tap out the Colorado River?
Water availability is going from bad to worse in the seven states that rely on the drought-stricken river.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
A rural remedy to health care access
A virtual telementoring program helps the West respond to the pandemic.
Posted inArticles
The benefits of outdoor education aren’t accessible to all
Interest in nature-based education has increased during the pandemic, but affordability is an issue.
Posted inArticles
Western lawmakers lead a movement to protect natural hair
A recent wave of legislation fights for Black women’s right to wear natural styles and have safe hair products.
Posted inArticles
Will New Mexico learn from coal’s decline?
The state relies on oil and gas revenue, but the industry faces an uncertain future.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
The alternatives to Instagram-ready desert art
Popular installations often frame the desert as austere and inhospitable. But there are artists who look at the land differently.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
New Mexico judge revokes protected lands for jaguars
Conservation groups vow to fight the ruling to help the cats reclaim their historic habitat.
Posted inArticles
New Mexico eyed for major nuclear waste storage facility
Critics say virtual meetings bypassed rural communities and raise concerns about the company behind the proposal.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
Public land is no longer on sale to oil and gas companies
President Biden’s leasing pause signals a major shift in federal land policy.
Posted inArticles
Rural communities grapple with COVID-19 immunization rollout
Far-flung populations and limited cold-storage resources present challenges to clinics.