Boulder Reporting Lab
@boulderrl.bsky.social
Boulder, Colorado's nonprofit digital newsroom. Sign up for our morning newsletter, BRL Today! 📨 https://boulderreportinglab.org/get-our-newsletters/
Sanitas Brewing Co. has closed all its taprooms, ending a 12-year run as a #Boulder craft beer staple. The brewery cites rising costs, shifting drinking habits and a maturing beer market as it joins a wave of Colorado breweries shutting down this winter. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/21/s...
Sanitas Brewing Co. closes all taprooms, marking the end of a Boulder craft beer staple
The 12-year-old brewery cites a maturing craft beer market, rising costs and shifting consumer habits as it joins a growing list of Colorado breweries shutting down this winter.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Sanitas Brewing Co. has closed all its taprooms, ending a 12-year run as a #Boulder craft beer staple. The brewery cites rising costs, shifting drinking habits and a maturing beer market as it joins a wave of Colorado breweries shutting down this winter. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/21/s...
After #Boulder County froze its childcare aid program, a local nonprofit stepped in. Impact on Education is covering preschool tuition for dozens of families, revealing deep gaps in a system that leaves many working parents without affordable, full-day care. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/23/a...
A local nonprofit steps in after Boulder County freezes childcare aid
Impact on Education is funding preschool tuition, exposing gaps in a system that leaves many families without full-day care.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:29 PM
After #Boulder County froze its childcare aid program, a local nonprofit stepped in. Impact on Education is covering preschool tuition for dozens of families, revealing deep gaps in a system that leaves many working parents without affordable, full-day care. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/23/a...
What #Boulder Reporting Lab readers turned to most in 2025 — and which stories mattered most to our newsroom. From breaking news and extreme weather to housing, homelessness and deeply personal reporting, here’s our look back at the year in local journalism. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/30/w...
The stories Boulder Reporting Lab readers and reporters valued most in 2025
Reader favorites and newsroom picks from the past year.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 PM
What #Boulder Reporting Lab readers turned to most in 2025 — and which stories mattered most to our newsroom. From breaking news and extreme weather to housing, homelessness and deeply personal reporting, here’s our look back at the year in local journalism. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/30/w...
#Boulder’s only dedicated yarn shop has closed. Lula Faye Fiber, a community-centered downtown craft space since 2022, shut its doors after rising rents and pressures on small retailers. Its loss marks another shift in Pearl Street’s local business landscape. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/28/b...
Boulder’s only yarn shop is closing, a loss for local craft culture
Lula Faye Fiber will shutter at year’s end, wrapping up its run as a community-centered shop as small retailers face mounting pressures.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:23 PM
#Boulder’s only dedicated yarn shop has closed. Lula Faye Fiber, a community-centered downtown craft space since 2022, shut its doors after rising rents and pressures on small retailers. Its loss marks another shift in Pearl Street’s local business landscape. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/28/b...
Before cars took over, electric trains once linked #Boulder and Denver in just 55 minutes. A look back at the Boulder-Denver Interurban Railroad, the fast, clean line that shaped the region from 1908 to 1926 — and what its legacy still raises today. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/30/w...
When electric trains connected Boulder and Denver in under an hour
A look back at the Boulder-Denver Interurban Railroad, the fast electric train line that shaped the region before cars took over.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Before cars took over, electric trains once linked #Boulder and Denver in just 55 minutes. A look back at the Boulder-Denver Interurban Railroad, the fast, clean line that shaped the region from 1908 to 1926 — and what its legacy still raises today. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/30/w...
#Boulder City Council voting records show a less unified majority than endorsements suggested. A BRL analysis of 120+ votes from 2023-25 finds shifting coalitions, a core five-member bloc on contested issues, and housing as the council’s most frequent focus. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/04/b...
Boulder City Council voting records reveal a complicated majority
Six takeaways from Boulder Reporting Lab’s review of Boulder City Council voting records from December 2023 through the end of the previous council’s term.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:21 PM
#Boulder City Council voting records show a less unified majority than endorsements suggested. A BRL analysis of 120+ votes from 2023-25 finds shifting coalitions, a core five-member bloc on contested issues, and housing as the council’s most frequent focus. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/04/b...
