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Independent Bob Chew bets big on Colorado Senate bid

The Boulder candidate has spent more than $1 million of his own money.

News

Boulder independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bob Chew" data-vars-click-url="https://bobchew2026.com/" data-vars-content-id="7fefd5d1-25bb-4ac8-a1bd-1e58e26d725a" data-vars-headline="Independent Bob Chew bets big on Colorado Senate bid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bobchew2026.com/" target="_blank">Bob Chew</a> is spending big to shake up Colorado’s U.S. Senate race ahead of the November election.Why it matters: Chew is betting U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper&#x27;s closer-than-expected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/john-hickenlooper-us-senate-julie-gonzales" data-vars-content-id="7fefd5d1-25bb-4ac8-a1bd-1e58e26d725a" data-vars-headline="Independent Bob Chew bets big on Colorado Senate bid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/john-hickenlooper-us-senate-julie-gonzales" target="_self">Democratic primary</a> win created an opening for a third-party challenger.

Rare Missy Woods ruling could sway Colorado judges

The judge dismissed a felony case after finding the state's failure to stop wrongdoing by a DNA analyst was "outrageous."

A Colorado judge took the rare step of dismissing a felony case after finding the state&#x27;s failure to stop wrongdoing by former DNA analyst Yvonne &quot;Missy&quot; Woods&#x27; amounted to &quot;outrageous government conduct.&quot;Why it matters: The ruling could give defendants in other Woods-linked cases grounds for dismissal even without proof she manipulated evidence in their individual cases.

Boulder area could get millions for rail hubs

Boulder and Longmont could each receive up to $3.3 million annually.

Several Boulder County communities are poised to collect millions of dollars each year from the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPRD) to build out the areas around their future stations.Why it matters: The communities see the stations as catalysts for new housing, businesses and public spaces, not just a spot to catch a train.

Colorado students get in on Sundance action

Students will get internships, screenings, festival access and hands-on experience.

Sundance and the University of Colorado Boulder are creating programs to connect students with filmmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="when the festival comes to town next year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/31/boulder-sundance-2027-festival-dates-venues-programming" data-vars-content-id="dc89196d-8601-4bd7-aa24-588ac0c91988" data-vars-headline="Colorado students get in on Sundance action" 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">when the festival comes to town next year</a>.Why it matters: CU students will get year-round access to Sundance industry experts, internships and hands-on experience as the film fest puts down roots in Boulder.

Casa Juani is among the nation's hottest tables

The Pearl Street newcomer is among Bon Appétit's 19 best new restaurants in America.

Things to Do

Boulder&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Casa Juani" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/25/casa-juani-spanish-restaurant-pearl-street-buzz" data-vars-content-id="0768004f-d1e1-414d-b77d-c38ca4bf6ee8" data-vars-headline="Casa Juani is among the nation&#x27;s hottest tables" 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">Casa Juani</a> is living up to the hype, landing on Bon Appétit magazine&#x27;s 2026 list of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="19 best new restaurants in America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-new-restaurants-2026" data-vars-content-id="0768004f-d1e1-414d-b77d-c38ca4bf6ee8" data-vars-headline="Casa Juani is among the nation&#x27;s hottest tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-new-restaurants-2026" target="_blank">19 best new restaurants in America</a>.Why it matters: The honor adds to a growing list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national accolades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/12/02/frasca-top-us-restaurant-ranking" data-vars-content-id="0768004f-d1e1-414d-b77d-c38ca4bf6ee8" data-vars-headline="Casa Juani is among the nation&#x27;s hottest tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/12/02/frasca-top-us-restaurant-ranking" target="_self">national accolades</a> for downtown Boulder&#x27;s dining scene, which has gained fresh momentum in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="post-pandemic years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/08/boulder-pearl-street-revitalization-downtown-plan" data-vars-content-id="0768004f-d1e1-414d-b77d-c38ca4bf6ee8" data-vars-headline="Casa Juani is among the nation&#x27;s hottest tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/08/boulder-pearl-street-revitalization-downtown-plan" target="_self">post-pandemic years</a>.

Fortezza bets on upscale dining in Niwot

Fortezza celebrates one year as Niwot's restaurant scene faces rising costs.

Fortezza Ristorante is celebrating one year of Italian food, wine and hospitality in the quiet community between Boulder and Longmont.Why it matters: The anniversary marks an early checkpoint for whether upscale dining can thrive in a place as small as Niwot.

A sneak peek at Rodeo Dunes

The destination plans six courses, lodging and dining on Colorado's eastern plains.

Rodeo Dunes, a multicourse golf complex in Weld County, is preparing to open its first course to the public in 2027.Why it matters: Rodeo Dunes represents a big-time Colorado bet on growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="golf tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ngf.org/short-game/travels-expanding-golf-economy-impact/" data-vars-content-id="f0ffb4af-b95e-4bff-8592-9cd0d0db2d65" data-vars-headline="A sneak peek at Rodeo Dunes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ngf.org/short-game/travels-expanding-golf-economy-impact/" target="_blank">golf tourism</a>, with customers seeking inclusive experiences rather than individual courses.

