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CU research spending faces $87M decline

Federal funding cuts are expected to hit CU Boulder hardest next year.

News

The University of Colorado expects to spend nearly $90 million less on research next fiscal year, including a $60 million drop at CU Boulder alone.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal funding cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/05/20/boulder-budget-deficit-2027-federal-funding-cuts" data-vars-content-id="71851ee4-5b01-422f-963e-2faf1f22ea5b" data-vars-headline="CU research spending faces $87M decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/05/20/boulder-budget-deficit-2027-federal-funding-cuts" target="_self">Federal funding cuts</a> are punching a hole in CU&#x27;s research budget, even as the university system grows overall.

Baby animal rescues surge in Boulder County

Drought conditions may be driving more young animals into care.

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center saw a surge in baby animals admitted to its care during the last month of spring. Why it matters: Wildlife experts feared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/07/heatwave-drought-wildfire-risk-colorado-spring" data-vars-content-id="e547b704-505e-4a00-a5c2-deb82603d8f7" data-vars-headline="Baby animal rescues surge in Boulder County" 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">drought</a> would drive more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="animal rescues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/15/boulder-wildlife-rescues-dry-weather-risk" data-vars-content-id="e547b704-505e-4a00-a5c2-deb82603d8f7" data-vars-headline="Baby animal rescues surge in Boulder County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/15/boulder-wildlife-rescues-dry-weather-risk" target="_self">animal rescues</a>. So far, that&#x27;s exactly what&#x27;s happening.

Yes, chef: New sushi spots bring omakase to Boulder

New omakase experiences are expanding Boulder's dining scene.

Two new Japanese restaurants have opened in Boulder, bringing omakase experiences and expanding the city&#x27;s roster of high-concept dining options.Why it matters: The fresh openings add to the Boulder&#x27;s growing reputation as a launchpad for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ambitious restaurant concepts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/25/casa-juani-spanish-restaurant-pearl-street-buzz" data-vars-content-id="f9f027e1-6976-4f9a-ac4e-18514b7093cc" data-vars-headline="Yes, chef: New sushi spots bring omakase to Boulder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/25/casa-juani-spanish-restaurant-pearl-street-buzz" target="_self">ambitious restaurant concepts</a> from some of Colorado&#x27;s best-known chefs.

Boulder's weed-fighting goats are back

Meet 300 goats helping manage invasive weeds at a city park.

Boulder is bringing baaaaack its best landscapers.The latest: About 300 goats from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Goat Bros, LLC" data-vars-click-url="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.FI4eWjFfFsDTUXVtC1IILiR5p7mkf4qfbXo3P8D2fzfeMQfETxjdmuVBb-2BpfF7uZWFoz_uMS1RVWI-2BsIvn5LHvCtvsNPAB0f8OcC7bj-2FUKi-2BDgW0kFJkss64ZCvacrr58sAVS6HtBVAXgVZp2TDVyhDQ9-2B7-2BzSaT6Y7rGlgLKE3V6-2F5mfnWpD40gbHv4Scj4MLYz20gsLaYolY-2BIkLSZe1R-2Fs-2BzIwMZ6IImpL5IWQdhs4bmD9TyLnxkeO7WiMBgIg3ekPHXoeltRyG1s27Os0kGJ6-2BfgRhRoEkML0qo09P7ggkPHQWuUG0lndv6RSlroyip6hWryYWVGUXOKexQ19JgfTC7CbQmCLNXc7-2BXAu6kAFBHq9-2F4tgQmCfjLVumXsk2Q0wVc4Empp0TsTuvkr8xFxKZwobpGWMs08PaRm3CxbGKlXpTGwzQF0rt4k-2BvpY9KEu6qP0gaSsLBEvyKGvvZrKalA-3D-3D" data-vars-content-id="f8e05051-d063-4d61-a075-704330d11374" data-vars-headline="Boulder&#x27;s weed-fighting goats are back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.FI4eWjFfFsDTUXVtC1IILiR5p7mkf4qfbXo3P8D2fzfeMQfETxjdmuVBb-2BpfF7uZWFoz_uMS1RVWI-2BsIvn5LHvCtvsNPAB0f8OcC7bj-2FUKi-2BDgW0kFJkss64ZCvacrr58sAVS6HtBVAXgVZp2TDVyhDQ9-2B7-2BzSaT6Y7rGlgLKE3V6-2F5mfnWpD40gbHv4Scj4MLYz20gsLaYolY-2BIkLSZe1R-2Fs-2BzIwMZ6IImpL5IWQdhs4bmD9TyLnxkeO7WiMBgIg3ekPHXoeltRyG1s27Os0kGJ6-2BfgRhRoEkML0qo09P7ggkPHQWuUG0lndv6RSlroyip6hWryYWVGUXOKexQ19JgfTC7CbQmCLNXc7-2BXAu6kAFBHq9-2F4tgQmCfjLVumXsk2Q0wVc4Empp0TsTuvkr8xFxKZwobpGWMs08PaRm3CxbGKlXpTGwzQF0rt4k-2BvpY9KEu6qP0gaSsLBEvyKGvvZrKalA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Goat Bros, LLC</a>. are headed to Harlow Platts Community Park to graze on invasive weeds.

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.

Boulder springs are heating up

Boulder springs are heating up, but at a significantly lower rate than the national average, a new analysis finds.

Boulder springs are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heating up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/13/denver-spring-season-warmer-temperature" data-vars-content-id="20545e51-bb2f-4bb3-b94e-7dc4b8be7540" data-vars-headline="Boulder springs are heating up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/13/denver-spring-season-warmer-temperature" target="_self">heating up</a>, but at a significantly lower rate than the national average, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: Warming springs can elevate drought conditions because they lead to snow melting sooner, leaving less water during summer months and beyond, University of Colorado associate professor Pedro DiNezio says.

Boulder-based Electra powers up green ironmaking push

Electra is the first-ever recipient of the Colorado Industrial Tax Credit Offering.

Boulder-based clean iron startup Electra is the first-ever recipient of the Colorado Industrial Tax Credit Offering (CITCO) — funding the company plans to put toward its new demonstration plant.Why it matters: Will Toor, executive director of Colorado&#x27;s Energy Office, said Electra&#x27;s green iron technology could make the &quot;single largest impact the state of Colorado has on climate change&quot; by decarbonizing the ironmaking process.

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