SNYDER FIRE BENEFIT ACCOUNT EXCEEDS $238,000 THANKS TO COMMUNITY SUPPORT; DONATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH AUG. 31

102-DEGREE DAY IN DENVER TOPPLES 148-YEAR-OLD RECORD

DENVER BRONCOS ANNOUNCE ARCHITECTS FOR NEW STADIUM DEVELOPMENT

WESTERN SLOPE AREA VOTED SECOND-BEST WINE REGION IN THE U.S.

COLORADO CELEBRATES 150: THESE BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN HERE FOR MOST OF THAT TIME - OR LONGER

'SPIDER-MAN' & 'THE ODYSSEY' POWER BIGGEST BOX OFFICE WEEKEND IN HISTORY

MUSEUMS OF WESTERN COLORADO TO CONSOLIDATE UNDER FRUITA CAMPUS

NEW COLORADO LAWS PENALIZING COUNTERFEIT PRODUCE, BEAR LURING TAKE EFFECT IN AUGUST

• Colorado produce must be state-grown: House Bill 1031, which passed the legislature unanimously, makes it a deceptive trade practice to market fruits and vegetables as Colorado-grown if those products were produced in a different state. Violators could face up to $20,000 in fines. The measure also prohibits sellers from using the “Colorado Proud” logo unless authorized by the state Dept. of Agriculture.
• $5,000 fine for bear luring: House Bill 1342 lowers the standard of evidence required to charge someone for luring black bears and increases the fine from $2,000 to $5,000 after the second offense. Under the law, a person can be found guilty for “knowingly placing the food or edible waste in the open in circumstances where there is a reasonable probability of luring a wild bear.” Reported conflicts between humans and bears have risen 15 percent over the past six years, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which received 5,229 reported incidents in 2025 alone. Most of these conflicts are related to human food sources and attractants, with trash consistently ranking as the No. 1 cause of conflict between humans and bears, accounting for around 67 percent of all reports in 2025.
• Funding to support farmers and ranchers: House Bill 1067 expands the criteria for livestock owners to be reimbursed by the state when they are forced to sell or kill a herd that has been exposed to a contagious disease. The measure allows producers to receive payments not just for sold or killed livestock, but also for taking preventive measures against infectious or contagious diseases and biological or chemical contaminants of animals that pose a threat to livestock.
  Senate Bill 64 expands who can receive Colorado Dept. of Agriculture loans primarily aimed at farmers, ranchers and small businesses. The law adds water conservancy, water conservation and water and sanitation districts; irrigation districts; ditch and reservoir companies and entities certified by the Division of Conservation in the Colorado Dept. of Regulatory Agencies, to the list of eligible loan recipients. The law also requires the agriculture department to adopt rules that will prioritize and expand state loans for farmers and ranchers to use loans to purchase and protect at-risk farmland.

FUNDRAISER INCLUDES ANNIE'S ORPHANS IN DURANGO

VAIL ADDS MGM RESORTS CEO TO BOARD

COLORADO COULD SEE 'PROLONGED STRETCH' OF SMOKY SKIES AS ABOVE-AVERAGE WILDFIRE SEASON CONTINUES

• Across the country, more than 35,000 wildfires have burned about 3,750,000 acres — an area about three times the size of Grand Canyon National Park — as of Monday.
• Both the number of wildfires and acreage burned were trending roughly 130 percent above the 10-year average.
• Firefighters are battling about 100 large wildfires nationwide, with hundreds of firefighters tied up battling fires in Oregon and Washington, where officials say, “multiple incidents are exhibiting active to extreme fire behavior” and threatening homes and infrastructure.

• The Aspen Acres Fire had burned about 102,000 acres in Custer County and was 67 percent contained.
• The Elk Fire had burned about 2,350 acres near Lake City and was 49 percent contained.
• The Gold Mountain Fire had burned about 39,500 acres near Ouray and was about 72 percent contained.
• The Rio Blanco Fire had burned about 1,000 acres in the San Juan National Forest and was 11 percent contained.
• The Willow Fire near Leadville burned about 7,200 acres and was 67 percent contained.

10 MUST-VISIT WINE REGIONS IN THE U.S.

1. Rogue Valley, Oregon: Rogue Valley with its diverse microclimates and varying elevation, allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties. This diversity results in the production of distinct wines, marking the region as a versatile player in the North American wine scene.
2. West Elks, Colorado: West Elks American Viticultural Area contains some of the highest vineyards in North America, resulting in wine that's fresh, smooth, aromatic, high in acidity, and particularly flavorful. Two major annual events include the North Fork Uncorked, highlighting all the best new wine releases, and the West Elks Wine Trail, which features the best of Colorado wine and cuisine. Wineries like Alfred Eames Cellars and 5680' Vineyards head a selection of outstanding high-altitude wineries from this Rocky Mountain wine-growing paradise.
3. Texas Hill Country, Texas: The scenic Texas Hill Country surrounding the communities of Austin, Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas, and New Braunfels is home to more than 60 wineries. This American Viticultural Area is one of the largest in the country, growing varietals like tempranillo, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and an increasing acreage of warm-weather grapes.
4. Paso Robles, California: For gorgeous views, intricate diversity, and five-star hospitality on California's Central Coast, head to Paso Robles. This region offers everything from small-batch tasting in the vineyard with tiny family wineries to some of the most breathtaking vistas with the capacity to welcome a crowd. Plus, there's a grape for every style preference growing in Paso Robles vineyards.
5. Augusta, Missouri: When Augusta, Missouri, was recognized in 1980 by the federal government as an official American Viticultural Area, it earned its spot as the first in the United States — even before the California heavyweights. Still influential on a national stage, this Midwestern spot is treasured for its small-town charm and appealing selection of crowd-pleasing wineries with roots dating back to early German settlers.
6. Anderson Valley, California: In Mendocino County, two hours north of San Francisco, Anderson Valley extends for 15 miles, where vineyards and wineries produce award-winning pinot noir. It’s one of the coolest California wine regions — a climate well-suited to chardonnay, riesling and gewürztraminer grapes as well.
7. Loudoun, Virginia: Virginia's Loudoun County stands out for its picturesque landscape and rich soil, fostering a variety of grapes that produce complex and elegant wines. This region's dedication to small-batch, high-quality winemaking has earned national acclaim, making it a beacon for those seeking unique wine experiences steeped in American history.
8. Willamette Valley, Oregon: Oregon's Willamette Valley, home to 11 sub-appellations, is best known for producing some of the world’s most exceptional pinot noir. There are well over 700 wineries waiting to be explored in the state's oldest wine region.
9. Yakima Valley, Washington: Yakima Valley, Washington, is revered for its role as a pioneer in the state's wine industry. Its vineyards, graced with over 300 days of sunshine a year, are nestled between rolling hills and fertile lands, creating a stunning travel destination packed with natural beauty. Combine that with a number of high-quality wineries and you've got an essential destination within the Pacific Northwest's wine corridor.
10. Temecula Valley, California: One of Southern California's most exciting places to visit, Temecula Valley offers rural agricultural roots enhanced by some of the state's finest wine, food, and lodging offerings. With dozens of grape varieties, more than 45 wineries, stunning views, and bottles that often can be discovered only by visiting locally, there are plenty of reasons to make the trip.