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Boulder tech titans clash with county over tax proposal

Prominent entrepreneurs oppose a tax measure backed by Boulder County commissioners.

News

Boulder&#x27;s tech and county leaders are on opposite sides of a proposed tax hike on Colorado&#x27;s highest earners.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amendment 87" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/16/amendment-87-proposition-nn-136-137-colorado-voter-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="caa164f9-ac78-4d48-9ead-0953c704ed10" data-vars-headline="Boulder tech titans clash with county over tax proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/16/amendment-87-proposition-nn-136-137-colorado-voter-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">Amendment 87</a> would replace Colorado&#x27;s flat income tax with a graduated system, potentially raising billions for public services while fueling concerns about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s business climate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/13/colorado-business-climate-ensuring-colorados-innovation-future-letter" data-vars-content-id="caa164f9-ac78-4d48-9ead-0953c704ed10" data-vars-headline="Boulder tech titans clash with county over tax proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/13/colorado-business-climate-ensuring-colorados-innovation-future-letter" target="_self">state&#x27;s business climate</a>.

Jeremy Bloom reinvents X Games from Boulder

The former CU star is building a team-based league to attract a new generation of fans.

The X Games are getting a major makeover under former CU football star and Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom, who&#x27;s reinventing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the action-sports brand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/jeremy-bloom-x-games-ceo-colorado" data-vars-content-id="988c1b78-58d9-4fcb-b4dd-98ce21649d86" data-vars-headline="Jeremy Bloom reinvents X Games from Boulder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/jeremy-bloom-x-games-ceo-colorado" target="_self">the action-sports brand</a> from Boulder.Why it matters: Bloom is borrowing from Formula 1 and UFC to build a new kind of sports league — and putting Boulder at the center of it.

Sundance reveals first films, reviving Boulder tradition

A special screening of "Memento" will revive an interactive film event pioneered at CU Boulder.

The Sundance Film Festival has unveiled the first film selections <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for its Boulder debut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/31/boulder-sundance-2027-festival-dates-venues-programming" data-vars-content-id="b4112139-5fbc-40a3-ae88-e4ac25ce1672" data-vars-headline="Sundance reveals first films, reviving Boulder tradition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/31/boulder-sundance-2027-festival-dates-venues-programming" target="_self">for its Boulder debut</a>, along with the revival of a beloved local film tradition pioneered by legendary critic Roger Ebert.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first taste of what moviegoers can expect when the world-renowned festival arrives and nods to the city&#x27;s own cinematic roots.

Retail revolution invites shoppers to stay awhile

From thrift-store cocktails to cashmere and chocolate, local retailers are mixing things up.

Business

Shopping in Boulder County now comes with something to sip or snack on.The latest: Two unusual retail mashups have recently arrived: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drifters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.driftersthriftbar.com/" data-vars-content-id="04259cab-6568-402f-8d7c-3dd4f6f4b645" data-vars-headline="Retail revolution invites shoppers to stay awhile" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.driftersthriftbar.com/" target="_blank">Drifters</a>, a thrift store and cocktail bar in Longmont, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chocolate + Cashmere" data-vars-click-url="https://chocolatecashmere.com/" data-vars-content-id="04259cab-6568-402f-8d7c-3dd4f6f4b645" data-vars-headline="Retail revolution invites shoppers to stay awhile" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chocolatecashmere.com/" target="_blank">Chocolate + Cashmere</a>, a Boulder boutique selling precisely what its name promises.

Final Wednesday market caps season of resilience

"The Wednesday market has really become our Boulder neighborhood market."

Things to Do

The Boulder Farmers Market wraps its Wednesday season on Oct. 7 after expanding beyond produce into a neighborhood gathering space.<ul><li>The 3:30-7:30pm finale caps a season that brought more artisan vendors and community resources to the weekday market.</li></ul>

Boulder climate case gets boost in Supreme Court

The ruling will determine whether Boulder can keep pursuing potentially millions in damages to cover climate-related costs.

Sharp questioning from both sides during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s Supreme Court arguments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/02/supreme-court-state-climate-lawsuits-preemption" data-vars-content-id="4f713218-d013-4259-be7b-9f559863465f" data-vars-headline="Boulder climate case gets boost in Supreme Court" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/02/supreme-court-state-climate-lawsuits-preemption" target="_self">Monday&#x27;s Supreme Court arguments</a> suggested Boulder&#x27;s landmark climate lawsuit could narrowly survive the court&#x27;s conservative majority.Why it matters: The ruling will determine whether Boulder can keep pursuing potentially millions in damages to cover climate-related costs — and could shape the fate of dozens of similar lawsuits filed nationwide.

