Craig coal plant federal order faces legal challenges; DIA attorney files First Amendment case against Denver; ICE ramping up in Durango

Headlines Friday, March 20, 2026

  • cover play_arrow

    Craig coal plant federal order faces legal challenges; DIA attorney files First Amendment case against Denver; ICE ramping up in Durango Jack Armstrong

Craig coal plant federal order faces several legal challenges

Colorado’s Attorney General, along with notable environmental groups, have mounted several legal challenges, hoping to overturn an executive order prolonging the life of a coal plant in Craig, Colorado.

The coal plant was scheduled to be retired at the end of 2025, but received an order from the Department of Energy (DOE) the day before that planned closure, extending its operating window by 90 days. The coal plant was also completely defunct at the time the operators received that order, as it was awaiting major repairs. The DOE order cited two executive orders from President Trump, wherein he declared there was a “national energy emergency” due to lack of local production.

The Sierra Club, Vote Solar and Environmental Defense Fund filed a suit separately to the Colorado Attorney General’s office, but both suits allege the power plant’s continued operation will lead to increased pollution risk with little public energy benefit.

READ MORE

 

First Amendment case filed by DIA attorney against Denver mayor and city

Denver International Airport’s (DIA) general counsel, Everett Martinez, has filed a federal lawsuit against Denver’s mayor Mike Johnston and several other Denver public officials. Martinez’s lawyer has claimed the lawsuit stems from legal advice that Martinez gave, over business deals involving DIA.

The lawsuit alleges Martinez advised city officials against going forward with a Park Hill Golf Course land swap, wherein land close to the airport would be given to developers for said course, as he believed it may violate federal law. The lawsuit goes on to allege that Martinez gave similar advice related to a Denver City Council vote to end Key Lime Air’s lease at DIA, as he warned that doing so based on a “discriminatory or non-safety-related reason” would open the city to federal challenges.

Martinez’s lawsuit also alleges serious corruption accusations against Denver City attorney Miko Brown, Chief Financial Officer Nicole Doheny, and Chief Strategist Jeff Dolan, stating these three asked Martinez to assist them in removing DIA’s CEO Phil Washington. The lawsuit concludes by stating that Martinez was asked to resign or would be removed, which his lawyer alleges violates his First Amendment right to free speech.

In a response from the Denver mayor’s office, a spokesperson strongly denied all claims against the Mayor and other officials, calling it 40 pages of horse excrement.

READ MORE

 

ICE ramping up in Durango area

An immigrant advocacy group in Durango says it has received multiple reports of increased immigration enforcement across La Plata County.

Compañeros says it has heard from workers, employers, and residents who report seeing or interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while traveling to jobs or near their homes. Many reports involve people working in the construction and restaurant industries.

Compañeros says the reports are leading to a growing fear of ICE in the Four Corners area, and it’s affecting immigrant families and local businesses that rely on their labor.

Compañeros is calling on the Durango City Council to protect immigrant workers and also volunteers who are documenting ICE activity.

Enrique Orozco, co-Executive Director of Compañeros said in a statement, quote, “Following law enforcement at a safe distance and documenting public activity is legal. It is a constitutional right and, in many cases, a civic duty to ensure transparency and accountability” unquote.

This story was reported by Clark Adomaitis for Rocky Mountain Community Radio.

 

Boulder to give $50k in climate-focused grants to local businesses

Boulder County announced the 2026 recipients of its Circular Economy Fund Awards, a set of grants intended to prevent climate change impact through conserving community resources. These awards are funded through Boulder County’s sustainability tax, a 0.125% sales and use tax approved by voters through 2034.

The city has chosen five projects this year, all of which are dedicated to better enhancing the community’s relationship with food. Organizations like Community Fruit Rescue and Growing Gardens will receive funding to help advance local fruit farming and bulk soil collection. Other chosen projects focus on reducing serviceware wastes, increasing access to safe food-handling equipment, and finding pathways to reuse food waste for both compost and animal feeding.

The city has announced that 2027 grant applications will open this summer, and more information on how to apply can be found on bouldercounty.gov.

READ MORE

 

 

You can hear daily headlines on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show, with coverage of local and regional public affairs and news with headlines and commentary. Click here to listen to full episodes of the Morning Magazine.

Picture of Jack Armstrong

Jack Armstrong

Search

Now Playing

play_arrow

Live Broadcast

Recent Stories

Upcoming Events

KGNU PARTNERS

Want to help us build a better radio station?

We’re conducting a survey to help us understand how our listeners are using new technology. Please spend 15 minutes to let us know what you think.

Public media moves forward because you listen, watch, share and support. Thank you for being part of this community — and for helping us continue the journey during Public Media Giving Days.