The biggest Boulder headlines of 2025
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
This past year in Boulder was anything but quiet.
Zoom out: As 2025 draws to a close, we're looking at stories that shaped the city — from global conflict reverberating locally to culture, budgets and sports disappointments.
🔥 War in Gaza ripples in Boulder
As the conflict unfolded thousands of miles away, its impacts were felt in Boulder.
Flashback: A firebomb attack on Pearl Street during a rally calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas left one person dead and 13 others injured, jolting the heart of downtown.
What's next: The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is expected to face state and federal trials in summer 2026.
Between the lines: The Israel-Gaza war dominated Boulder's civic discourse, prompting City Council to revise its public comment rules amid heated meetings.
- Proposals to divest from companies tied to Israel and to issue a ceasefire resolution exposed deep tension on council.
- The issue also emerged as a central campaign theme for two council candidates during November's election.
🎬 Boulder bags Sundance
The Sundance Film Festival announced plans to leave Park City, Utah — its home for more than 40 years — and relocate to Boulder.
Why it matters: Sundance is expected to be a cash cow, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and elevating Boulder's profile as a cultural destination.
What's next: While the festival won't make its Boulder debut until early 2027, city officials will be prepping facilities and accommodations.
💰 Budget strain
Both the city and Boulder County had to make sizable budget cuts for 2026 because of declining revenue and uncertainty surrounding federal dollars.
State of play: Boulder County implemented layoffs and eliminated vacant positions, followed by roughly $13 million in further cuts, most of them tied to personnel.
- The city enacted layoffs and has remained under a hiring freeze since June.
What we're watching: Officials at both levels have proposed new or increased taxes to make ends meet, and with a midterm election next November, this could be the year to put them on the ballot.
🌎 Trump aims at research facilities
The Trump administration spent much of 2025 pursuing funding cuts to federal labs and research institutions in the Boulder area, drawing pushback from scientists and local leaders.
The latest: The White House targeted the National Center for Atmospheric Research, accusing the Boulder climate lab of "climate alarmism."
- Colorado officials called the move politically motivated retaliation for the state's refusal to release former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters from prison.
The big picture: Trump has seemingly gone after every Boulder-area facility with an acronym, targeting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences.
🏈 Coach Prime gets extension, but Buffs disappoint
Deion Sanders signed a contract extension keeping him in Boulder through 2029, but the Buffs endured a disappointing 3-9 season and missed a bowl game for the second time in three years.
Threat level: Sanders' job appears safe for the time being, given his new deal and the attention and revenue he brings to the program.
- Yes, but: With a new athletic director and a salary that matches the winningest coaches in college football, expectations are rising.
What we're watching: A new offensive coordinator will look to unlock the highly touted recruit Julian "JuJu" Lewis, while Sanders will need to reverse a rough start to the transfer season.