Author: Durango Herald Editorial Board

Twenty new state laws go into full or partial effect New Year’s Day. Some are a long time coming, others surprised us. A look at some: If you don’t have a reusable shopping bag, it’s time to get one – or four. Colorado’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (HB 21-1162) requires certain stores charge 10 cents…

We imagine U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert recoiled at being commended by Russian state media, aka Vladimir Putin, after she and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz were filmed scrolling through their phones rather than clapping and joining standing ovations during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to Congress last Wednesday. In a clip shared by Russian Media Monitor,…

If La Plata County residents north of age 60 had their way, they’d have universal health care with the government negotiating prescription prices. At least, this is the overwhelming result from the League of Women Voters of La Plata County’s survey with 77% wanting a taxpayer funded, universal health care system like Medicare. Also of…

We champion the cause of open government. Yet, we’re questioning intentions in recent settlements with a “gotcha” quality that feel like a shakedown. Matt Roane, a Pagosa Springs attorney well-versed in the Colorado Open Records Act, has continually sued public entities in his own name, recovered legal fees and pocketed settlement money. While it’s legal,…

Rep. Lauren Boebert, we’re extending a personal invitation. Come to a drag show in Durango. You owe us this much. You made Durango ground zero for that kitty litter nonsense talk in early October that rattled our educators. And we are, in fact, your constituents. Please, come. Tell us what this hating on drag queens…

At a recent Durango youth soccer game, we were moved to see a sign encouraging best behavior from parents with reminders, including “officials are human.” These reminders come when across the country, adults’ bad behavior on the sidelines has resulted in a national soccer referee shortage. According to the National Federation of High School Associations,…

Colorado Politics editor’s note: Since the below editorial was originally published, Frisch has conceded to Boebert. Adam Frisch flashed a smile as he walked into the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C., on Sunday before the start of orientation for the job he’s hoping to win. Frisch was dressed like a D.C. politico in jacket and…

We can’t say we’ve seen election workers in full-body armor or doing any fancy martial arts moves. But they’ve learned a thing or two on how to react to emergency situations along with simple de-escalation tactics. A new state law makes it unlawful to threaten, coerce or intimidate election officials, and interfere with duties or…