Good morning, Grand Junction.

The Inspired Starfish celebrates its one-year anniversary today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 529 25 1/2 Road, Ste.

B101, showcasing a growing fundraising effort for foster youth and young adults who have recently aged out of care.

Rivers Edge West hosted a Beetle Blitz on Thursday to monitor tamarisk beetles along river ecosystems in Grand Valley (with Palisade Insectary and Colorado Mesa University).

Volunteers tracked beetle stages to assess damage to invasive tamarisk plants as part of ongoing restoration efforts.

Households with Mesa County School District 51 children received Summer EBT cards at the end of the 2025-26 school year, but many were not loaded with the $120 benefit because only applicants for free or reduced meals qualified (correction letters are being sent out for verification).

A new fire ignited Wednesday night 11 miles north of Gateway near the Utah-Colorado border, burning 84 acres while smokejumpers and air tankers worked to contain it.

Instacart data from (2025) shows Colorado shoppers favor cherry ice cream and local brands like Tillamook while vanilla remains America’s top pick.

The study was shared just in time for National Ice Cream Day on July 19.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened today, easing take restrictions on the Colorado River.

Conservation groups worry the change could strain recovery efforts + call for ongoing protection measures.

Blue Mesa Reservoir's dropping water levels have forced marinas to shift structures to deeper water and set the Elk Creek boat ramp to close by July 26, affecting visitor access.

Recreational users now turn to nearby attractions such as Mesa Verde & the sand dunes for alternative outings.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Thursday that the razorback sucker fish is now listed as threatened, reflecting decades of conservation work that spurred its population growth from around 100 to 36,000 in parts of the Colorado River basin, though it still faces challenges from altered flows and drought.

Mesa County Public Health filled two key roles as Alli Howe was appointed deputy director at the end of June and Brittany Bear joined the board on July 14 (she now serves as Care Management Regional Operations Director for Intermountain Health and will serve through April 2031).

Officials at the Department of Insurance held a webinar Wednesday night to guide wildfire survivors through starting insurance claims, advising homeowners to request policy copies, document damage, and verify contractors’ credentials for repairs & extra living expenses.

Today, First Christian Church at 1326 N.

First St. reopens its cooling center on especially hot days from noon to 4 p.m., offering air conditioning, meals, and a safe place for locals including those who are unhoused amid rising heat-related emergency visits.

Mike Ippolito Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar — Check website for cost — Mike Ippolito returns for an evening of music paired with delicious food and cocktails.

Hugh Phillips Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Tickets available — Experience the high-energy country sounds and storytelling of rising artist Hugh Phillips.

Ian Munsick Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $45.50 - $75.50 + fees — Experience the soaring sounds and heartfelt storytelling of Wyoming's own Ian Munsick as he performs live.

Authority Zero Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience the eclectic sounds of Authority Zero blending punk, ska, reggae, and more in their energetic live show.

Cousin Curtiss

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $59.45 - $155.00 + fees — Experience the powerful voice of Trace Adkins along with his journey through music and personal stories.

Mark Wills Concert

9 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of acoustic country music with Mark Wills in a vibrant venue.

Ded - Band Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets starting at $66 — Experience the unforgettable music of Ded - Band at Mesa Theater in Grand Junction.

IV and The Strange Band at Mesa Theater

7-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a high-energy blend of country-western music and comedy magic.