Local News
Economic outlook for La Plata County relatively stable
Study downplays impact of Gold King spill, but highlights natural gas uncertainties
Business
Local News
Survey at Fort Lewis College in Durango: Marijuana not a major tourism driver
Colorado’s pot sales add a slight competitive edge, FLC professor says
Business
U.S. construction spending rises to highest level in 9 years
The Commerce Department said that construction spending rose 1 percent in October from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of more than $1.1 trillion. That’s the highest…
Business
For home buyers, rates of stress on the rise
FILE – In this Jan. 8, 2015 file photo, a realty sign is posted in front of a home for sale in Jackson, Miss. Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates this…
Business
Tax software steps up online security
The makers of tax software are taking extra steps this year to protect users’ personal information.Paul Sakuma/Associated Press file photo Tax companies, including Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, H&R Block…
Local News
Purgatory in Durango celebrates its golden anniversary
Resort an economic driver that changed the community
Business
Nonprofit funded by Coke to fight obesity disbanding
A nonprofit funded by the Coca-Cola Co. to combat obesity is disbanding following revelations about the beverage maker’s involvement with the group. The Global Energy Balance Network said on its…
Business
Manufacturing in U.S. contracts at fastest pace since 2009
U.S. factory activity fell last month to the lowest level in more than six years, with a stronger dollar and low oil prices cutting new orders and hurting production. The…
Money Savvy
News flash: We aren’t good with money
Why do we have so much trouble managing this essential component of our lives? And what can we do about it? In a recent article, “Wired for Imprudence,” researchers identified…
Business
Business Briefs
First Southwest Bank’s new Durango building is underway and a ground-breaking event will take place from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday at East Second Avenue and College Drive. The bank…
Business
U.S. pending home sales edge up in October
Analysts say the growth in home sales has “slowed significantly,” although it is too soon to say whether the slowdown will continue.Lynne Sladky/Associated Press file photo The National Association of…
Business
County plans 2016 audit on Airbnb, vacation rentals
Could result in additional lodgers tax revenue
Business
Existing home sales slump as high prices curb buying
Real estate experts are expecting home sales to rebound later this year because of the economy. The National Association of Realtors reported that sales were down 3.4 percent in October…
Business
Home values point to a sharp wealth divide within U.S. cities
Technology companies have brought much wealth to San Francisco, with its expensive historical Victorian homes. But that wealth has also made its housing too expensive for the police officers, teachers…
Business
New home sales bounce back in October
New home sales dropped in the West in October, although they jumped 135.5 percent in the Northeast.Steve Helber/Associated Press file photo The Commerce Department said Wednesday that new-home sales climbed…
Business
The risks of dipping into your retirement fund to pay for your house
Some consumers who haven’t yet been able to save the money for a downpayment may be tempted to raid their retirement accounts for the cash. Indeed, first-time home buyers have…
Local News
The number of Coloradans passing GED test plummets since 2014 rewrite
The same is happening in Durango
Business
Business Briefs
The Durango KOA Holiday has earned the 2016 KOA President’s and Founder’s awards from Kampgrounds of America Inc. The awards were presented Nov. 18 at KOA’s annual International Convention in…
Business
Durango businesses look for strong seasonal sales
Maria’s Bookshop sees early shopping; Ski Barn open Thanksgiving for Purgatory skiers
A Take on Tourism
Region enjoying the small catch but missing the big boat
These are wonderful types of visitors to host because they are here for fun and adventure. Whether we are teaching them to ski, guiding their river raft, or leading their…
Business
Seeking tax dodge, Pfizer flees to Ireland
Drugmaker’s megamerger with Allergan sparks outcry
Business
Mobile home park sales in Durango can be disheartening, expensive for tenants
In recent months, tenants in two of Durango’s major mobile home parks have had to consider the idea. Island Cove Park was placed on the market with a $6.75 million…
Business
Housing construction slumps in October
Apartment construction fell in October, although economists say the jump in people moving into apartments could lead to further construction in the months ahead.John Raoux/Associated Press file photo Housing starts…
Business
Rent hikes show signs of easing
Rental price increases may be slowing down in much of the country, according to real estate website Zillow. Zillow reported that rental prices rose at a slower pace in October.David…