Boulder Reporting Lab

09/04/2026

Former city councilmember Mark Wallach was honored on Thursday:

"One thing I appreciated so much about you as a colleague was that you always said and did what you believed to be right. I’m not sure that you have a political bone in your body, unless they snuck one in with your new hip.”

Wallach, who resigned in July over the municipal airport vote, drew laughter, tears and a standing ovation as his former colleagues honored his service.

09/04/2026

OPINION: Declining enrollment is real. But before closing neighborhood elementary schools, the district should publicly model less destructive alternatives and explain why they would not work.

Declining enrollment is real, but before closing neighborhood schools, BVSD should show why less disruptive alternatives won’t work.

09/04/2026

“Tres Voces, Un Corazón” brings together Sylvia Montero, Tony Ortega and their son, Cipriano Ortega, as the museum raises money for a new home in North Boulder.

09/04/2026

The locally owned gift and art boutique says rising costs and unpredictable spending threaten its future and the creative network it supports.

The locally owned gift and art boutique says rising costs and unpredictable consumer spending are threatening its future and the creative network it supports.

09/04/2026

The star-studded 1966 remake of the iconic 1939 western “Stagecoach” was filmed at Silver Lake, along the Switzerland Trail and at the Blue Bird Mine complex.

The 1966 remake of the iconic 1939 western “Stagecoach” featured Silver Lake, the Switzerland Trail and the Blue Bird Mine complex.

09/04/2026

Extreme drought has shrunk ponds and wetlands, leaving dead fish and foul odors. Officials often lack the water rights or infrastructure to refill them, though a county wildlife official says the damage is likely temporary.

Extreme drought has shrunk ponds and wetlands, causing fish kills and foul odors. Officials often lack the water rights or infrastructure to refill them, though wildlife officials say the damage is likely temporary.

09/02/2026

Slow-roast cherry, grape and plum tomatoes with olive oil and herbs, then freeze them for pastas, salads, sandwiches and more.

09/02/2026

One-time funding will keep the longtime Whittier gathering place open for the 2027 season, but the city says no ongoing funding is available for 2028 as Boulder confronts rising costs and cuts across its recreation system.

One-time funding will keep the longtime Whittier gathering place open in 2027, but no money is available for 2028 amid rising costs and broader recreation cuts.

08/31/2026

BRL’s 10 first-place honors span public service, breaking news, data, education, environmental reporting and Nibbles, its weekly food newsletter, with investigative journalism also recognized among Colorado’s best.

BRL’s 10 first-place honors span public service, breaking news, data, education, environmental reporting and Nibbles, with investigative journalism also among Colorado’s best.

08/31/2026

OPINION — “Voters are effectively being asked to write a check first and find out what it paid for later,” writes former Boulder City Councilmember and Colorado House Speaker KC Becker on Boulder’s proposed $400 million bond measure.

In 2011, the city gave residents a real role in shaping a detailed capital plan. It should do so again before asking voters to authorize $400 million in debt.