Good morning, Grand Junction.

School District 51 received record donations from its annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive and will deliver new supplies to every school—elementary, middle, and high—to help students prepare for school on August 6.

A new study by Colorado State, Western Colorado University and the University of Montana finds that aspen trees slow wildfires by holding moisture, growing tall canopies and shedding leaves faster—researchers say this effect helped slow fires in past events.

A new study by Colorado State University, Western Colorado University and the University of Montana finds that aspen trees slow wildfire spread by holding moisture and offering a barrier with fast-decaying leaves and tall canopies—researchers cited the Lowline Fire in Gunnison County, 2023, as a key example. The study also suggests that aspen forests that develop after fires may help reduce future wildfire intensity.

Wildfire smoke will thicken this afternoon in central Grand Junction as southwesterly winds carry fumes from the Turner Gulch Fire that burned nearly 20,000 acres + small towns like Fruita and Palisade may also face poor air quality.

Today, temperatures will reach 99° in Grand Junction and 102° in Delta, marking highs above normal.

On July 29th, 2025, Dalen Brazelton posted a road report at 5:32 a.m. that updated Grand Junction drivers on road conditions—providing essential details for planning commutes.

On July 29, Mesa County Commissioners sent a letter to Governor Polis and state lawmakers stating that unfunded mandates must be funded or become optional.

The letter cites mandates like the Wildland-Urban Interface Code and energy benchmarking that have cost the county about $10 million per year — officials urge residents to contact state leaders to push for change.

The 2025 Nautique World Wake Association Wakeboard and Wakesurf National Championship will start tomorrow in Grand Junction with nearly 400 athletes competing in seven wakesport disciplines at Highline Lake State Park and Imondi Wake Zone.

The multi-day event is free for all spectators and will feature amateur awards, food trucks, a beer garden — and a live performance by local band Flannel Feedback.

Thursday Night Concert Series

7:30 p.m. — Civic Center Park and Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy a mix of live performances featuring local and international acts across various genres.

Jo Dee Messina Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $40.00 - $75.00 + fees — Experience powerful vocals and chart-topping hits from country music's trailblazer Jo Dee Messina.

Grand Junction - Whiskey Blending Workshop with Westland Distillery

6:30-8:30 p.m. — SoCo Social House — Tickets start at $1.00 — Craft your own American Single Malt Whiskey with expert guidance from Westland Distillery.

Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country

7-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets starting at $80 — Experience a night of Cosmic Country music with Daniel Donato in Grand Junction.

Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $35.50 - $91 — Experience progressive bluegrass from two iconic bands on a summer evening.

The String Cheese Incident Live Performance

6:15-7:45 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $55.00 - $85.00 — Experience the innovative and philanthropic spirit of The String Cheese Incident in an unforgettable live show.

Grand Junction Centennial Band Concert at Eagle Rim Park

7-8 p.m. — Eagle Rim Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful mix of movie music, pop hits, and marches in a community concert.

Pink Fuzz Performance

7-10 p.m. — Copeka Coffee — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience explosive sludgy riffs and captivating harmonies from the accomplished band Pink Fuzz.

Darius Rucker Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $55.00 - $195.00 — Experience GRAMMY-winning artist Darius Rucker as he performs hits from his career in music.

Ice Nine Kills: Hell of a Summer Tour

5:30-7 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $40.50 - $75.50 + fees — Experience Ice Nine Kills’ theatrical show alongside Dayseeker and Kim Dracula this summer.