Top News Listen Daily newscasts, 2026Talks, and audio-first stories for readers who prefer to listen. National and Global News Image Summer bummer: Study reveals gaps for accessing youth programs A new study says families across the United States are struggling to afford quality summer programs for children. Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students. Image US Senate votes to advance resolution limiting Trump war in Iran as Cassidy flips After voting no seven times, Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., flipped and cast the deciding vote to advance a War Powers Resolution to rein in President Donald Trump’s war in Iran without authorization from Congress. Image Miscarriage patients have fewer treatment options in states with abortion bans, study shows The study, published May 18, found a shift away from managing miscarriages with a two-drug approach that includes mifepristone. Image Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year California lawmakers backed off on a plan to do something about surveillance pricing, the practice of using someone’s personal information to determine what they pay. Image Daily Audio Newscast - May 20, 2026 Senate votes to take up measure to force Trump to end Iran War; Massachusetts travelers brace for pricier summer flights, more delays at Logan; Montana voter registration ruling deemed 'big win' for youth vote; NYS proposal postpones electric school bus rollout. Image Politics: 2026Talks - May 20, 2026 Democrats blast what they call the president's "slush fund" at a Senate hearing, a Montana judge blocks the state's Election Day registration cutoff ahead of the primary, Missouri advances year-long birth control access plan and a GOP Trump critic faces primary voters. Image Trump drops IRS suit in trade for $1.7B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund decried by Dems The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday a new “anti-weaponization” settlement fund as a condition of President Donald Trump voluntarily dropping his multi-billion-dollar lawsuit. Life in Kiowa County Haswell - Eads - Brandon - Sheridan Lake - Towner - Classifieds - Local Government - Sand Creek Cheyenne County Cheyenne Wells - Kit Carson - Wild Horse Economy Image $6 gas and refinery fears collide with California’s climate ambitions California is considering handing oil refineries and other major polluters billions of dollars in free emission allowances. Image California has 6 weeks of gas supply. After that, it gets expensive Eleven weeks into the Iran war and a global energy shock, California drivers are paying the highest gas prices in the nation, an average of $6.15 a gallon this week. Image Commentary - How the Strait of Hormuz affects the price of filling your gas tank A gallon of regular gasoline Monday cost an average of $4.52, according to AAA up from $4.14 a month ago and $3.14 a year ago. Image Rural grocers find creative ways to serve customers, keep doors open North Dakota and other states are looking for solutions to keep grocery stores in business in rural areas. Elections Image Montana voter registration ruling deemed 'big win' for youth vote Young voter advocates are celebrating a court ruling that allows all-day voter registration on Election Day to continue in Montana. Image Trump threatens to turn on Boebert, but it’s too late for a 2026 primary challenger It is too late for another candidate to get on the June primary ballot in Colorado, despite President Donald Trump’s threat to back a primary challenger against longtime ally U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert. Image Colorado labor groups press Bennet, Weiser for yes-or-no ‘clarity’ in governor forum A broad coalition of Colorado labor unions and faith groups brought the two Democratic candidates for governor to the stage at a church in Lakewood Sunday for a forum with an unusual twist. Image Judge shuts down Republican candidates’ attempt to block unaffiliated voters from primary A Denver District Court on Friday shut down a last-minute effort by three Republican candidates to keep unaffiliated voters from participating in Colorado’s June primary election. Health & Living Image Home Country – Getting ready for Sunday Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slim Randles. Image EarthTalk – How are Australia’s koalas doing? Thrifting is more than the act of buying used items; it’s a lifestyle adopted by people who share a distinct set of values. Image Curious Kids: Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms? T. rex was a successful carnivorous species that existed for over a million years. Image Summer bummer: Study reveals gaps for accessing youth programs A new study says families across the United States are struggling to afford quality summer programs for children. Movie Reviews Image Movie Reviews - Double Feature – ‘Mortal Kombat II’ and ‘Obsession’ Critic Bob Garver looks two movies this week: "Mortal Kombat II" and "Obsession." Image Movie Review - The Devil Wears Prada 2 Critic Bob Garver looks at "The Devil Wears Prada 2." Does he think it is stylish enough for a theatre near you? Image Movie Review - Michael Critic Bob Garver looks at "Michael." Does he think its a thriller? Image Movie Review - Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Critic Bob Garver looks at "Lee Cronin's The Mummy." Is he wrapped up in it? Agriculture Sponsored by our friends at Golden Plains Insurance Image USDA Update – May 20, 2026 Agriculture news and information from the Eads USDA Service Center in Kiowa County, Colorado. Image USDA restores $59M marketing, production grant for Idaho farmers The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reinstated a five-year, $59 million grant to the University of Idaho aimed at helping farmers test regenerative production and new marketing methods. Image Colorado state land board unanimously approves new five-year strategic plan The plan outlines a path for resilient lands, enduring revenue, and stronger partnerships to benefit Colorado public schools. Image Drought causes federal disaster designation in four South Dakota counties The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated a natural disaster area Thursday in four South Dakota counties due to drought, making farmers and ranchers eligible to apply for emergency loans. Government & Politics Image Ackerman named manager for Colorado Parks’ southeast region Colorado Parks and Wildlife has named Brett Ackerman as the new Southeast Region Manager. He formerly served as Deputy Manager. Image Montana candy, soft drink SNAP waiver gets federal approval The State of Montana received federal approval from the United States Department of Agriculture to ban soft drinks, junk food, and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Image Overflowing toilets, no medical care: Democrats call Mesa ICE facility a ‘public health issue’ Members of Congress are still concerned about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Mesa, Arizona. Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students. Crime, Court & Law Image Overflowing toilets, no medical care: Democrats call Mesa ICE facility a ‘public health issue’ Members of Congress are still concerned about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Mesa, Arizona. Image Montana voter registration ruling deemed 'big win' for youth vote Young voter advocates are celebrating a court ruling that allows all-day voter registration on Election Day to continue in Montana. Image Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year California lawmakers backed off on a plan to do something about surveillance pricing, the practice of using someone’s personal information to determine what they pay. Image ‘It will always be the community’ that drives work to find missing Native Americans, speaker says Missing people may cross the jurisdictional lines that separate tribal land from state land, counties from counties and states from states. That can slow response times. Weather & Climate Image EarthTalk – How are Australia’s koalas doing? Thrifting is more than the act of buying used items; it’s a lifestyle adopted by people who share a distinct set of values. Image Strong storms possible Thursday in Prowers County after midweek showers Gusty east winds, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, and a marginal risk of severe weather are in the forecast for Prowers County through Friday. Image Kiowa County weather recap - May 20, 2026 Weather conditions in Kiowa County, Colorado, for the seven days ending May 20, 2026. Image Storm chances build midweek for Kiowa County before weekend warmup A cooler, wetter weather pattern is moving across the southeast Colorado plains, bringing rain chances and the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms to Kiowa County. Personal Finance & Business Image Summer bummer: Study reveals gaps for accessing youth programs A new study says families across the United States are struggling to afford quality summer programs for children. Image Montana candy, soft drink SNAP waiver gets federal approval The State of Montana received federal approval from the United States Department of Agriculture to ban soft drinks, junk food, and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students. Image Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year California lawmakers backed off on a plan to do something about surveillance pricing, the practice of using someone’s personal information to determine what they pay. Food & Recipes Image Cooking at Home - 15-Minute Enchiladas This is quick to make. When you need a main dish right away, try this enchilada recipe. Image Cooking at Home - Hummus Try this quick and easy hummus recipe by itself, with vegetables, crackers, chips, on sandwiches, in wraps and more! The possibilities are endless. Image Cooking at Home - Potato Salad Cooking at Home - Potato Salad Image Cooking at Home - Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes These delicious and simple pancakes use bananas and peanut butter as a healthy addition! Science, Tech & Education Image Curious Kids: Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms? T. rex was a successful carnivorous species that existed for over a million years. Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students. Image Data center: New Utah water rights law gives less weight to pushback citing broad impact The project’s backers withdrew their request to use the water for industrial purposes instead of irrigation earlier this month. Image Audit find Arizona’s universal school voucher oversight is ‘haphazard,’ riddled with gaps The Arizona Department of Education prioritized appeasing voucher school parents angry about payment backlogs over implementing a new oversight law. Outdoors & Entertainment Image Home Country – Aging, and other irritations Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slim Randles. Image Home Country – Getting ready for Sunday Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slim Randles. Image Conservation groups, Forest Service add new public land near Yellowstone National Park A tract of land near Yellowstone National Park which had been identified as a potential gold mining site in 2023 has been added to the roster of public lands Image Movie Reviews - Double Feature – ‘Mortal Kombat II’ and ‘Obsession’ Critic Bob Garver looks two movies this week: "Mortal Kombat II" and "Obsession." The Conversation Academics and journalism meet to explore interesting topics. Image Curious Kids: Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms? T. rex was a successful carnivorous species that existed for over a million years. Image Curious Kids: Why do you have to wear a helmet when you’re skateboarding? The brain cells you have now are largely the same ones you had when you were born. And once you lose them, there is no way to get them back. Image A fungal disease, along with climate change, threatens Colorado’s prized peaches In western Colorado, home to the treasured Palisade peach, cytospora canker is one of the most economically consequential fungal diseases faced by growers. Image Curious Kids: Why is water wet? If you get caught in a downpour without an umbrella, you will quickly learn what it means to be wet. But what is it about water that makes it wet? Classifieds & Sponsors
Image Summer bummer: Study reveals gaps for accessing youth programs A new study says families across the United States are struggling to afford quality summer programs for children.
Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students.
Image US Senate votes to advance resolution limiting Trump war in Iran as Cassidy flips After voting no seven times, Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., flipped and cast the deciding vote to advance a War Powers Resolution to rein in President Donald Trump’s war in Iran without authorization from Congress.
Image Miscarriage patients have fewer treatment options in states with abortion bans, study shows The study, published May 18, found a shift away from managing miscarriages with a two-drug approach that includes mifepristone.
Image Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year California lawmakers backed off on a plan to do something about surveillance pricing, the practice of using someone’s personal information to determine what they pay.
Image Daily Audio Newscast - May 20, 2026 Senate votes to take up measure to force Trump to end Iran War; Massachusetts travelers brace for pricier summer flights, more delays at Logan; Montana voter registration ruling deemed 'big win' for youth vote; NYS proposal postpones electric school bus rollout.
Image Politics: 2026Talks - May 20, 2026 Democrats blast what they call the president's "slush fund" at a Senate hearing, a Montana judge blocks the state's Election Day registration cutoff ahead of the primary, Missouri advances year-long birth control access plan and a GOP Trump critic faces primary voters.
Image Trump drops IRS suit in trade for $1.7B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund decried by Dems The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday a new “anti-weaponization” settlement fund as a condition of President Donald Trump voluntarily dropping his multi-billion-dollar lawsuit.
Image $6 gas and refinery fears collide with California’s climate ambitions California is considering handing oil refineries and other major polluters billions of dollars in free emission allowances.
Image California has 6 weeks of gas supply. After that, it gets expensive Eleven weeks into the Iran war and a global energy shock, California drivers are paying the highest gas prices in the nation, an average of $6.15 a gallon this week.
Image Commentary - How the Strait of Hormuz affects the price of filling your gas tank A gallon of regular gasoline Monday cost an average of $4.52, according to AAA up from $4.14 a month ago and $3.14 a year ago.
Image Rural grocers find creative ways to serve customers, keep doors open North Dakota and other states are looking for solutions to keep grocery stores in business in rural areas.
Image Montana voter registration ruling deemed 'big win' for youth vote Young voter advocates are celebrating a court ruling that allows all-day voter registration on Election Day to continue in Montana.
Image Trump threatens to turn on Boebert, but it’s too late for a 2026 primary challenger It is too late for another candidate to get on the June primary ballot in Colorado, despite President Donald Trump’s threat to back a primary challenger against longtime ally U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert.
Image Colorado labor groups press Bennet, Weiser for yes-or-no ‘clarity’ in governor forum A broad coalition of Colorado labor unions and faith groups brought the two Democratic candidates for governor to the stage at a church in Lakewood Sunday for a forum with an unusual twist.
Image Judge shuts down Republican candidates’ attempt to block unaffiliated voters from primary A Denver District Court on Friday shut down a last-minute effort by three Republican candidates to keep unaffiliated voters from participating in Colorado’s June primary election.
Image Home Country – Getting ready for Sunday Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slim Randles.
Image EarthTalk – How are Australia’s koalas doing? Thrifting is more than the act of buying used items; it’s a lifestyle adopted by people who share a distinct set of values.
Image Curious Kids: Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms? T. rex was a successful carnivorous species that existed for over a million years.
Image Summer bummer: Study reveals gaps for accessing youth programs A new study says families across the United States are struggling to afford quality summer programs for children.
Image Movie Reviews - Double Feature – ‘Mortal Kombat II’ and ‘Obsession’ Critic Bob Garver looks two movies this week: "Mortal Kombat II" and "Obsession."
Image Movie Review - The Devil Wears Prada 2 Critic Bob Garver looks at "The Devil Wears Prada 2." Does he think it is stylish enough for a theatre near you?
Image Movie Review - Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Critic Bob Garver looks at "Lee Cronin's The Mummy." Is he wrapped up in it?
Image USDA Update – May 20, 2026 Agriculture news and information from the Eads USDA Service Center in Kiowa County, Colorado.
Image USDA restores $59M marketing, production grant for Idaho farmers The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reinstated a five-year, $59 million grant to the University of Idaho aimed at helping farmers test regenerative production and new marketing methods.