Judge blocks NCAR lab transfer

The ruling keeps Boulder's climate research hub intact for now.

The Trump administration&#x27;s efforts to dismantle Boulder&#x27;s National Center for Atmospheric Research hit a roadblock Monday, as a federal judge halted the transfer of the lab&#x27;s supercomputing center.Why it matters: The ruling keeps one of the nation&#x27;s premier climate and weather research hubs intact for now.

Boulder gets rare May snow boost

The late spring storm brought needed moisture but left a mess in its wake.

Boulder County got nearly a foot of badly needed snow Wednesday, as a late spring storm swept through the Front Range.Why it matters: The timing couldn&#x27;t be better for a region that&#x27;s been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craving moisture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" data-vars-content-id="da069b32-a432-431d-bc67-d2700a84e7ce" data-vars-headline="Boulder gets rare May snow boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" target="_self">craving moisture</a>.

How to reduce wildfire risk at home

Simple steps can help protect your home as wildfire risk rises this summer.

After an unusually dry winter, fire officials are warning of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heightened wildfire risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/07/heatwave-drought-wildfire-risk-colorado-spring" data-vars-content-id="de7c0125-2d00-47bc-a897-dfac77fc1fa6" data-vars-headline="How to reduce wildfire risk at home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/07/heatwave-drought-wildfire-risk-colorado-spring" target="_self">heightened wildfire risk</a> and urging residents to start preparing now.Why it matters: As climate change intensifies wildfire risk, urban homeowners are increasingly on the front lines, making prevention a shared responsibility.

Why wildfire causes can take time to confirm

Investigators say wildfire causes can take weeks to months to determine — or remain unknown.

As Boulder County braces for wildfire season, investigators say determining a fire&#x27;s cause is complex, slow work often complicated by limited or damaged evidence.Why it matters: Identifying a fire&#x27;s cause shapes insurance claims, public safety measures and potential legal action, but clear answers can take time — if they come at all.

Dry weather fuels wildlife rescue surge

A spike in animal rescues could strain the region's limited network of licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

An unusually dry winter and spring in Boulder County could fuel more wildlife disease and human-animal encounters in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coming warm-weather months" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/07/heatwave-drought-wildfire-risk-colorado-spring" data-vars-content-id="8ac01bfe-ce9b-4736-a29c-94f90b6f90e0" data-vars-headline="Dry weather fuels wildlife rescue surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/07/heatwave-drought-wildfire-risk-colorado-spring" target="_self">coming warm-weather months</a>.Why it matters: A spike in animal rescues could strain the region&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="limited network" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/12/wildlife-intake-record-greenwood-rehabilitation" data-vars-content-id="8ac01bfe-ce9b-4736-a29c-94f90b6f90e0" data-vars-headline="Dry weather fuels wildlife rescue surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/12/wildlife-intake-record-greenwood-rehabilitation" target="_self">limited network</a> of licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Atmospheric research group sues Trump over imminent science lab breakup

A Boulder-based climate research group argues that dismantling NCAR is unlawful retaliation.

Energy & Climate

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) sued the Trump administration Monday, alleging efforts to dismantle <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a Boulder-based federal lab" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/12/17/trump-closing-ncar-climate-lab-boulder" data-vars-content-id="5762ccda-7eb0-4d63-830f-52dee4913792" data-vars-headline="Atmospheric research group sues Trump over imminent science lab breakup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/12/17/trump-closing-ncar-climate-lab-boulder" target="_self">a Boulder-based federal lab</a> are &quot;unlawful retaliation&quot; against the state of Colorado.Why it matters: The lawsuit escalates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a growing conflict" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/12/colorado-trump-administration-fights-escalate" data-vars-content-id="5762ccda-7eb0-4d63-830f-52dee4913792" data-vars-headline="Atmospheric research group sues Trump over imminent science lab breakup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/12/colorado-trump-administration-fights-escalate" target="_self">a growing conflict</a> between the Trump administration and Colorado over election policy, federal authority and the future of a major U.S. climate research hub.

Boulder's snowplows have names. Now they need snow

Boulder has announced the winning names for its 2025 snowplow fleet chosen by local students.

