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Scoop: Dark Horse bar to reopen in Louisville

"We're going to use as much as we can to make this place feel like the Dark Horse."

News

Boulder&#x27;s World Famous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dark Horse Bar and Grill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/01/dark-horse-auction-april-14-items-sale" data-vars-content-id="c2dbf89b-8378-45fe-be86-f5eb74f3d856" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Dark Horse bar to reopen in Louisville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/01/dark-horse-auction-april-14-items-sale" target="_self">Dark Horse Bar and Grill</a> plans to relocate to Louisville, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Boulder <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="may lose" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/02/13/boulder-dark-horse-closing-march" data-vars-content-id="c2dbf89b-8378-45fe-be86-f5eb74f3d856" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Dark Horse bar to reopen in Louisville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/02/13/boulder-dark-horse-closing-march" target="_self">may lose</a> one of its most beloved and eclectic dive bars — but fans won&#x27;t have to say goodbye for good.

Hill bar loses liquor license amid Boulder police probe

A University Hill bar will lose its license for 10 years after a police investigation.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University Hill bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/27/boulder-police-investigate-assault-hill-bar" data-vars-content-id="5ca75f27-9bf5-4fed-80a5-eef92d627d7b" data-vars-headline="Hill bar loses liquor license amid Boulder police probe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/27/boulder-police-investigate-assault-hill-bar" target="_self">University Hill bar</a> will lose its liquor license and be barred from reapplying for 10 years under a settlement with the city, ending a licensing case tied to a police investigation.State of play: The deal closes the city&#x27;s case without a public hearing, leaving key details about the underlying police investigation undisclosed.

CU football spring game to showcase new roster

Fans get a first look at new players, staff and a key quarterback competition.

The University of Colorado football team holds its annual spring game Saturday, giving fans an early look at the 2026 roster under coach Deion Sanders.Why it matters: The scrimmage offers fans the first real glimpse of an overhauled team — with dozens of new players and a revamped coaching staff — as Sanders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enters a pivotal season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" data-vars-content-id="ec3976e3-08d0-4f17-b476-9864feb4d345" data-vars-headline="CU football spring game to showcase new roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" target="_self">enters a pivotal season</a> after a disappointing 3-9 2025 campaign.

What to watch at this year's CU Boulder Conference on World Affairs

The four-day event brings global experts and marks CU's 150th anniversary.

Culture

The University of Colorado Boulder kicks off its 78th annual Conference on World Affairs on Monday.Why it matters: The conference convenes global experts to examine major international issues while spotlighting CU&#x27;s role in shaping public discourse.

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.

Neguse demands probe into NCAR sale claims

A whistleblower alleges plans to sell part of NCAR before public comment ended.

U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse is demanding an independent investigation into allegations that Trump administration officials sought to sell parts of Boulder&#x27;s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to private interests.Why it matters: If true, the alleged effort could sidestep federal law and undercut a public comment process that remains underway.

Boulder County activists push BI to end ICE contracts

About 150 people rallied outside the headquarters of BI, which contracts with ICE to provide electronic monitoring services.

Politics

Local immigrant advocacy groups continue to urge Boulder County-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BI Incorporated" data-vars-click-url="https://bi.com/" data-vars-content-id="7c7fb7d6-b74b-4446-8452-c5cbc63050b1" data-vars-headline="Boulder County activists push BI to end ICE contracts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bi.com/" target="_blank">BI Incorporated</a> to end its U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contracts and call on local governments, including Boulder County, to cut off ties with the firm.Why it matters: Advocacy groups argue Boulder County shouldn&#x27;t do business with a company that profits from federal immigration enforcement — even if its local contract is unrelated to ICE.

ICE arrests hit decade high, per CU Boulder economists

A new study finds ICE arrests rose sharply while a smaller share of arrestees had criminal convictions.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more people per day in 2025 than at any other point in the past decade, even as the share of arrestees with criminal convictions fell to a near-historic low, a new study by University of Colorado economists reveals.Why it matters: The data underscores a shift in enforcement priorities — away from targeting people with criminal records and toward broader sweeps — a strategy that could reshape the political and legal fight over immigration.

Erie officer out after probe into anti-ICE social media post

Deputy Chief Heather Carmosino said the internal investigation found "multiple violations of department directives."

An Erie police officer is no longer employed with the department after an internal investigation into a social media post that some residents and political commentators described as encouraging violence toward federal agents, Axios has learned.The latest: Officer Haili Shimko is &quot;no longer employed&quot; by the Erie Police Department, the department confirmed with Axios Boulder on Tuesday.

Erie officer under investigation after post suggesting shooting ICE agents

The officer is under internal review for a Facebook comment referencing violence.

