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Boulder taps into biohacking boom

The tech-heavy wellness center brings AI workouts and cryotherapy to town.

News

Boulder is now home to Colorado&#x27;s first Upgrade Labs franchise, a wellness center packed with tech-driven health optimization tools.Why it matters: Boulder&#x27;s fitness culture makes it a natural testing ground for the booming &quot;biohacking&quot; industry centered on longevity, optimization and performance.

Boulder's best summer rooftops and patios

From rooftop cocktails to dog-friendly beer gardens, here's where to sit outside.

With June right around the corner, we&#x27;ve got the rundown of the best rooftops, patios and beer gardens in town.Why it matters: Because eating and drinking outside definitely counts as being outdoorsy.

Boulder County speller eliminated at national bee

One of two Colorado students advanced past Tuesday's opening rounds in Washington.

Boulder Valley&#x27;s representative was eliminated in the third round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Tuesday, but one Colorado speller did advance to the quarterfinals.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Derek Li" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/10/boulder-speller-scripps-national-spelling-bee" data-vars-content-id="8a554861-1814-4bcb-9365-92ba2e0c094e" data-vars-headline="Boulder County speller eliminated at national bee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/10/boulder-speller-scripps-national-spelling-bee" target="_self">Derek Li</a> of Superior and Nikhil Ganta of Timnath were among the 167 spellers to advance to the written tests in Washington, D.C.

Bolder Boulder considers expanding race capacity

Organizers are studying safety and logistics after this year's surge in runners.

The Bolder Boulder planners are evaluating the capacity of the race after this year&#x27;s event drew its fourth highest turnout.Why it matters: Organizers are trying to balance rising interest with safety, staffing and the traditions that give the Memorial Day race its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="block party feel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/05/23/bolder-boulder-bingo-race-bananas" data-vars-content-id="76892da0-00f9-4597-8c8a-c36372823081" data-vars-headline="Bolder Boulder considers expanding race capacity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/05/23/bolder-boulder-bingo-race-bananas" target="_self">block party feel</a>.

House GOP seeks Boulder immigration records

The request is part of a broader push on sanctuary policies.

Politics

A Republican-led House committee is seeking records from Boulder law enforcement officials about their immigration policies.Why it matters: The requests are part of a broader congressional push targeting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" data-vars-content-id="6eefc3ef-b2a0-4761-80f0-caf6fd5f77b8" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Boulder immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" target="_self">sanctuary cities</a>&quot; that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

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.

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.

Politics 🇺🇸

Dem AG candidates clash over experience, leadership, Trump

Rutinel and Bird take a negative race face-to-face

House GOP seeks Boulder immigration records

Mortuary reform aims to stop abuse

Colorado Democratic Party censures Gov. Jared Polis