Courthouse News
![USDA unveils partnerships with Native American tribes](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/05/bison-herd.jpg?w=980&q=75)
USDA unveils partnerships with Native American tribes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new partnerships with Native American tribes to manage federal lands, promote bison conservation and support animal harvesting and meat processing.
![Sacramento DA: waterways damaged by homeless encampments](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/12/attachment-homeless-california.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Sacramento DA: waterways damaged by homeless encampments
The initial complaint, filed in September in Sacramento County Superior Court, asked a judge to force the city to take action on the issue of homelessness, removing what’s termed a “nuisance” on its property.
![Two decades of air quality gains in the western US wiped out by wildfires](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/07/smoke-and-Missoula.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Two decades of air quality gains in the western US wiped out by wildfires
A new study finds that black carbon rates have been increasing by an average of 55%, leading to around 670 additional premature deaths annually.
![California sets initial water allocation forecast at 10%](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/12/attachment-water-california.jpg?w=980&q=75)
California sets initial water allocation forecast at 10%
The California Department of Water Resources on Friday said its initial State Water Project allocation forecast is 10% of requested supplies for next year — a 5% increase from its December 2022 initial forecast.
![Conservationists petition for delay in Montana trapping season](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/01/attachment-Wolves.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Conservationists petition for delay in Montana trapping season
A Montana federal judge promised a quick decision on whether the state's floating trapping season start date should be delayed due to increased grizzly bear activity.
![Huntington Beach loses effort to dodge California housing requirements](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/11/attachment-housing-california.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Huntington Beach loses effort to dodge California housing requirements
Huntington Beach says the state's mandate to build more than 13,000 housing units would "eliminate the suburban character of the city and replace it with a high-density mecca."
![Groups propose federal protections for Crater Lake newt](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/11/attachment-water-oregon.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Groups propose federal protections for Crater Lake newt
Without swift action from the government, conservationists fear Crater Lake will not only lose its unique newt population but also those that have long helped the national monument maintain its famously clear waters.
![Colorado voters urge judge to block Trump from ballot](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/08/attachment-Colorado-Capitol.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Colorado voters urge judge to block Trump from ballot
They say the 14th Amendment bars him from holding public office because he incited an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.
![Billions endangered by years of inaction on climate change, new report says](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/10/attachment-climate-change.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Billions endangered by years of inaction on climate change, new report says
The Lancet's new Countdown on Health and Climate Change report is a clarion call for global collaboration to stop burning fossil fuels to save the planet and our own health.
![Conservation experts urge federal support for safe wildlife migration corridors](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2020/12/Antelope.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Conservation experts urge federal support for safe wildlife migration corridors
Congress should authorize more funding for programs that ensure wild animals can safely traverse areas developed by humans, a panel of experts told lawmakers.