As Xcel prepares to dig up more than 1M cubic yards of toxic coal ash at Valmont, #Boulder residents and local officials say Xcel’s air monitoring plan isn’t enough. With state rules unsettled, they’re pushing to fund independent, research-grade monitoring. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/06/b...
As Xcel prepares to dig up toxic coal ash at Valmont, Boulder residents want independent air monitoring
Xcel plans to clean up on-site coal ash, but with state requirements still uncertain, neighbors and officials are seeking their own system.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:19 PM
As Xcel prepares to dig up more than 1M cubic yards of toxic coal ash at Valmont, #Boulder residents and local officials say Xcel’s air monitoring plan isn’t enough. With state rules unsettled, they’re pushing to fund independent, research-grade monitoring. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/06/b...
#Boulder City Council is expected to approve a detailed incentives deal for Sundance’s move to Boulder: free use of city property, transit, permits, public safety support and more. The city says the festival’s economic impact will meet or exceed the cost. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/06/b...
Boulder’s Sundance Film Festival incentives deal: What the city is offering
The city’s proposed deal includes free use of city property, transit, permits and public safety support, and expectations for economic impact.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:12 PM
#Boulder City Council is expected to approve a detailed incentives deal for Sundance’s move to Boulder: free use of city property, transit, permits, public safety support and more. The city says the festival’s economic impact will meet or exceed the cost. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/06/b...
Evacuation orders are in effect for parts of southeast Louisville as crews respond to a wildfire near U.S. 287 and Dillon Road. Roads are closed in the area. This is a developing story. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/05/e...
Evacuation orders issued for Louisville wildfire in Boulder County
Evacuations ordered for parts of southeast Louisville as crews respond to the 104th Fire near U.S. 287.
boulderreportinglab.org
January 5, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Evacuation orders are in effect for parts of southeast Louisville as crews respond to a wildfire near U.S. 287 and Dillon Road. Roads are closed in the area. This is a developing story. boulderreportinglab.org/2026/01/05/e...
UPDATE: An evacuation order remains in place for parts of Fourmile Canyon after #Boulder County officials lifted an evacuation warning Monday night and reported "good news" as the wildfire held at about three acres. This is a developing story. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/22/b...
Boulder County wildfire prompts evacuation order in Fourmile Canyon
Evacuation order and warning were issued Monday evening for parts of Fourmile Canyon as a wildfire burns west of Boulder. This is a developing story.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:44 AM
UPDATE: An evacuation order remains in place for parts of Fourmile Canyon after #Boulder County officials lifted an evacuation warning Monday night and reported "good news" as the wildfire held at about three acres. This is a developing story. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/22/b...
BREAKING: A wildfire in #Boulder County’s Fourmile Canyon has prompted an evacuation order near Wild Turkey Trail and an evacuation warning for a broader area. As of ~6:40 p.m., the fire was ~1 acre, with moderate spread risk and “creeping” behavior. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/22/b...
Boulder County wildfire prompts evacuation order in Fourmile Canyon
Evacuation order and warning were issued Monday evening for parts of Fourmile Canyon as a wildfire burns west of Boulder. This is a developing story.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 23, 2025 at 1:47 AM
BREAKING: A wildfire in #Boulder County’s Fourmile Canyon has prompted an evacuation order near Wild Turkey Trail and an evacuation warning for a broader area. As of ~6:40 p.m., the fire was ~1 acre, with moderate spread risk and “creeping” behavior. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/22/b...
Extreme fire conditions prompted a second planned #Xcel shutoff as 100+ mph winds and a small downtown #Boulder fire underscored the risk. Preparation helped limit impacts, but back-to-back outages are renewing scrutiny of Xcel’s long-term wildfire strategy. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/19/a...
