gadsen flagIn a feature for High Country News, Jane C. Hu (@jane_c_hu) writes about how extremists have mobilized against public health officials across the American West during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials and their families have received personal threats, and extremists’ efforts have led to the resignations or firings of dozens of these experts across the region. Hu explores the role of anti-government militia groups and other far-right actors in these campaigns and the long-term impact they may have on the wellbeing of people who live in the West. Image by Arboachg via Wikimedia Commons