Containment Grows in Western Slope Fires

Several fires burning on the Western Slope are now partly contained after more than a week of firefighting efforts across several counties.

The South Rim Fire, now over 4,000 acres, reached 21% containment Saturday, up from 0% Friday, after crews established a fireline. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park remains closed, and several park structures have been destroyed or heavily damaged.

In Mesa County, the Sowbelly Fire is 66% contained, while the Turner Gulch Fire—now over 15,000 acres—sits at 34%. More than 500 firefighters battling the Deer Creek Fire have increased containment to 22% since the blaze pushed into Montrose County from Utah.

A vegetation fire that sparked north of Parachute on Thursday is now 35% contained after growing to over 300 acres. Water restrictions were put in place for nearby Battlement Mesa due to ash and debris contaminating the water system.

Human West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed

Two people in Adams County have contracted West Nile virus, the first human cases of the mosquito-transmitted disease in Colorado this year, health officials confirmed.

While the virus normally produces mild symptoms, if any, fewer than 1% of people develop a potentially fatal neuroinvasive disease. One of the two cases falls into this category, resulting in an Adams County man’s hospitalization.

Mosquito populations in Boulder, Weld, and Larimer counties have tested positive for the virus. Detection of the virus in Fort Collins prompted city officials to conduct mosquito spraying on July 17 and 20.

Though the virus appears annually, this year’s cases are arriving earlier than normal. To avoid infection, experts recommend using repellent, wearing protective clothing, and removing standing water.

Boulder Firm Helps Build Quantum Computer

Microsoft is partnering with Boulder-based tech company Atom Computing to build the world’s most powerful quantum computer in Denmark.

The computer, named Magne, will start operating with 50 logical quantum bits, or qubits, more than double the record set by Microsoft and Atom in 2024. The initiative is backed by Danish investors and aims to regain Europe’s momentum in the field of quantum computing.

Microsoft will develop Magne’s software, while Atom will supply the hardware using its “neutral atom” technology. Both companies have established a physical presence in Denmark for the effort.

The system will be assembled this fall and is expected to begin operating in late 2026 or early 2027.

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➤ Routt County: Colorado Parks and Wildlife released trail camera footage of wolf pups belonging to the King Mountain Pack, one of three newly confirmed packs on the Western Slope. (Watch Video)

➤ Statewide: Several county election clerks received calls from a man claiming to represent the White House and asking for access to voting machines. All the clerks declined the request. (See Details)

➤ Arapahoe County: Two daughters of James Craig, the former Aurora dentist on trial for murder, testified against him last week, with one claiming he enlisted her to create fake evidence. Craig is accused of fatally poisoning his wife. (See Details)

➤ Aurora: Children’s Hospital Colorado received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice, reportedly as part of an investigation into hospitals that provided sex-change surgeries to minors. (More)

➤ Weld County: A small plane crashed in Pawnee National Grassland on July 12, killing the pilot, who was the sole occupant. The cause remains under investigation. (More)

➤ Pueblo County: A boater died after coming into contact with a boat propeller at Lake Pueblo State Park on Saturday. (More)

➤ Statewide: Federal prosecutors say that giving “bandit” nicknames to bank robbers—like the Bushy Brows Bandit or the Penguin Bandit—has helped investigators identify suspects, contributing to a decline in bank robberies. (See Details)

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➤ The Colorado Rockies finally secured their first home series win of the season on Saturday, beating the Minnesota Twins 10-6 for their third series win overall and first at Coors Field since September 2024. (More)

➤ Denver Nuggets team executives say there are “no concerns” that Jonas Valanciunas will report to the team, despite offseason reports linking him to Greek club Panathinaikos. (More)

➤ The Denver Broncos signed second-round pick RJ Harvey to a four-year rookie deal on Friday, completing their 2025 draft class. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NASCAR | INDY | Soccer | British Open | Tour de France

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➤ Construction employment is down in Colorado, with 1,300 jobs lost between May and June and 5,100 jobs lost over the past year, according to data from the Associated General Contractors of America. (See Details)

➤ Three restaurants based in Denver—an empanada café, a ramen shop, and a New American fine dining spot—opened locations at Denver International Airport last week. (More)

➤ The Colorado Public Interest Research Group, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, is raising concerns that Xcel Energy’s large-scale plan to replace its Pueblo coal plant may raise energy costs for consumers. (See Details)

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➤ Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, made a whistle stop in Greeley and passed through Denver on Thursday. (See Photos)

➤ Upper Deck Golf will return to Coors Field on Oct. 3 and 4, letting golfers play a nine-hole round inside the ballpark. Tickets for tee times will be available in August. (See Details)

➤ A Marine veteran of the Vietnam War shared how a wartime daydream led him to open the Carousel of Happiness, a restored 1910 carousel in a Nederland mountain valley. (See Video)

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How often do you eat at restaurants when you’re at the airport?

1. Always
2. Sometimes
3. Rarely
4. Never

Friday’s Results:

Which do you prefer: Coke or Pepsi?

1. Coca-Cola: 40%
2. Neither: 32%
3. Pepsi: 28%

How many Colorado counties are named after former governors?

Show me the answer