Headlines Wednesday, July 8, 2026
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Aspen Acres wildfire continues to grow; Unaffiliated candidate to challenge Kiros for CD-1; Colorado blocked from placing price cap on arthritis drug KGNU News
Aspen Acres wildfire continues to grow
The Aspen Acres Fire in southern Colorado is now the state’s largest active wildfire. It spread across several thousand acres on Monday due to the windy conditions. The size of the fire is nearly the size of Denver, and is currently the seventh largest fire in Colorado’s history.
The fire has burned more than 93,000 acres, prompting evacuation and pre-evacuation orders for over 12,000 residents in Custer and Pueblo counties.
Among those forced to leave is Angie Goodwin, who had been staying with her uncle about five miles west of Wetmore.
Her family is now camping near Westcliffe, waiting for news on the fate of their home.
“We’ve just been staying there,” she states. “Like, we come into town and do this, you know, get showers and clean up and then we go back out, and we just pretty much wait there. We’re just waiting.”
Goodwin says she hopes the family’s home is still standing, but she’s preparing for a long displacement.
“There’s a lot of fire up there yet. So, I’m gonna safely say it’s gonna be at least a couple more weeks. I highly doubt … if you look at the map, I don’t think we’re gonna make it home anytime soon.”
The Aspen Acres Fire has destroyed or damaged at least 260 structures and is 16% contained.
Unaffiliated CO candidate to challenge Kiros for CD-1
Shimon Blau, an unaffiliated Colorado candidate, is collecting signatures to challenge Democratic nominee Melat Kiros in the November race to represent Colorado’s 1st Congressional District.
Blau has until Thursday to submit 1,500 signatures to get his name on the ballot after his petition was approved for circulation on Monday by the secretary of state’s office.
Blau, who is originally a doctor, stated that concern for what he views as antisemitic rhetoric from Kiros is what led to him putting his name in the running for congress.
Colorado blocked from placing price cap on arthritis drug
A federal judge has blocked Colorado from enforcing its first-in-the-nation price cap on a popular arthritis drug.
The ruling is part of an ongoing lawsuit from drugmaker Amgen, which argues that actions by the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board conflict with federal patent law.
The drug, called Enbrel, was capped at about 31 thousand dollars per year. Insurance companies in Colorado previously paid an average of more than 50 thousand a year for each patient using the medication.
The lawsuit is still moving forward. For now, Colorado cannot enforce the price cap.
This story was reported by the Colorado Capitol News Alliance.
Boulder Municipal Airport begins offering unleaded aviation fuel
The Boulder Municipal Airport now officially offers unleaded aviation fuel. Through state grant funding, the city is providing incentives for airport operators to transition away from leaded aviation fuels.
Reducing the use of lead in fuel helps to reduce airborne lead emissions and in the fuel handling and transportation process – lowering the risks of lead in the environment.
Boulder Airport Manager Eric Vences said “For many years, it has been our goal to make aviation in Boulder more environmentally sustainable. Providing unleaded fuel gives UL94-certified aircraft a dependable option while making a big step forward with the core values of the airport, city and community,”
The city estimates up to 70% of Boulder-based aircraft can use UL94.
Boulder Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport, providing business, private and recreational aviation services to the city and surrounding communities.
This comes after residents near the airport have expressed concern about the use of leaded aviation fuel.
Boulder Plastic Count begins July 20
The City of Boulder is once again inviting community members to participate in the Boulder Plastic Count – a weeklong challenge to track personal plastic use and help build a clearer picture of the community’s plastic footprint.
During the official tracking week, July 20-26, participants are encouraged to record every piece of plastic they use and dispose of, whether it’s recycled, reused or thrown away. Participants will also receive resources and tips to reduce plastic use and explore local waste reduction efforts.
Last year, almost 100 households participated in Boulder’s first Plastic Count, tracking more than 3,600 plastic items in just one week.
Jamie Harkins, Sustainability Senior Manager for the City of Boulder, said “Last year’s count showed us that plastic reduction is a shared challenge. By coming together to track our use, we can better identify opportunities to reduce plastic at the source and create lasting change.”
Those interested can learn more and sign up on the city’s website, bouldercolorado.gov
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