High Country News

??Starting now, High Country News is offering free digital access to all federal employees—including those recently laid off. For over 50 years, HCN has been a trusted source for public land stewards, scientists, and agency staffers. But now, many are facing budget cuts, mass firings, and orders to cancel subscriptions—all while press freedom is under attack. At a time when misinformation is rampant and independent journalism is more critical than ever, we’re making sure those who need our reporting the most can still access it. If you’re a current or former federal employee, email [email protected] with the subject "Government Employee Access" and proof of employment—we’ll take care of the rest. Because staying informed should never be out of reach.

American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME)'s Best Cover Contest is happening now, and High Country News has four covers eligible for Reader's Choice: January, March, July, and October. Two of those covers (July & October) even feature the photography of HCN's Visuals Editor, Roberto (Bear) Guerra. ?? Voting ends March 31, so be sure to vote before then!

?? High Country News is hiring a?Design Director! ?? We're looking for a creative leader to shape the visual storytelling of HCN across print and digital platforms. This role will lead a talented team of designers and visual editors to drive conversations on land, water, wildlife, Indigenous affairs, and climate change in the Western United States. If you’re a design pro with a passion for independent journalism and justice-centered storytelling, we want to hear from you! ???Salary:?$78,195–$86,884 ???Remote (within HCN’s coverage area preferred) ???Apply now: https://buff.ly/3D6rQqU

Did you know High Country News offers FREE access to our magazine for educators? ?? Through HCNU, teachers can bring the stories of the American West—its people, landscapes, and challenges—straight into their classrooms. We believe today’s students are tomorrow’s changemakers, and we’re here to inspire them with journalism that matters. Explore HCNU and sign up today ?? https://www.hcn.org/edu/

Congratulations to High Country News photo contributor, Zaydee Sanchez, for her prestigious win! ?? Zaydee is a Mexican-American documentary photographer who focuses on labor workers, the environment, and migration. Check out three HCN stories that have featured her incredible work: ?? The pride and pain of the UFW march ?? https://buff.ly/4jU2rkH ?? California’s transgender Latinx people find refuge and empowerment in community ?? https://buff.ly/3QbtY3N ?? Many renters are struggling after fleeing LA County wildfires ?? https://buff.ly/40Dd0Qs “This year, we walk into the unknown, a path that many in my community fear,” said Sanchez. “We do not know what lies ahead or who will be impacted. In this uncertainty, I feel a deep responsibility to keep the focus on the migrant community.”

???????? NOW HIRING: Design Director ???????? This is your chance to develop and execute High Country News' cross-platform visual strategy, and advance our mission of informing and inspiring people to act on behalf of the West's diverse human and natural communities. The Design Director is responsible for the overall look and feel of HCN's website and other digital products, our monthly print magazine, and our fundraising and marketing materials. ?? Full time ?? Exempt with benefits, and PTO ?? 401k retirement plan with employer match ?? Salary range of $78,195 to $86,884 Our HQ is in Paonia, Colorado, but the Art Department works remotely. It is preferred you reside in, or is willing to relocate to, our coverage area of AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA and WY. We're accepting applications until March 2. For more information and how to apply: https://buff.ly/40LIP9H

?We're excited to announce our new cohort of editorial fellows? Chad Bradley is our Indigenous affairs fellow; Shi En Kim is our climate and science fellow; and Annie Rosenthal is our Virginia Spencer Davis fellow. Watch our website for stories from these amazing journalists. ????

??ICYMI??Next Wednesday, February 5, join us for?The Social Shift: Content Creators, New Voices & the Future of News. Explore how influencers are reshaping journalism and media with special guests: ? Birdie Sam (@showme_YourMask) ? Kelsey Russell ? Teal Lehto (@WesternWaterGirl) ????February 5 @ 5:30–7:30 PM (Doors open at 5 PM) ?? Walker Ames Room, Kane Hall, UW (Red Square) ????Free – RSVP on Eventbrite?| Livestream Available Social media has reshaped how Americans consume news. As content creators—often called “influencers”—rise as primary sources of information, they are overtaking traditional journalists for younger audiences. This shifting landscape brings critical questions: What does this mean for journalism? What does this mean for news consumers? How can we navigate news literacy in a digital world? And what role do these voices play in shaping the media ecosystem? Facilitated by University of Washington Teaching Professor Andrea Otá?ez, this conversation will tackle the future of news in a digital world. Don't miss it! https://buff.ly/40bTgod

??Attention publishers, bloggers, and educators: Did you know High Country News offers FREE syndication of our award-winning stories? We believe that the stories of the West—its people, landscapes, and challenges—should be accessible to all. By sharing our journalism, we hope to elevate diverse voices and inspire meaningful action. Explore our free syndication policy and join us in amplifying the stories that matter ???https://buff.ly/4gwY3FL #HighCountryNews #Syndication #StoriesOfTheWest

Two weeks! Come see us at the University of Washington.