News across La Plata County
As feds struggle with backlog, Gila River mom among many Natives searching for loved ones, answers
Earlier this month, a federal audit published by the Interior Department's Office of the Inspector General found that the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Missing and Murdered Unit is understaffed and its few special agents are spread thin — handling "unmanageable workloads" throughout…
Trump administration blocks dozens of third-party agreements in national parks
The partner organizations were planning conservation or cultural resource projects in parks across the Mountain West.
Grand Canyon tour company fights Trump administration's surcharge for international tourists
The tour company owner said she spoke with 80 to 90 potential international customers who decided not to book trips, most of whom indicated that the higher costs played a role.
Rescue task forces deploy to help with anticipated New Mexico, Arizona, Texas flooding
Several other Mountain West states are bracing for storm surge in Hurricane Polo's aftermath.
BLM announces major investment in fertility control for wild horses
The investment was welcomed by groups that advocate protecting wild horses and have been pushing the government to abandon helicopter roundups.
Regional News Roundup for September 3, 2026
It's been an historically dry year in the Rocky Mountain West, and some people are looking to the El Niño climate pattern to bring some moisture. Tune in to the Regional Roundup (day/time) to learn what impact this year's El Niño may or may not have on the Upper Colorado River…
Advocates urge regulation of surplus line insurance as traditional coverage gets harder to keep
As the insurance crisis deepens in the West and across the country, policies known as surplus lines are becoming more important. This lightly regulated and previously niche corner of the insurance market comes with a number of risks, and a new report from Climate Cabinet…
Trump administration seeks to make only the intentional killing of endangered animals illegal
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service memo, signed by Director Brian Nesvik, is the latest of the Trump administration's steps to remove regulations outlined by the Endangered Species Act.
Lawmakers taking action on data centers ahead of the mid-term elections
Candidates on both sides of the aisle agree action is needed, but solutions differ
Analysis: 2025 saw a $1.3B dip for public land agency contractors
Small businesses in the West were hit hard, especially those that mitigate and suppress wildfires on the ground.
U.S. and Mexico sign new deal for sharing Colorado River water
The new agreement means less water for Mexico, but provides stability to those who use the Colorado River near its delta.
With more wild horse roundups planned across the West, Colorado officials call for immediate freeze
The letter comes after an August roundup in northwest Colorado, where the BLM gathered 894 wild horses. Nine died in the operation.