Sunday's firebomb attack at a pro-Israel rally is intensifying a political split that's been brewing in Boulder for months, if not longer.

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

Driving the news: The attack — which injured at least 15 and was allegedly carried out by a Colorado Springs man who told authorities he wanted to kill all Zionist people — prompted Boulder councilmembers to swiftly condemn the violence as antisemitic.

Yes, but: There was one exception. Councilmember Taishya Adams declined to sign the city's statement, saying it failed to include anti-Zionism as a potential motive alongside antisemitism.

• Adams, who has been vocal in her criticism of the war in Gaza, said in a statement the omission doesn't tell "the full truth."

Between the lines: Antisemitism and anti-Zionism are often conflated, but they refer to different ideas — the former targeting Jewish identity, the latter Israeli policy. Adams' critics said her framing minimized the hate behind the violence.

The other side: Her stance sparked criticism online and in City Hall.

• A recall petition began circulating within 24 hours of her remarks. As of yesterday afternoon, it had garnered more than 2,600 signatures.
• Reality check: A councilmember can be removed only by a citizen-initiated recall ballot measure.

The big picture: The attack came amid months of increasingly hostile Boulder City Council meetings, where pro-Palestinian activists have called for a ceasefire resolution and, at times, disrupted proceedings.

• In April, a "Wanted" poster targeting seven members for "complicity in genocide" spread online.

State of play: Boulder's City Council has refused to take a position on the war.

• Mayor Aaron Brockett insists the council focus on local issues — but acknowledged to the New York Times that city leaders "have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks and months to cope with what's happened..."
• "People do not feel safe, and we have to change that," Brockett said.

The bottom line: What began as a war half a world away is now playing out on Pearl Street and in City Hall — testing Boulder's political identity and the limits of its progressive coalition.

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Five Colorado cities are among 2025's 50 best-performing nationwide, but Boulder wasn't at the top, according to Milken Institute's annual report ranking metros across a range of economic factors.

Why it matters: These metros boast strong job and wage growth, thriving tech sectors and access to economic opportunities.

By the numbers: Colorado Springs again led Colorado's list at No. 5 among best-performing large cities in the U.S. — its highest national ranking yet — up from 15th in 2024. The study credited its labor market, tourism industry (boosted by its natural beauty), economic resilience and broadband coverage.

• Fort Collins climbed to 21st from 29th last year.
• Denver landed at 29th, falling from 20th in 2024.
• Boulder improved to 41st from 47th.
• And Greeley made a leap, coming in at 48th from 93rd the year prior.

Yes, but: Despite the strong performance of its cities, the report noted "the state of Colorado suffers from deteriorating availability of affordable housing."

🍝 Gov. Jared Polis signed the Restaurant Relief Act into Colorado law on Tuesday, with backing from the Colorado Restaurant Association and other major industry organizations. (Axios Denver)

🔎 State Sen. Janice Marchman, a Democrat from Boulder County, has called for state investigators to review University of Colorado Boulder student Megan Trussell's death, which was recently ruled a suicide. (Denver Post 🔑)

🐒 Citing community health and safety concerns, the Longmont City Council voted Tuesday to push an ordinance forward that would criminalize sitting, kneeling or lying down in the city's commercial districts between 7am-10pm Sunday through Thursday, and 10am-3am Fridays and Saturdays. (Boulder Weekly)

Naropa University selected Paul Burkhardt to be its first new president in over a decade. He will take over Aug. 1. (Boulder Daily Camera)

Don't pack away your ski pass — Colorado's resorts offer plenty of summer fun.

If you go: In mid-June, the lifts at most mountains begin spinning for hikers, site seers and mountain bikers. On the mountain, you also can find live music, golf and festivals.

Zoom in: Mark your calendar for these events.

🍺 Grab a beer. The Lake Dillon Beer Festival is tomorrow in Dillon and the Vail Craft Beer Classic is next weekend. Both feature dozens of breweries as well as food trucks and live music.

🚵 Vail hosts the GoPro Mountain Games this weekend, featuring competitions in rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, climbing and more.

🎸 Vail Summer Sessions features live music at the new Eagle's Nest Rooftop venue June 27-29. Other acts will headline the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and Lionshead Live.

• Beaver Creeks offers a free Thursday night concert series.

All summer long:

🏌 Hit the greens at Beaver Creek and Keystone where golf is paired with great views.

⛄ Keystone keeps winter alive with snow tubing at 11,000 feet.

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