Idaho judge orders release of police employment records to InvestigateWest, Invisible Institute
The state began withholding the records following a 2025 InvestigateWest series about sexual misconduct by prison staff
Colorado pot growing farms have been mom-and-pop operations. But no more. In a sign that international drug cartels are moving into the state, authorities have seized nearly 20,000 marijuana plants from national forest lands in the state this summer, reports Kirk Mitchell of the Denver Post.
"The bigger farms found this year indicate that well-funded drug cartels have discovered the Rocky Mountains," said Michael Skinner, assistant agent in charge of the U.S. Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Region.
He's worried about hiker safety, and about pollutants used to grow the marijuana in mountain streams.
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
— Jacob H. Fries, executive director
DonateCancel anytime.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.