Image Colorado state land board unanimously approves new five-year strategic plan The plan outlines a path for resilient lands, enduring revenue, and stronger partnerships to benefit Colorado public schools.
Image Drought causes federal disaster designation in four South Dakota counties The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated a natural disaster area Thursday in four South Dakota counties due to drought, making farmers and ranchers eligible to apply for emergency loans.
Image Ackerman named manager for Colorado Parks’ southeast region Colorado Parks and Wildlife has named Brett Ackerman as the new Southeast Region Manager. He formerly served as Deputy Manager.
Image Montana candy, soft drink SNAP waiver gets federal approval The State of Montana received federal approval from the United States Department of Agriculture to ban soft drinks, junk food, and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Image Overflowing toilets, no medical care: Democrats call Mesa ICE facility a ‘public health issue’ Members of Congress are still concerned about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Mesa, Arizona.
Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students.
Image Overflowing toilets, no medical care: Democrats call Mesa ICE facility a ‘public health issue’ Members of Congress are still concerned about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Mesa, Arizona.
Image Montana voter registration ruling deemed 'big win' for youth vote Young voter advocates are celebrating a court ruling that allows all-day voter registration on Election Day to continue in Montana.
Image Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year California lawmakers backed off on a plan to do something about surveillance pricing, the practice of using someone’s personal information to determine what they pay.
Image ‘It will always be the community’ that drives work to find missing Native Americans, speaker says Missing people may cross the jurisdictional lines that separate tribal land from state land, counties from counties and states from states. That can slow response times.
Image EarthTalk – How are Australia’s koalas doing? Thrifting is more than the act of buying used items; it’s a lifestyle adopted by people who share a distinct set of values.
Image Strong storms possible Thursday in Prowers County after midweek showers Gusty east winds, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, and a marginal risk of severe weather are in the forecast for Prowers County through Friday.
Image Kiowa County weather recap - May 20, 2026 Weather conditions in Kiowa County, Colorado, for the seven days ending May 20, 2026.
Image Storm chances build midweek for Kiowa County before weekend warmup A cooler, wetter weather pattern is moving across the southeast Colorado plains, bringing rain chances and the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms to Kiowa County.
Image Summer bummer: Study reveals gaps for accessing youth programs A new study says families across the United States are struggling to afford quality summer programs for children.
Image Montana candy, soft drink SNAP waiver gets federal approval The State of Montana received federal approval from the United States Department of Agriculture to ban soft drinks, junk food, and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students.
Image Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year California lawmakers backed off on a plan to do something about surveillance pricing, the practice of using someone’s personal information to determine what they pay.
Image Cooking at Home - 15-Minute Enchiladas This is quick to make. When you need a main dish right away, try this enchilada recipe.
Image Cooking at Home - Hummus Try this quick and easy hummus recipe by itself, with vegetables, crackers, chips, on sandwiches, in wraps and more! The possibilities are endless.
Image Cooking at Home - Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes These delicious and simple pancakes use bananas and peanut butter as a healthy addition!
Image Curious Kids: Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms? T. rex was a successful carnivorous species that existed for over a million years.
Image New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students.
Image Data center: New Utah water rights law gives less weight to pushback citing broad impact The project’s backers withdrew their request to use the water for industrial purposes instead of irrigation earlier this month.
Image Audit find Arizona’s universal school voucher oversight is ‘haphazard,’ riddled with gaps The Arizona Department of Education prioritized appeasing voucher school parents angry about payment backlogs over implementing a new oversight law.
Image Home Country – Aging, and other irritations Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slim Randles.
Image Home Country – Getting ready for Sunday Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slim Randles.
Image Conservation groups, Forest Service add new public land near Yellowstone National Park A tract of land near Yellowstone National Park which had been identified as a potential gold mining site in 2023 has been added to the roster of public lands
Image Movie Reviews - Double Feature – ‘Mortal Kombat II’ and ‘Obsession’ Critic Bob Garver looks two movies this week: "Mortal Kombat II" and "Obsession."
Image Curious Kids: Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms? T. rex was a successful carnivorous species that existed for over a million years.
Image Curious Kids: Why do you have to wear a helmet when you’re skateboarding? The brain cells you have now are largely the same ones you had when you were born. And once you lose them, there is no way to get them back.
Image A fungal disease, along with climate change, threatens Colorado’s prized peaches In western Colorado, home to the treasured Palisade peach, cytospora canker is one of the most economically consequential fungal diseases faced by growers.
Image Curious Kids: Why is water wet? If you get caught in a downpour without an umbrella, you will quickly learn what it means to be wet. But what is it about water that makes it wet?
