Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by the Chautauqua Association. Explore the Bears of Chautauqua auction, on display now through April 9, and bid to take home your favorite while supporting local artists and Colorado Chautauqua.
Leading today: Two Democrats have advanced in the CU Regents primary, setting up a June matchup in Boulder’s 2nd Congressional District.
Democratic delegates voted Friday to place Kubs Lalchandani, a Boulder-based attorney, and former state Rep. Edie Hooton on the primary ballot after a March 27 assembly, where both cleared the 30% threshold to advance. They will face off in a June primary, with data scientist Murray Smith also seeking to petition onto the ballot. Brooke Stephenson and John Herrick report.
Also today: As CU faces governance questions, its $2 million OpenAI deal is drawing backlash, with about 800 students and faculty signing an open letter citing concerns about transparency, privacy and academic integrity. Student access to ChatGPT has been delayed until August. McKenzie Watson-Fore reports.
And finally: The third “No Kings” protest in Boulder drew thousands of people to the streets.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- Weather: Near 80 Monday, then rain and a sharp drop.
- Police: Assault investigation at Hill bar; more victims sought.
- Open space: New bike racks aim to cut trailhead traffic.
- Boulder Canyon Trail: Bridge closure, no detour in place.
- Passenger rail: Boulder meeting set as push resumes.
- Things to Do: Book swap, meditation concert, art walk, dance party, live music, TEDxCU, ski films + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
You could take home a bear-y special work of art! The Bears of Chautauqua auction is happening now through April 9. Visit Chautauqua and explore all the unique bears on display, then bid online to take home your favorite! Proceeds raised will support participating artists, The New Local, and the Colorado Chautauqua.
Two Democrats advance in CU regent race, setting up competitive primary in Boulder district
Kubs Lalchandani and Edie Hooton will face off in the June primary, with data scientist Murray Smith also seeking to petition onto the ballot for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Continue reading…
CU delays student access to ChatGPT after backlash over $2M OpenAI deal
After announcing a systemwide ChatGPT partnership, CU delayed student access following backlash over governance, academic integrity and transparency. Continue reading…
Thousands rally against Trump in Boulder as ‘No Kings’ protests spread nationwide
Drummers, singers and thousands of marchers filled downtown Boulder in the latest wave of anti-Trump demonstrations. Continue reading…
Warm start, then a sharp cool-down with rain
Monday will be partly sunny with a high near 80 and breezy conditions, followed by a cooler night with a 20% chance of showers after midnight and a low around 46.
By Tuesday, conditions shift: Showers are likely mainly after noon, with mostly cloudy skies and a cooler high near 56. Wednesday stays cloudy and cool, with showers likely, mainly after noon, and a high around 57.
While the moisture is welcome, it’s unlikely to meaningfully offset a dry winter. Forecasters say drought conditions and potential water restrictions are likely to expand as Colorado heads toward what’s expected to be a warm, dry spring. An extra-warm March has reduced snowpack across Colorado — now about 34% of normal statewide, according to BoulderCAST.
Boulder police seek witnesses, possible victims in sexual assault investigation near CU campus
Police are investigating allegations that underage women were drugged and sexually assaulted at a University Hill bar and are urging additional victims and witnesses to come forward.
The investigation centers on Scrooge Sul, 1149 13th St., which is currently closed. Boulder police say the reported incidents involve intoxicated underage women and believe there may be additional victims.
No arrests have been made, and no suspect has been publicly identified. The case remains active, with detectives continuing to pursue leads.
Police emphasized that underage victims or witnesses who were drinking will not face penalties for coming forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Andrea Tuck at 720-854-8823 or TuckA@bouldercolorado.gov and reference case No. 26-01803.
CBS Colorado reported the bar was widely known among underage students, with some describing it as a common spot for those under 21. Signage posted outside the business indicates its liquor license was suspended over alleged violations, including serving minors.
Open space visitors encouraged to ditch cars as Boulder adds bike racks, seeks input
Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks department has installed 67 new bike racks at trailheads and access points across the system as part of a broader push to reduce car traffic and expand access ahead of the busy spring and summer season.
The upgrades are an early step in a multiyear “multimodal access” assessment aimed at understanding how people get to open space and how to make it easier to bike, walk, roll or take transit instead of driving. The effort is tied to the city’s climate goals and comes as congestion at popular trailheads continues to be a challenge.
