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Sundance locks in 2027 dates and Boulder venues

The festival will run Jan. 21-31 with events across Boulder and CU.

News

The Sundance Film Festival on Tuesday announced dates and venues for its 2027 event — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its first year in Boulder." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/05/sundance-preparation-boulder-2027" data-vars-content-id="f2e2798e-f6d8-43bf-bef2-3863d7b82397" data-vars-headline="Sundance locks in 2027 dates and Boulder venues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/05/sundance-preparation-boulder-2027" target="_self">its first year in Boulder.</a>Why it matters: The venue announcements confirm Sundance will be centered in the heart of Boulder and make use of the city&#x27;s downtown and campus areas.

CU expands Folsom's 2026 concert slate

University leaders say new turf and big-name bookings will boost the stadium's draw.

Phish will take its jam sessions back to Commerce City after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-year trial at Boulder&#x27;s Folsom Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/07/02/phish-cu-boulder-folsom-field" data-vars-content-id="c1c9ab34-2749-432f-9f6e-31d390e19de9" data-vars-headline="CU expands Folsom&#x27;s 2026 concert slate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/07/02/phish-cu-boulder-folsom-field" target="_self">one-year trial at Boulder&#x27;s Folsom Field</a>, but University of Colorado officials say they have big plans for Folsom&#x27;s 2026 concert schedule.Why it matters: Nearly 10 years after live music returned to Folsom, CU officials want to cement the stadium as a premier stop for major touring acts.

Colorado makes spring game free in Prime pivot

The Buffs drop ticket prices after attendance slid in recent years.

In a notable shift under coach Deion Sanders, Colorado will make its spring game free for the first time since Coach Prime arrived in Boulder.Why it matters: The spring game will kick off a crucial year for Sanders and the Buffs, who are coming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="off a 3-9 season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" data-vars-content-id="1502d609-b416-49ca-8ba7-66594d78ef1c" data-vars-headline="Colorado makes spring game free in Prime pivot" 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">off a 3-9 season</a> and the second straight year of declining spring game attendance.

Boulder-based Gloo evaluates AI on faith values

The company says AI should strengthen spiritual and mental health.

Religion

Boulder-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gloo" data-vars-click-url="https://gloo.com/" data-vars-content-id="6905bdc8-6e4f-4c34-b13c-e02643cb74d5" data-vars-headline="Boulder-based Gloo evaluates AI on faith values" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gloo.com/" target="_blank">Gloo</a> is trying to answer a new question in the AI age: Can chatbots help people flourish?Why it matters: As large language models (LLMs) gain traction in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="churches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/christian-ai-chatbot-jesus-god-satan-churches" data-vars-content-id="6905bdc8-6e4f-4c34-b13c-e02643cb74d5" data-vars-headline="Boulder-based Gloo evaluates AI on faith values" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/christian-ai-chatbot-jesus-god-satan-churches" target="_self">churches</a>, nonprofits and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/google-anthropic-microsoft-education" data-vars-content-id="6905bdc8-6e4f-4c34-b13c-e02643cb74d5" data-vars-headline="Boulder-based Gloo evaluates AI on faith values" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/google-anthropic-microsoft-education" target="_self">schools</a>, and increasingly field questions once reserved for pastors or counselors — Gloo argues AI should strengthen mental, relational and spiritual health — not just automate tasks.

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.

Politics

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.

Boulder scientists pin last hopes for NOAA on Congress

The director of CIRES said he hopes the science community has enough support from Congress to nix proposed cuts to NOAA.

The director of Boulder&#x27;s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) said in an exclusive Axios interview that he hopes Congress will provide the science community with enough support to nix <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/noaa-document-deep-trump-cuts" data-vars-content-id="419ea365-67ca-4618-b445-a4cc921c25fb" data-vars-headline="Boulder scientists pin last hopes for NOAA on Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/noaa-document-deep-trump-cuts" target="_self">proposed cuts</a> to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s proposed cuts would eliminate funding for Colorado&#x27;s two cooperative institutes, including CIRES, a University of Colorado research institute that partners with the NOAA.

Boulder Molotov cocktail attack victim dies

One of the women injured in the Pearl Street attack earlier this month has died, and prosecutors have now filed murder charges in the case.

One of the victims injured in Boulder&#x27;s fiery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pearl Street attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/01/boulder-colorado-pearl-street-attack" data-vars-content-id="a57690af-c38d-47da-90dd-6bfe33708658" data-vars-headline="Boulder Molotov cocktail attack victim dies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/01/boulder-colorado-pearl-street-attack" target="_self">Pearl Street attack</a> earlier this month has died, and prosecutors announced they are filing additional charges — including first-degree murder.The latest: Karen Diamond, 82, died as a result of injuries sustained in the June 1 attack, the Boulder County District Attorney&#x27;s Office announced in a press release Monday.

Pearl Street attack deepens Boulder's political divide

The Israel-Hamas war is fracturing even the bluest communities, with Boulder's once-cohesive left splintering under the weight of geopolitics.

Sunday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="firebomb attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/01/boulder-colorado-pearl-street-attack" data-vars-content-id="7ed46e51-2df5-4cc7-bf13-1ebb5d317f2a" data-vars-headline="Pearl Street attack deepens Boulder&#x27;s political divide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/01/boulder-colorado-pearl-street-attack" target="_self">firebomb attack</a> at a pro-Israel rally is intensifying a political split that&#x27;s been brewing in Boulder for months, if not longer.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel-Hamas war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/31/hamas-us-proposal-white-house-envoy-witkoff" data-vars-content-id="7ed46e51-2df5-4cc7-bf13-1ebb5d317f2a" data-vars-headline="Pearl Street attack deepens Boulder&#x27;s political divide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/31/hamas-us-proposal-white-house-envoy-witkoff" target="_self">Israel-Hamas war</a> is fracturing even the bluest communities, with Boulder&#x27;s once-cohesive left splintering under the weight of geopolitics.

Politics 🇺🇸

Piñata stunt draws criticism as organizers double down

Gov. Jared Polis ends bid to comply with ICE subpoena

Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility

Colorado lawmakers want limits on surveillance tech like Flock

Colorado paid $767M in Trump tariffs before SCOTUS ruling