An Erie police officer is on administrative leave amid an internal investigation into a social media comment that a right-wing account characterized as endorsing violence against federal agents.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tensions have heightened " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-agents-arrests-shooting-protests-riots" data-vars-content-id="f6dcc9a7-e2ba-42b5-9aa7-d47235a3043a" data-vars-headline="Erie officer under investigation after post suggesting shooting ICE agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-agents-arrests-shooting-protests-riots" target="_self">tensions have heightened </a>over immigration sweeps, federal agents&#x27; tactics have also led to friction <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with local law enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/federal-agents-law-enforcement-trump.html#:~:text=More%20broadly%2C%20federal%20agents%20have,publicly%20and%20with%20less%20deference." data-vars-content-id="f6dcc9a7-e2ba-42b5-9aa7-d47235a3043a" data-vars-headline="Erie officer under investigation after post suggesting shooting ICE agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/federal-agents-law-enforcement-trump.html#:~:text=More%20broadly%2C%20federal%20agents%20have,publicly%20and%20with%20less%20deference." target="_blank">with local law enforcement</a>.

6 candidates pull away in Boulder City Council race

The city's anti-growth coalition could be in a position to steal two seats from Boulder progressives.

Two Boulder City Council incumbents appear headed for reelection, while the two other incumbents are trying to complete a late comeback and close the gap on their challengers.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s anti-growth coalition could be poised to steal two seats from Boulder progressives.

Boulder approves slimmed-down budget in the face of uncertainty

Boulder has had to make numerous cuts in the face of financial uncertainty driven by flattening tax revenue and federal funding concerns.

Boulder&#x27;s pared-down 2026 budget was approved by City Council Thursday night by an 8-1 vote.Why it matters: Like many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/09/city-council-2026-budget-amendments" data-vars-content-id="6b9a81dc-15cb-4087-9942-a4211bc47595" data-vars-headline="Boulder approves slimmed-down budget in the face of uncertainty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/09/city-council-2026-budget-amendments" target="_self">cities</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="counties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/09/30/boulder-county-cut-90-jobs-budget-shortfall" data-vars-content-id="6b9a81dc-15cb-4087-9942-a4211bc47595" data-vars-headline="Boulder approves slimmed-down budget in the face of uncertainty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/09/30/boulder-county-cut-90-jobs-budget-shortfall" target="_self">counties</a>, Boulder has had to make numerous cuts in the face of financial uncertainty driven by flattening tax revenue and federal funding concerns.

Boulder lawmakers brace for hard cuts after $1B budget blow

The cuts could impact education and health care as lawmakers face a significant gap.

Boulder Democrats tell Axios they&#x27;ll focus on education and health care as they prepare for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a special session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/06/colorado-special-session-trump-budget-ai" data-vars-content-id="fa9619b8-d26f-46f9-97fe-c8a879d7c087" data-vars-headline="Boulder lawmakers brace for hard cuts after $1B budget blow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/06/colorado-special-session-trump-budget-ai" target="_self">a special session</a> to address a $1 billion budget gap.Why it matters: The deficit — triggered by a new federal law — threatens key state services, forcing painful decisions even in progressive districts like Boulder.

Boulder not acting on homeless civil commitment order for now

Trump is calling on local governments to use a practice that puts people with mental health disorders into treatment without their consent.

Boulder officials say President Trump&#x27;s recent executive order encouraging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="involuntary civil commitment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/25/civil-commitment-trumps-homelessness-policy" data-vars-content-id="58056e99-b7e1-42c5-9980-a26046020348" data-vars-headline="Boulder not acting on homeless civil commitment order for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/25/civil-commitment-trumps-homelessness-policy" target="_self">involuntary civil commitment</a> of people experiencing homelessness would not influence city policy.Why it matters: Trump is calling on local governments to use a controversial practice that puts people with mental health disorders into treatment without their consent, raising civil liberty concerns.

Axios Denver

Colorado leaders warn of a "deteriorating" business climate

Denver

Colorado GOP starts 2026 campaign in the red

Who made the GOP primary election ballot in Colorado

Colorado voters sour on Democratic leaders

A bar chart that shows unfavorable ratings for five Colorado Democratic officials in a March 20-25, 2026, survey of 613 likely voters. Gov. Jared Polis has the highest unfavorable view at 48%, followed by John Hickenlooper at 43% and Michael Bennet at 39%. Phil Weiser is lowest at 23%.

Politics 🇺🇸

Colorado leaders warn of a "deteriorating" business climate

Colorado GOP starts 2026 campaign in the red

Who made the GOP primary election ballot in Colorado

Colorado voters sour on Democratic leaders

Colorado's oil and gas wars resume with new ballot measures