Colorado’s night-sky heritage stretches across the Western Slope – from Paonia to the West End – and Naturita, Nucla, and Norwood are proud to be part of that constellation of DarkSky Communities. Last week, we talked about the lost art of looking up. Today, I want to explore something connected - something we don’t talk about nearly enough: accessibility.Natural darkness is one of the most accessible experiences we have. You don’t need special equipment. You don’t need technical knowledge. You don’t need to hike miles into the backcountry. You simply need a place where the night is allowed to be night. That’s what makes the Western Slope of Colorado so special.

CD 3, CD4, some state and local ballot measures remain undecided; Montrose County gives update on ballot count; Moab 240 cancelled mid-race

On one Saturday in Montrose, a No Kings rally, a Republican flag rally and a powwow: this is the longer version, with more of what's underneath the anger on both sides of the street. Then KVNF's Marty Durlin on Delta's homeless: great progress, uncertain funding.

CD 3, CD4, some state and local ballot measures remain undecided; Cindee Williams appointed to vacant Montrose City Council seat; Body found on floor of Black Canyon of the Gunnison; A new show on motherhood

There are about 15 million hunters in the United States (I’m one of them), and an estimated 13 million of us still use bullets made of lead despite its toxic effects on wildlife and human health, which is why I switched to nontoxic ammo years ago.Hunters are not alone in loving lead. The Romans employed lead in their plumbing, Gutenberg made printing type from a lead-tin alloy, and lead-acid batteries worldwide start our cars. Lead is especially suitable for making bullets. Because of its low melting point, lead is easy to pour and cast; it retains its kinetic energy over long distances; and it deforms on impact.

There are about 15 million hunters in the United States (I’m one of them), and an estimated 13 million of us still use bullets made of lead despite its toxic effects on wildlife and human health, which is why I switched to nontoxic ammo years ago.Hunters are not alone in loving lead. The Romans employed lead in their plumbing, Gutenberg made printing type from a lead-tin alloy, and lead-acid batteries worldwide start our cars. Lead is especially suitable for making bullets. Because of its low melting point, lead is easy to pour and cast; it retains its kinetic energy over long distances; and it deforms on impact.

On this week’s Regional Roundup, we’ll hear about the flooding in the Four Corners region, followed by the story of one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons, the Moab 240, which this year was canceled for the first time in the race’s history due to flash flooding and dangerous winds from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel. Then we’ll hear about the connection between bison restoration and our public lands, and head to Telluride to learn about the history of the town’s famous bluegrass music festival. We’ll round out the show at a drag queen story time in Western Colorado.

Midterm election 2026; Colorado wineries turn to yoga and concerts amid sales slump; Delta County Economic Update; Colorado turns to the federal government after flooding

Flooding hits southwest Colorado again, with La Plata County roads closed and evacuations Sunday. Montrose County moves to oppose two Parks and Wildlife petitions, Montrose and Ouray counties work to fix their shared line, and Delta Health names a CEO. Plus, Montrose's mayor and a councilmember on finding common ground.