After two Xcel wildfire shutoffs in a week, Boulder weathers the test, but bigger questions loom
Improved preparation limited impacts, but back-to-back outages renewed scrutiny of Xcel’s approach to long-term wildfire risk.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 20, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Extreme fire conditions prompted a second planned #Xcel shutoff as 100+ mph winds and a small downtown #Boulder fire underscored the risk. Preparation helped limit impacts, but back-to-back outages are renewing scrutiny of Xcel’s long-term wildfire strategy. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/19/a...
Update on Xcel power shutoffs Friday: Xcel is using a two-phase approach today. Some #Boulder and surrounding areas entered an active power shutoff around 5 a.m., while others are now in a “warning” zone and could lose power later this morning. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/18/b...
Boulder faces second Xcel power shutoff as fire weather resembles Marshall Fire day
About 69,000 customers across the Front Range are expected to lose power Friday as extreme winds and critically dry conditions return.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Update on Xcel power shutoffs Friday: Xcel is using a two-phase approach today. Some #Boulder and surrounding areas entered an active power shutoff around 5 a.m., while others are now in a “warning” zone and could lose power later this morning. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/18/b...
About 69,000 customers across the Front Range, including Boulder, are expected to lose power Friday as extreme winds and critically dry conditions return. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/18/b...
Boulder faces second Xcel power shutoff as fire weather resembles Marshall Fire day
About 69,000 customers across the Front Range are expected to lose power Friday as extreme winds and critically dry conditions return.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 19, 2025 at 3:20 AM
About 69,000 customers across the Front Range, including Boulder, are expected to lose power Friday as extreme winds and critically dry conditions return. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/18/b...
Another #Xcel power shutoff is likely Friday. About 67K customers across #Boulder County and nearby counties would be affected. Roughly 26K are still without power from Wednesday’s planned shutdown and winds. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/17/w...
Thousands without power in Boulder as Xcel warns another shutoff may follow
Power restoration could take days as weather forecasters warn Friday’s forecast mirrors Wednesday’s extreme winds.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Another #Xcel power shutoff is likely Friday. About 67K customers across #Boulder County and nearby counties would be affected. Roughly 26K are still without power from Wednesday’s planned shutdown and winds. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/17/w...
UPDATE: At least 30K #Boulder County customers are without power due to outages. Xcel is already warning of a possible second power shutoff Friday affecting Boulder County and other Front Range areas, meaning some communities could be without power for days. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/16/x...
Xcel plans power shutoff in Boulder on Dec. 17 amid extreme fire risk
While Xcel is still finalizing the outage scope, maps by the utility suggest it could affect around 100,000 customers in Boulder County.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 17, 2025 at 10:59 PM
UPDATE: At least 30K #Boulder County customers are without power due to outages. Xcel is already warning of a possible second power shutoff Friday affecting Boulder County and other Front Range areas, meaning some communities could be without power for days. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/16/x...
While checking reports of a downed powerline around Spruce and 6th, we found that the issue was not an active powerline but the internal wiring from a streetlight, torn loose and wrapped around nearby shrubs. Are we missing anything, #Boulder? Anything else we should check out? #localnews
December 17, 2025 at 10:43 PM
While checking reports of a downed powerline around Spruce and 6th, we found that the issue was not an active powerline but the internal wiring from a streetlight, torn loose and wrapped around nearby shrubs. Are we missing anything, #Boulder? Anything else we should check out? #localnews
Reposted by Boulder Reporting Lab
New all-time record peak wind gust set at Boulder Municipal Airport today at 87.5 MPH! 💨🛩️
Note that the data record only goes back to 2010 for this station #COwx #HighWindWarning #Colorado #Boulderwx #Boulder
Note that the data record only goes back to 2010 for this station #COwx #HighWindWarning #Colorado #Boulderwx #Boulder
December 17, 2025 at 9:41 PM
New all-time record peak wind gust set at Boulder Municipal Airport today at 87.5 MPH! 💨🛩️
Note that the data record only goes back to 2010 for this station #COwx #HighWindWarning #Colorado #Boulderwx #Boulder
Note that the data record only goes back to 2010 for this station #COwx #HighWindWarning #Colorado #Boulderwx #Boulder
#Boulder outage update: Residents losing power even outside planned shutoff areas, likely due to high winds triggering safety settings. Outage map shows about 24K customers affected across 38 outages in Boulder County. Winds expected to be worst until 5 p.m. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/16/x...
