Good Wednesday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Motus Theater — check out their June 21 show for Immigrant Heritage Month.
Leading today’s edition: CU Boulder has officially shut down INVST, a 35-year-old leadership program that paired students with local organizations to work on climate and equity. We first reported on the program’s uncertain future in March. University leaders say budget constraints forced its closure, but faculty say it was repeatedly blocked from relocating — despite widespread support.
INVST was one of CU Boulder’s longest-running public service programs. It connected students with local organizations to gain hands-on experience in community work. The decision comes as the Trump administration moves to cut funding for climate and equity programs at universities nationwide, though INVST’s former director believes it was on the chopping block well before those pressures intensified. One final summer course will run before it shuts down for good.
In other news: Looking for a Sunday farmers market fix? Organizers behind Denver’s City Park market launched a new weekly market this spring in Old Town Lafayette, and it’s already drawing “steady foot traffic” and “amazing support.” With more than 70 vendors, it’s reviving interest in regional food and filling a long-missing gap in Boulder County’s market scene.
More, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Heat wave coming, with triple-digit temps by the weekend.
- Flatiron Sounds: Free fest returns to Chautauqua Saturday (sponsored).
- BRT feedback: RTD wants input on Boulder-Longmont bus upgrade.
- Rescue spike: More calls as summer season kicks off.
- Highway crash: State Patrol seeks witness on motorcycle.
- Solar deadline: Last day to join Boulder County’s Switch Together program.
- Shade rebates: Boulder County offering discounts on energy-saving window coverings.
- Bands on the Bricks: Kind Hearted Strangers live on Pearl Street tonight.
- Frasca wins: Boulder spot takes top James Beard prize.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
What’s your immigrant heritage story? Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month with Motus Playback Theater on Saturday, June 21 at the Dairy Arts Center. Share a memory—or simply listen—as a diverse cast of improv actors brings community stories to life through movement, music, and theater. Whether your family journeyed here recently or generations ago, join us for a joyful evening honoring the stories that shape us all.
CU Boulder officially terminates 35-year-old INVST program focused on climate justice
University leaders cited funding issues, but faculty say the long-running program was repeatedly blocked from relocating. Continue reading…
‘Steady foot traffic, amazing support’: New Lafayette farmers market draws crowds
Organizers behind Denver’s City Park market bring a new Sunday tradition to Old Town Lafayette, reviving past efforts and connecting local food lovers. Continue reading…
Showers and storms roll in later today
After Tuesday’s storms and refreshing cool down, Boulder is in for a calmer day on Wednesday with plenty of sunshine and comfortable highs in the low 80s.
But the nice weather won’t last long. Heat will ramp up again Thursday as hot, dry air from the Desert Southwest spreads across Colorado. Expect highs in the mid-90s, with temperatures likely pushing close to 100 degrees on Friday and Saturday.
Boulder hasn’t hit triple digits in nearly three years — since July 2022 — but this looming heatwave could break that streak. Now’s a good time to make sure you have a plan to stay cool in the days ahead.
Free summer music festival returns to Chautauqua Park this Saturday (sponsored)
Flatiron Sounds Music Festival is back this Saturday, June 21, at Chautauqua Park. The all-day, free outdoor event features live music from national and local artists, including The Main Squeeze and Salin. Expect food trucks, a beer garden, artisan vendors and unbeatable Flatirons views. All ages — and dogs — are welcome.
RTD wants your input on faster Boulder-Longmont bus line
RTD is planning to convert the current BOLT bus route into a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service called the Diagonal Flyer, launching in 2027. The new line is expected to offer faster, more reliable service between Boulder and Longmont.
The project includes dedicated bus lanes along CO 119, upgraded transit stops, a new Park-n-Ride near US 287 and CO 66 in north Longmont, and a new Coffman Street busway.
RTD is collecting feedback on the proposed route and frequency through a new survey, aimed at better understanding commuter patterns along the corridor.
