Boulder's All Roads is teaming up with local chefs to cook monthly meals using donated ingredients for people experiencing homelessness at the overnight shelter.

Why it matters: It's a creative way to turn community generosity into something practical — hot meals — while bringing in culinary experts to improve the experience and dignity of shelter dining.

Driving the news: All Roads, formerly known as the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, will launch its "Chefs at the Shelter" program today, per a release.

• Once a month, a guest chef from a local restaurant will join the shelter's kitchen staff to prepare dinner for up to 180 nightly guests.

How it works: About 90% of the shelter's food is donated, so chefs won't know what they're cooking until they arrive, creating "a mission-driven culinary challenge in the spirit of the popular cooking show 'Chopped.'"

Yes, but: "We're not here to flex — we're here to feed people and help our community," said Sink chef Chris Cunningham.

• Participating restaurants include: Blackbelly, The Buff, Café Aion, Centro, Chautauqua Dining Hall, Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, River & Woods, The Post, The Sink, T/aco and West End Tavern.
• Alpine Bank and the Daily Camera are sponsors.

What they're saying: "Chefs at the Shelter is more than just a dinner service. It reflects a core belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect," said Michael Block, CEO of All Roads, in a statement.

How to help: Each event offers $1,000 sponsorships to help cover meals and shelter costs.

The big picture: Boulder continues to look for ways to address homelessness, particularly chronic homelessness.

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CU Boulder kicks off its 78th annual Conference on World Affairs today.

Why it matters: The event convenes global experts to examine major international issues while spotlighting CU's role in shaping public discourse.

Driving the news: The four-day gathering has more than 60 speakers across 50 panels.

• This year's CWA also features a collection of special panels looking back at CU's history in honor of the school's 150th anniversary.

We compiled some of the most compelling panels at this year's gathering. Here's what we're eyeing:

💦 The Colorado River Crisis: Where Do We Go From Here?

This discussion brings together experts to examine the challenges facing the river and explore practical, collaborative solutions for its future.

• If you go: 2:30pm today, University Memorial Center 235.

🌎 Innovation at Risk: How Science Funding Cuts Are Impacting Progress and Research

This panel looks at how cuts to federal science funding are affecting research progress and how universities, industry and global partners could respond to sustain scientific advancement.

• If you go: 2pm tomorrow, Limelight Hotel Flatiron 4, livestream available.

🎬 The Future of Film in Colorado

With the Sundance Film Festival heading to Boulder next year, Colorado Public Radio's Ryan Warner leads a conversation on the future of film and independent storytelling.

• If you go: 5:30pm Wednesday, Limelight Hotel Flatiron 1, livestream available.

💻 AI: The Price of Progress

This focuses on AI's potential to drive growth and solve problems, while acknowledging the risks the technology may pose.

• If you go: 10:45am Thursday, Boulder High School.

Go deeper

Amid some chaos at Saturday's GOP assembly in Pueblo, the state Republican Party picked its contenders for the 2026 primary.

Here's where things stand:

✅ State Sen. Mark Baisley emerged as the lone candidate in the U.S. Senate race after receiving 46% of the vote, far more than his six challengers.

• He will take on the Democratic primary winner, either incumbent John Hickenlooper or rival Julie Gonzales.

✅ From a field of 18 gubernatorial candidates, ultra-conservative state Rep. Scott Bottoms and first-time candidate Victor Marx were the only two to qualify for the ballot.

• They are expected to meet state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer in the June primary election.

✅ El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen and Denver attorney David Wilson emerged as the top two candidates for attorney general, receiving 64% and 36% of the assembly vote, respectively.

✅ Former executive director of the Libertarian Party of Colorado, James Wiley, who opposes early voting and mail ballots, is the only Republican in the secretary of state's race.

• He collected 71% of the delegate vote.

✅ Kevin Grantham, the former state Senate president who is now a Fremont County commissioner, ran unopposed for state treasurer.

• He will face Democratic state Sen. Jeff Bridges in November.

Pass it on

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival has officially cast its two canine stars for its summer production of "Shakespeare in Love."

Why it matters: All the world's a stage for our four-legged friends.

The latest: CU announced that two dogs, Bernie and Pippin, "stood out for their skill, trainability and stage presence," per a release.

• Pippen, a mini poodle mix, has "a big personality and zero stage fright" and "impressed with a wide range of tricks and a fast-learning energy."
• Bernie, a wire fox terrier "wowed the CSF team with spins, leaps and an easygoing charm."

What's next: Both dogs will work with director Terri McMahon, sharing the role and alternating performances.

• "Shakespeare in Love" runs from June 28 to Aug. 1 at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.