"Truth Be Told," a new documentary highlighting the vital role of local journalism in a healthy democracy, began its statewide tour this week with a screening in Durango. Directed by Brian Malone, the film explores the importance of local news in strengthening communities and why its continued existence is critical. The screening tour is a collaboration with the Colorado News Collaborative, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to bolstering local journalism throughout Colorado. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and the FLC Center for Innovation.
A proposed FY 2026 federal budget would increase funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to about $11.3 billion, expanding detention capacity and enforcement operations nationwide. In response to recent ICE arrest activity, residents from Durango and surrounding communities gathered on January 6, 2026, to protest the increase in arrests during a demonstration near the ICE field office in the Bodo Industrial Park. By Paige Sparks and Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and Dunkin' Donuts.
Snowdown is right around the corner with a brand-new theme and a big surprise for this year’s parade. Durango City Council locks in key decisions on 2026 lodgers’ tax funding, and your old Christmas tree can be recycled into mulch. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Chabad rabbis lit a public menorah in Durango in response to the Sydney terror attack that killed 15 people, including their colleague Rabbi Eli Schlanger. The event was one stop on the Hanukkah in the Rockies tour, with four Chabad rabbis traveling across the Western Slope to bring the warmth and light of the celebration to mountain communities. Each menorah lighting was dedicated to the memory of those murdered in Sydney. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Payroll Department.
Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Pueblo Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.