Be safe out there: Rocky Mountain Rescue sees spike in calls as ‘busy season’ begins
Rocky Mountain Rescue Group says summer is officially here — and so is their busiest season. Since Friday, June 13, the all-volunteer search-and-rescue team has responded to at least six calls across Boulder County. Two required helicopter evacuations, one was a technical rescue in the Flatirons and another involved carrying someone out from the Continental Divide, the group said on Facebook.
The group urged people heading outdoors to bring a satellite communication device — since service can be spotty — and follow basic safety tips like packing a first aid kit, staying put if lost and watching for signs of heat exhaustion.
The uptick in calls reflects a broader trend: As more people recreate in Boulder County’s open spaces, rescue calls have surged nearly 40% over the past decade or so. But Rocky Mountain Rescue is still powered entirely by trained volunteers, who respond to nearly 200 missions a year, many involving steep terrain, rapidly changing weather and long hours. They’ve served the community since 1947, and are now one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in the country.
More background in our 2023 story: Entering a new zone: Boulder’s all-volunteer mountain rescue group expands operations as calls for help increase
State Patrol seeks help finding person near fatal Highway 7 crash
Colorado State Patrol is asking for the public’s help identifying a person who may have witnessed or been involved in a fatal crash on the morning of June 15 on Highway 7 near milepost 30 in Boulder County.
The crash involved a maroon sedan that went off the shoulder and rolled into a creek. A person seen in the area at the time was riding a blue motorcycle and wearing a white and black outfit with a black helmet, according to authorities.
Anyone with information is asked to call the State Patrol dispatch center at 303-445-1041 and reference case number 1D252331.
Last day to join Boulder County’s solar discount program
Today (June 18) is the deadline to sign up for Switch Together, Boulder County’s group solar buying program that helps residents save on rooftop solar, battery storage and EV chargers through bulk discounts.
The program has helped more than 300 households go solar since its launch in 2023. As we reported last year, Boulder’s co-op was the largest and fastest-growing in the state, securing average savings of more than $5,000 per home. Sign up or learn more at boco.org/SwitchTogether. In related news…
Cool your home for less: County offers rebates on cellular shades
Boulder County’s EnergySmart program is offering rebates on cellular window shades, which insulate homes to lower energy costs — keeping them cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Rebates are open to all county residents and vary by income, home type and location. The shades also reduce noise, improve privacy and help control light.
To apply or learn more, email info@energysmartyes.com.
Bands on the Bricks is back — and tonight’s show features Kind Hearted Strangers
Downtown Boulder’s free summer concert series, Bands on the Bricks, is in full swing. Every Wednesday through July 30, catch live music on the Pearl Street Mall with beer, wine and margaritas starting at 5:30 p.m., openers at 6 p.m. and headliners from 7 to 9 p.m.
Tonight’s show (June 18) features local Americana rock band Kind Hearted Strangers, with Whiskey Practice opening the evening. Concertgoers can stick around afterward for the Velvet Elk Lounge afterparty with DJ sets and drink specials starting at 9 p.m. More info at bandsonbricks.com.
Frasca wins nation’s top restaurant award — Colorado’s only James Beard win this year
Frasca Food and Wine, Pearl Street’s Michelin-starred Italian restaurant founded by Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, took home one of the top national honors at the 2025 James Beard Awards on Monday: Outstanding Restaurant. The Pearl Street institution celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and now adds this fourth Beard award to its accolades, following wins for wine service (2013), overall service (2019) and Best Chef: Southwest (2008).
The awards ceremony, held in Chicago, highlighted the contributions of immigrants and communities of color to American cuisine. In his acceptance speech, Stuckey said: “If you are new to the country and you don’t speak the language, the hospitality industry is here for you,” Eater reported.
Frasca was Colorado’s only winner this year. Other finalists included Penelope Wong of Denver’s Yuan Wonton, Alma Fonda Fina, Yacht Club, Poulette Bakeshop in Parker, and Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction — none of which took home awards this time, Westword reported.
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