Ironwood brings new dining to Flatirons Golf Course

Because the most important hole is the 19th hole.

Ironwood Bar and Grille at the Flatirons Golf Course is giving golfers — and everyone, really — a new dining destination in east Boulder.Why it matters: Because the most important hole is the 19th hole.

Japanese convenience store brings konbini experience to Longmont

From onigiri to rare snacks, this shop feels like a stop in Japan.

A Longmont shop is bringing a taste of Japan&#x27;s beloved convenience stores to Boulder County.Catch up quick: The concept, dubbed Kawaii Konbini, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="began as a food truck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.westword.com/food-drink/kawaii-konbini-brings-japanese-food-and-ggfts-to-longmont-25097872/" data-vars-content-id="8fe36b1f-44cf-4570-859c-d219bacd501a" data-vars-headline="Japanese convenience store brings konbini experience to Longmont" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.westword.com/food-drink/kawaii-konbini-brings-japanese-food-and-ggfts-to-longmont-25097872/" target="_blank">began as a food truck</a> 2020 and then became a pop up in Old Town Market and St. Vrain Cidery.

Boulder's Okigiri Cafe puts sandwich spin on onigiri

Rice sandwiches packed with fillings have arrived in Boulder.

For folks looking to shake up their lunch routine, check out the new Okigiri Cafe in Boulder.What to expect: The cafe, at 1629 28th St., just off Arapahoe Avenue., specializes in what it calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Okinawan onigiri" data-vars-click-url="https://www.okigiricafe.com/x2atjpkq/okigiri-cafe-boulder-80301/order-online?menu=All+Day+Menu&amp;category=Special#menu-section" data-vars-content-id="2b2e904c-c211-4b46-9def-c56ccd2ea5bf" data-vars-headline="Boulder&#x27;s Okigiri Cafe puts sandwich spin on onigiri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.okigiricafe.com/x2atjpkq/okigiri-cafe-boulder-80301/order-online?menu=All+Day+Menu&amp;category=Special#menu-section" target="_blank">Okinawan onigiri</a>,&quot; a western spin on the traditional Japanese rice snack.

Boulder County Fair returns with rides, rodeo and boozy goat yoga

Free admission kicks off four days of rides, livestock, music and family fun.

The Boulder County Fair revs into high gear this week with rides, petting zoos, music and goat yoga with mimosas.The big picture: The state&#x27;s oldest fair returns for its 157th edition, serving as the yearly highlight for 4-H kids, farmers and families.

Morso reawakens south Boulder as a dining destination

Hosea Rosenberg leaned into Italian-American comfort food inspired by his family's East Coast roots and his wife's New Jersey upbringing.

Italian-American restaurant Morso gives south Boulder something it&#x27;s been missing for years: a buzzy opening from one of Colorado&#x27;s best-known chefs.Why it matters: &quot;Top Chef&quot; winner Hosea Rosenberg&#x27;s latest restaurant, paired with the opening of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Siren Cocktail Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/20/siren-cocktail-bar-boulder-opening" data-vars-content-id="13b5ba4b-6650-4e0b-8c2d-46522e1a1086" data-vars-headline="Morso reawakens south Boulder as a dining destination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/20/siren-cocktail-bar-boulder-opening" target="_self">Siren Cocktail Bar</a> next door, give the Table Mesa Shopping Center a nice double-punch dining and drinking destination.

Inside north Boulder's new French bistro

A cozy new neighborhood spot serves French classics, cocktails and happy hour.

Food and Drink

A new French bistro is bringing a certain je ne sais quoi to Boulder&#x27;s dining scene.The big picture: North Boulder is quietly becoming the city&#x27;s go-to destination for intimate neighborhood restaurants that pair upscale dining with a relaxed feel.

What makes someone a Coloradan?

Check off the experiences that prove you've earned your Colorado stripes.

In honor of our state&#x27;s 150th birthday, we pose the question: What makes someone truly a Coloradan?Why it matters: In a state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with more transplants than &quot;NATIVES" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/2026/05/28/do-transplant-residents-really-outnumber-those-born-in-colorado-heres-a-look-at-the-data/" data-vars-content-id="cc2767dc-e837-48df-9eab-3213e2756149" data-vars-headline="What makes someone a Coloradan?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/2026/05/28/do-transplant-residents-really-outnumber-those-born-in-colorado-heres-a-look-at-the-data/" target="_blank">with more transplants than &quot;NATIVES</a>,&quot; is being a resident as simple as a line on a birth certificate, or is it a state of mind?

Things to Do 🗓

Casa Juani is among the nation's hottest tables

Colorado's national parks waive fees Tuesday

Fortezza bets on upscale dining in Niwot

A sneak peek at Rodeo Dunes

Ironwood brings new dining to Flatirons Golf Course