Boulder has announced the winning names for its 2025 snowplow fleet, selected by local students.Why it matters: Boulder kids have turned naming the snowplow fleet into a charming local tradition — now we just need some actual snow.The latest: For the fifth consecutive year, the city asked Boulder Valley students to name its 17 snowplows, and as usual, they produced a fun batch of monikers.<ul><li>&quot;Star Wars&quot; references, Taylor Swift puns and at least one kid who was influenced by his dad&#x27;s music taste have been popular in previous years.</li></ul>This year&#x27;s winning names are:<ul><li>☕️ Cocoa</li><li>🎉 Lollaplowlooza</li><li>🚀 Apollo Five</li><li>😀 5now Worries</li><li>🏎️ Fast and Flurrious 5</li><li>🤓 Austin Plowers</li><li>🧑‍🚀 Buzz Iceclear</li><li>🌨️ Snowy</li><li>🎸 Sleetwood Mac</li><li>✋ High Five</li><li>🍭 Sugar Plum</li><li>🍧 Slushimaker</li><li>❄ Flake Flinger 5</li><li>💃 Life of a Snowgirl</li><li>🤖 Snow2D2</li><li>💤 Sleet Dreams</li><li>🌡️ Coldspot</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Each of the plows will be emblazoned with a winning name, and the students get a photo with &quot;their&quot; plow.Yes, but: The city is off to a historically dry snow season.By the numbers: Boulder&#x27;s previous latest recorded snowfall was Nov. 17, in both 2016 and 2021.<ul><li>While a storm is expected to bring some flakes to the Western Slope today, Boulder is unlikely to see anything more than rain, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the National Weather Service" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.016871&amp;lon=-105.279624" data-vars-content-id="0d140594-2c72-4f3e-8aa5-e6cb7018e3e6" data-vars-headline="Boulder&#x27;s snowplows have names. Now they need snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.016871&amp;lon=-105.279624" target="_blank">according to the National Weather Service</a>.</li><li>BoulderCAST forecasted the next chance for snow in the city will not come <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="until Nov. 26" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/BoulderCAST/status/1991212111968760291" data-vars-content-id="0d140594-2c72-4f3e-8aa5-e6cb7018e3e6" data-vars-headline="Boulder&#x27;s snowplows have names. Now they need snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/BoulderCAST/status/1991212111968760291" target="_blank">until Nov. 26</a>.</li></ul>Fun fact: It <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snowed on the Big Island of Hawaii" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/snowed-hawaii-week-while-denver-182525160.html" data-vars-content-id="0d140594-2c72-4f3e-8aa5-e6cb7018e3e6" data-vars-headline="Boulder&#x27;s snowplows have names. Now they need snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/snowed-hawaii-week-while-denver-182525160.html" target="_blank">snowed on the Big Island of Hawaii</a> this year before it snowed in Boulder.<ul><li>💭 My thought bubble: I never thought I would be able to tell people I moved from Hawaii to Boulder to escape the snow.Boulder has announced the winning names for its 2025 snowplow fleet selected by local students.</li></ul>

Readers capture northern lights over Boulder

Locals snapped vibrant aurora shots during a rare geomagnetic storm.

Climate

When the northern lights danced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over Boulder County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/12/northern-lights-boulder-solar-storm" data-vars-content-id="b90bce9a-a8d3-4ced-b1a3-8b2d97f6899f" data-vars-headline="Readers capture northern lights over Boulder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/12/northern-lights-boulder-solar-storm" target="_self">over Boulder County</a> last week, readers from near and far <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grabbed their cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/northern-lights-tonight-us-aurora-borealis-photos-solar" data-vars-content-id="b90bce9a-a8d3-4ced-b1a3-8b2d97f6899f" data-vars-headline="Readers capture northern lights over Boulder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/northern-lights-tonight-us-aurora-borealis-photos-solar" target="_self">grabbed their cameras</a> — and the stunning results are lighting up our inbox.State of play: A geomagnetic storm created auroras farther south than normal on Nov. 11, with the lights visible to the naked eye even in Boulder.

Climate 🌿

Colorado cold front brings mountain snow and Front Range rain

Final Wednesday market caps season of resilience

Boulder climate case gets boost in Supreme Court

Colorado winter outlook: Powerful El Niño boosts snow hopes

Colorado ski giant shifts to premium experience