Featured Stories
A Look at COVID Data Trends From January to June
Here’s a look at positive case counts, statewide and by selected county. Also included is Colorado’s rate of full vaccination.
In Photos: La Plata County Vaccine Clinic, March 20, 2021
A selection of photos from a vaccine clinic in Durango, Colorado.
Biden Admin “Pauses” Public Land Lease Sales, Putting One Drilling Proposal in Southwest Colorado in Limbo
The administration is putting the brakes on new oil and gas leases on public lands. The move is being met with cheers from conservation groups and legal threats from the fossil fuels industry.
Latest Stories
Monsoon Starts Wet For Southwest Colorado, But Long-Term Outlook Calls for Warm, Dry Weather
The rains are welcome but may not be enough to help ease the drought. The Climate Prediction Center’s 3-6 month predictions call for warmer and drier than normal conditions.
Loans for Native Entrepreneurs a Way of Growing Community
A new program called “Kinship Lending” seeks to connect Navajo and Hopi entrepreneurs with micro-loans to help them through the pandemic. A conversation with Jessica Stago of Change Lab, a Native business incubator that runs the loan program.
Renewed Effort Underway to Rename Colorado Place Names
Colorado is full of place names that people find troubling. Some are obvious ethnic slurs. Others commemorate people we now know to be “bad actors.”
Some Libraries Begin Cautious Reopening
Visitors will see some changes when they stop by their local library. In many cases, only 10 patrons are allowed inside at a time. And the books and DVDs you return will be quarantined before they go back on the shelf.
Farmer’s Market Adapts to Keep Vendors and Patrons Safe
Local markets are enacting rules to keep people safe. And some small farmers and ranchers are using the internet to sell their products. I spoke with Melanie McKinney Gonzalez, market manager for the Durango Farmer’s Market to learn more.
Art Vending Machines Debut in Mancos as Artistic Expression Explodes During Pandemic
Mancos, Colorado-based blacksmith Alex Bond found a way to get art into the hands of customers using vending machines. He also spoke about the pandemic’s effect on creativity.
Business Boosters Talk Four Corners Economy, Jobs, Small Biz
COVID is having a big impact on local businesses. Some struggle, others thrive. Employees are caught in the middle. I checked in with two area business boosters to get a report on the state of the Four Corners economy.
A Report Card on Black Bears in Southwest Colorado
While you worried about the coronavirus, a familiar presence awoke from its winter slumber and went looking for dinner. I spoke with a Colorado wildlife official about the health of our ursine population and how to be more “bear aware.”
Bridging the Digital Divide on Native American Lands
Studies show that seven in 10 people on rural tribal lands do not have access to broadband internet. The lack of connection is especially dangerous during a pandemic. I spoke with Darrah Blackwater about her efforts to bring better broadband to Native lands.
Fundraiser Update For Kayenta Arizona’s Navajo Elders
A GoFundMe campaign was recently launched to to get food and other supplies to Navajo elders who may be quarantined or sheltering at home. The successful campaign has already paid for groceries and other supplies.
Indian Health Services Director Visits Navajo Nation to Measure COVID Response
On the Navajo Nation, efforts to trace the spread of the disease are working. And testing is on the increase. But challenges remain and federal native health officials are responding with more funding.
A Brave New World: Colorado Restaurants Reopen Dine-In Service
Colorado restaurants can reopen their dining rooms and patios for the first time in two months. But diners should prepare for some changes to the way their favorite eateries operate.
Special Series
Collecting Light: An Exploration of Arizona Astronomy
Stories From the Archives
Scientists Driving Bark Beetles Crazy With Their Own Sounds
Forestry scientists at Northern Arizona University have figured out how to anger a bark beetle. By making them listen to themselves. It could be a new way to control one of the West’s worst pests.
