Late-season storms delivered a half-inch to an inch and a half of moisture across central Colorado over the past week.

State officials Wednesday declared a small town in southeast Colorado abandoned after years of turmoil among its residents and local government leaders.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Colorado on Thursday, claiming the state's in-state tuition and scholarship programs for undocumented immigrants violate federal immigration law.

A Colorado Department of Corrections error released Billy Hailey to community corrections three and a half years early, and when the department discovered the mistake during a routine audit, officials sent him back to prison and added years to his sentence.

Colorado health officials urge residents to cover up outdoors and watch for ticks to prevent West Nile virus and other insect-borne illnesses this summer.

Colorado celebrates its 150th statehood anniversary this weekend with events ranging from art markets in Denver to pancake suppers in small towns across the state.

A bipartisan Senate committee voted to block the Trump administration's plan to transfer special education and other core programs out of the U.S. Department of Education.

Over 40,000 Moroccan migrants pour into the Spanish territory of Ceuta; North Carolina corrections officers get big raise, but some say it's not enough; California-based trans org sees an erosion of support, spurred by federal shift under Trump; Eastern Kentucky program aims to boost regional healthcare workforce.

State lawmakers publicly scolded online prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket this week for operating sports betting services that skirt state gambling regulations and consumer protections.

This week on Yonder Radio, we have a story from Daily Yonder data editor Sarah Melotte about changes to the Voting Rights Act and gerrymandering in rural areas. Then we head to Wisconsin, where Jim Winship and his son are making a film about aging in place in rural areas. Our partners at ICT bring us a story about broadband coming to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. We also bring you the final episode of a five-part series in partnership with the Rural Faith Initiative about LGBTQ+ affirming churches Then we head to eastern Kentucky where community members are creating a mosaic mural to commemorate the 2022 flood that devastated the town of Whitesburg. Our musician of the week is 80 Proof Alice, and they discuss their music along with an upcoming bluegrass music festival they run in Kansas.

A father gets a 15-year prison sentence for giving his son an Arkansas-15 that was used in a Georgia school shooting; Colorado and Congress consider taxing the rich for basic needs; Oregon ranked among the best states to see nature's fireworks; Wisconsin farmers push rural priorities ahead of primaries.

President Trump announces a new program to help veterans become truckers. Election security remains a concern less than 100 days from the midterms and experts say proportional representation could improve American democracy.

Centcom launches a “heavy wave” of missile strikes as Iran war expands across the Middle East; California health experts say it’s time to book your annual well-child visit; In Minnesota, what does adapting to extreme heat look like? Use of cannabis is on the rise among pregnant Ohioans.

Economic challenges roil America’s farmers, slashed Medicaid is hitting some states harder than others, Washington has joined a lawsuit fighting federal cuts to school-based mental health grants and libraries help families reduce the high cost of living.

Karla Jean Buck, a longtime Kiowa County resident, died unexpectedly at her home on July 29 at age 79.

Photo of the week from the July 31, 2026, edition of the Kiowa County Press in Eads, Colorado - Peaceful afternoon at Jackson's Pond south of Eads - Jeanne Sorensen.

Life in Eads and Kiowa County, Colorado, as observed by Doris Lessenden.

Eads will reach 102 degrees Monday as an upper-level ridge of high pressure pushes triple-digit heat across the eastern plains through early next week.

Agriculture news and information from the Eads USDA Service Center in Kiowa County, Colorado.

Storms likely Wednesday night across Kiowa County will give way to increasingly hot and dry conditions through the weekend, with temperatures climbing toward 100 degrees by Monday.

Weather conditions in Kiowa County, Colorado, for the seven days ending July 27, 2026.

A heat advisory takes effect Monday as Eads approaches 105 degrees, with storms developing Tuesday and Wednesday before heat returns to the plains.

Cheyenne Wells will reach 102 degrees Monday as fire danger climbs across the county due to low humidity and gusty winds.

Agriculture news and information from the Eads USDA Service Center in Kiowa County, Colorado.

Cheyenne County faces another round of thunderstorms Wednesday night capable of heavy rainfall before drier weather moves in Thursday.

Cheyenne Wells reaches 103 degrees Monday before thunderstorms and cooler air arrive Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kiowa County faces its hottest heat advisory yet Monday with forecasted highs of 104 to 110 degrees after Sunday's temperatures exceeded predictions across the region.

Listen to top audio articles and podcasts from the Kiowa County Press for the week ending Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Top articles from the Kiowa County Press in Eads, Colorado, for the week ending Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Cheyenne County faces dangerous heat this weekend with temperatures climbing to 102 degrees by Sunday as a high-pressure system settles over the region.

States are cracking down on organized retail crime with new laws targeting cargo theft, gift card fraud and other sophisticated schemes that have evolved beyond traditional shoplifting.

Wyoming libraries offer free streaming services, computers, tools and tutoring to help residents stretch tight budgets.

An economist shares strategies Utah families can use to trim vacation and grocery expenses as summer travel and food costs hit record highs.