City officials are now asking for public input on barriers to access and potential improvements. An online questionnaire opens April 10 and runs through May 3.
Boulder Canyon Trail bridge closure leaves no detour, timeline unclear
A closure on the Boulder Canyon Trail is raising concerns from local advocates, who say the lack of a detour or reopening timeline could create safety risks.
Boulder County has closed a section of the trail at a bridge about a quarter-mile east of Fourmile Canyon Drive after a hole formed under the bridge’s abutment. There is no available detour.
The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance said it is “highly concerned” that the county has not provided a timeline for reopening or a clear alternate route. The group also warned that a map included in the county’s announcement is misleading, noting that accessing trail segments beyond the closure would require traveling nearly a mile along Boulder Canyon Drive (Highway 119).
County officials said repairs are complex due to the bridge’s proximity to Boulder Creek, the highway and city water infrastructure beneath it. The bridge will remain closed while a repair plan is developed, permits are secured and construction is completed. No timeline has been set.
Officials urged users not to attempt to cross the closed bridge. Updates will be available on the Boulder Canyon Trail webpage.
Separately, the Marshall Mesa Trailhead has reopened after nearly 17 months of closure for coal mine mitigation work and major trailhead improvements, restoring parking and restrooms.
Front Range Passenger Rail town halls set for April
The long-discussed Front Range passenger rail line is back in front of the public, with a Boulder meeting scheduled next month as planners try to build support for the stalled project.
The Front Range Passenger Rail District will host three April town halls, including an April 15 meeting at the East Boulder Rec Center, to gather input on the proposed line connecting Pueblo to Fort Collins, with potential stops in Boulder, Longmont and Louisville.
The project has faced years of delays and rising costs, but a 2021 state law created the rail district to move it forward, with a goal of launching service between Denver and Fort Collins by 2029.
Each town hall will include updates from local leaders, details on station planning areas and a Q&A session with the public.
Upcoming meetings:
- April 8, 6-7:30 p.m. — Longmont Museum
- April 15, 6-7:30 p.m. — East Boulder Rec Center
- April 29, 6-7:30 p.m. — Westminster City Hall
Separately, residents can vote on the rail’s future name, including options like “CoCo,” “FRED” and “Rangelink,” with two winners earning seats on the inaugural ride one day.
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on our Monday to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Tales of Tofu Town: Monday, Mar. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway. Read more.
Book Swap: Wednesday, April 1, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Rosetta Hall, 1109 Walnut St. Read more.
Healing Cloud of Sound Meditation Concert with Mary Hastings: Wednesday, April 1, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Atma Buti Sound & Vibrational School, 6395 Gunpark Dr, Suite T. Read more.
Boulder Cycling Club Thursday Rides: Thursday, April 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Upslope Brewing, 1898 S. Flatiron Ct. Alternative dates weekly. Read more.
Dirty Turkeys: Thursday, April 2, 8:00-11:00 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read more.
First Friday Art Walk at NoBo Art District: Friday, April 3, 6:00-9:00 p.m., NoBo Art Center, 4929 Broadway, Unit E. Alternative dates monthly. Read more.
Planet: Disillusioned immersive sonic experience: Friday, April 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Coffee Stand, 1201 Arapahoe Ave. Read more.
Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance: the Light vs the Dark: Friday, April 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
Jay Nash & Garrison Starr: Swamp Gospel & Heartfelt Storytelling: Friday, April 3, 8:00 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Read more.
SHIMMY #8 – “Sprang”: Saturday, April 4, 12:30-5:30 p.m., The Riverside Private & Public Event Venue, 1724 Broadway. Read more.
Boulder Guitar Society All Stars and Friends in Concert: Saturday, April 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read more.
TEDxCU Event 2026: On the Contrary: Saturday, April 4, 2:00-5:00 p.m., Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. Read more.
“Create Boulder Nights” at eTown Hall: Saturday, April 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce St. Read more.
The Desert Furs and Giant Walking Robots: Saturday, April 4, 8:00-11:30 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Read more.
Ski Film Comp: Saturday, April 4, 8:00 p.m., The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St. Read more.