Xcel plans power shutoff in Boulder on Dec. 17 amid extreme fire risk
While Xcel is still finalizing the outage scope, maps by the utility suggest it could affect around 100,000 customers in Boulder County.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:33 PM
#Boulder outage update: Residents losing power even outside planned shutoff areas, likely due to high winds triggering safety settings. Outage map shows about 24K customers affected across 38 outages in Boulder County. Winds expected to be worst until 5 p.m. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/16/x...
This would be the second preemptive shutdown from Xcel in #Boulder County. Here’s what to know. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/16/x...
Xcel plans power shutoff in Boulder on Dec. 17 ahead of extreme fire risk
While Xcel is still finalizing the outage scope, maps by the utility suggest it could affect around 100,000 customers in Boulder County.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
This would be the second preemptive shutdown from Xcel in #Boulder County. Here’s what to know. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/16/x...
Reposted by Boulder Reporting Lab
New #AcrossTheAisle in @boulderrl.bsky.social diving into the survey results for the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/14/a...
Boulder survey shows shifting attitudes on housing. Now what?
BRL columnists break down surprising findings from the city’s new public opinion survey, and how the results could shape the next Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 15, 2025 at 12:44 PM
New #AcrossTheAisle in @boulderrl.bsky.social diving into the survey results for the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/14/a...
#Boulder is set to renew its Flock license plate reader contract amid growing scrutiny of the company’s data-sharing practices and privacy concerns that have led other cities to cut ties. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/07/b...
Boulder police to renew contract with Flock, the license plate reader company under scrutiny
Other cities are canceling contracts with the AI-powered automatic license plate reader company over privacy issues, including Flock’s sharing of data with ICE after claiming it did not.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:28 PM
#Boulder is set to renew its Flock license plate reader contract amid growing scrutiny of the company’s data-sharing practices and privacy concerns that have led other cities to cut ties. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/07/b...
Final campaign finance reports for #Boulder’s 2025 council race show overall spending declined compared to previous years, with a few groups driving most of the activity, including a notable amount of negative advertising. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/07/s...
Who tried to influence Boulder’s 2025 council race? Campaign finance reports show key players
Overall spending fell below recent elections, while several groups focused resources on opposing candidates.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Final campaign finance reports for #Boulder’s 2025 council race show overall spending declined compared to previous years, with a few groups driving most of the activity, including a notable amount of negative advertising. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/07/s...
#Boulder’s Afro-Latin dance scene is booming. New festivals, global artists and longtime local teachers are helping the community grow — and reclaim cultural space — through salsa, rumba and Afro-Cuban dance. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/07/b...
Boulder’s Afro-Latin dance scene rises with new festivals and cultural movement
A wave of festivals, performances and social dances is spotlighting a scene that blends joy, resistance and cultural reclamation.
boulderreportinglab.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:14 PM
#Boulder’s Afro-Latin dance scene is booming. New festivals, global artists and longtime local teachers are helping the community grow — and reclaim cultural space — through salsa, rumba and Afro-Cuban dance. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/07/b...
A major East #Boulder redevelopment is taking shape: a proposed 2,500-seat arts venue, 500 homes and a hotel as part of a new “Pearl Arts District.” The project ties into Sundance’s 2027 arrival and would rely on a public-private financing model. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/04/p...
A big new development could reshape East Boulder’s arts and housing landscape
Conscience Bay Company proposes a 2,500-seat venue, 500 new homes and a hotel as part of the four-block 'Pearl Arts District.'
boulderreportinglab.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
A major East #Boulder redevelopment is taking shape: a proposed 2,500-seat arts venue, 500 homes and a hotel as part of a new “Pearl Arts District.” The project ties into Sundance’s 2027 arrival and would rely on a public-private financing model. boulderreportinglab.org/2025/12/04/p...