State attorneys general from both parties are stepping up consumer protection enforcement after the Trump administration weakened federal agencies and gutted investigations into high prices and deceptive business practices.

Kansas Supreme Court declined to fast-track a challenge to a new law eliminating the three-day grace period for counting mail-in ballots before the August primary election.

The Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to overturn a federal ruling blocking an executive order that would restrict mail-in voting in 23 states ahead of November's midterm elections.

Federal law enforcement raids on Colorado election facilities since January have sparked warnings from democracy watchdog groups about potential threats to voting access ahead of November elections.

A Colorado election official warns that mass voter challenges filed by private citizens could surge in 2026, potentially confusing eligible voters and suppressing turnout through a confusing verification process.

Alaska takes over regulation of hazardous waste from the EPA, becoming the 49th state to manage the complex task across its remote communities.

Federal auditors say Colorado improperly paid $8 million in Medicaid benefits for personal care services, citing errors like claims for care exceeding 24 hours daily.

Healthcare advocates and Medicaid recipients gathered in Salt Lake City to oppose federal cuts and new work requirements that could strip coverage from thousands of Utah residents by January 2027.

Washington doctors urge parents to schedule annual checkups for children before school starts to ensure they are vaccinated, growing properly, and ready physically and mentally for the classroom.

Late-season storms delivered a half-inch to an inch and a half of moisture across central Colorado over the past week.

Agriculture news and information from the Eads USDA Service Center in Kiowa County, Colorado.

North Dakota residents are challenging state regulators' approval of a 12,000-cow dairy expansion that opponents say will drain an already stressed aquifer serving thousands of people.

Former and current USDA employees warn that Secretary Brooke Rollins' plan to relocate more than 2,500 workers from Washington to regional offices will trigger widespread departures and cripple the department's ability to serve rural communities.

Governor Polis appoints Rachel A. Catt, a magistrate since 2022, to fill a vacancy on the 2nd Judicial District Court bench effective August 1.

A bipartisan Senate committee voted to block the Trump administration's plan to transfer special education and other core programs out of the U.S. Department of Education.

Senators from Texas and Georgia introduced a bill to create a federal commission that would advise Congress on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

State lawmakers publicly scolded online prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket this week for operating sports betting services that skirt state gambling regulations and consumer protections.

Kansas Supreme Court declined to fast-track a challenge to a new law eliminating the three-day grace period for counting mail-in ballots before the August primary election.

Former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody's defense attorneys ask to withdraw from his case, citing a breakdown in communication with their client before his August trial.

An Oklahoma couple can proceed with their lawsuit challenging a state law that restricts casket sales to licensed funeral directors, a judge ruled Thursday.

Federal auditors say Colorado improperly paid $8 million in Medicaid benefits for personal care services, citing errors like claims for care exceeding 24 hours daily.

Alaska takes over regulation of hazardous waste from the EPA, becoming the 49th state to manage the complex task across its remote communities.

The fast-moving Dove Fire near Yosemite forced evacuations as California braces for a heat wave that research shows dramatically increases wildfire risk across the West.

Lamar will reach 106 degrees Monday as an upper-level ridge drives extreme heat across Prowers County through the weekend.

Cheyenne Wells will reach 102 degrees Monday as fire danger climbs across the county due to low humidity and gusty winds.

Healthcare advocates and Medicaid recipients gathered in Salt Lake City to oppose federal cuts and new work requirements that could strip coverage from thousands of Utah residents by January 2027.

State lawmakers publicly scolded online prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket this week for operating sports betting services that skirt state gambling regulations and consumer protections.

Federal auditors say Colorado improperly paid $8 million in Medicaid benefits for personal care services, citing errors like claims for care exceeding 24 hours daily.

Chemical safety improves when good decisions become daily habits. Maintain clear routines that reduce risk and support informed handling throughout the year.

A bipartisan Senate committee voted to block the Trump administration's plan to transfer special education and other core programs out of the U.S. Department of Education.

Utah advances to the final round of competition to host a federal nuclear lifecycle innovation campus that would handle fuel fabrication, enrichment, and radioactive waste management.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Colorado on Thursday, claiming the state's in-state tuition and scholarship programs for undocumented immigrants violate federal immigration law.

Senators from Texas and Georgia introduced a bill to create a federal commission that would advise Congress on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Pacific Northwest states battle nearly 2 million acres of wildfire while calling for reinforcements and bracing for a grueling August ahead.

Critic Bob Garver takes a look at "Evil Dead Burn” and “The Invite.”

Vega State Park closed its Island boat ramp to trailered watercraft Thursday due to low water levels, though kayaks and paddleboards remain allowed.

Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slim Randles.

When you think of a desert, you probably imagine giant waves of sand dunes beneath a blazing Sun.

The middle finger is usually the longest. It acts as the hand’s central axis, helping to balance and guide movements. Its length also allows it to work with the other fingers to grip objects securely.

A black hole is an object so massive and dense that even light cannot escape its gravity.

For baseball players, seeing the ball clearly can be the difference between making a game-winning catch and watching the winning run score.