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Leading today’s edition: As Xcel Energy prepares to dig up and process more than 1 million cubic yards of toxic coal ash at the Valmont Station on Boulder’s east edge, residents and local officials say the company’s air monitoring plans leave too many unanswered questions.
The Valmont site is one of the area’s largest and least-visible sources of pollution.
Xcel’s proposed decadelong cleanup remains under review after the state denied its initial plan for failing to meet health standards and address community concerns. With state rules still unsettled and limited clarity on how Xcel will track dust and other emissions, neighbors and Boulder County Public Health are pushing for independent, research-grade monitoring to understand what is released into the air, where it travels and how it could affect nearby communities. Por Jaijongkit reports.
Also today: Boulder City Council is expected to approve this week a detailed incentives package for the Sundance Film Festival, outlining free use of city property, transit, permits and public safety support as the festival prepares to move to Boulder. City officials say the economic impact is expected to meet or exceed the value of the city’s annual contributions.
And finally, Monday brought a frightening hour for parts of southeast Louisville, as evacuation orders were issued on another hot, windy day. Fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control, but it was another reminder of our vulnerability during extreme weather.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Snow returns Thursday, 3-6 inches possible.
- Fatal fire: Man dies in Baseline Road senior housing blaze.
- RTD update: Tap-to-pay launches on buses and trains.
- Radon alert: County urges Boulder residents to test homes.
- Arts grants: $2M available for Boulder cultural projects.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
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Boulder residents push for independent air monitoring as Xcel prepares to dig up toxic coal ash at Valmont
With state requirements still uncertain, neighbors and local officials are seeking funding for their own monitoring network. Continue reading…
Boulder City Council expected to approve Sundance Film Festival incentives package
The city’s proposed deal includes free use of city property, transit, permits and public safety support, alongside expectations for economic impact. Continue reading…
Goodbye wind, hello snow!
It’s been a warm and blustery week so far in Boulder, but today finally gives us a break from the wind — while hanging onto the mild temps. Sunshine will be the main story for our Wednesday, and highs should cruise into the upper 50s.
It’s hard to believe, but a winter storm is lining up for tomorrow into Friday, and yes … actual snow is back on the table. Most of the storm’s punch will track across southern Colorado where a strong low-pressure system develops, but Boulder still gets in on the action thanks to a healthy dose of upslope Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night. A colder air mass will settle in quickly.
We’re still dialing in the finer details, but at this point 3 to 6 inches looks like a solid early estimate for the Boulder area, with the Foothills possibly a bit higher.
No matter where totals land, temperatures will take a noticeable tumble to end the week — lower 40s on Thursday, then struggling to reach freezing on Friday. Overnight lows drop into the teens, so winter will make itself known again in a hurry.
Man dies in overnight fire at Baseline Road senior housing facility
A man died late Sunday night after a fire broke out at a 55-and-older housing facility in the 4800 block of Baseline Road, according to Boulder Fire-Rescue.
Firefighters responded to the structure fire around 11:57 p.m. and found an adult male during an initial search of the building. He was removed from the unit and first responders attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fire was contained to a single unit, which sustained fire, smoke and water damage. Nearby units experienced some smoke and water damage, but no other injuries were reported. About a dozen residents were evacuated as a precaution, though none were displaced. The American Red Cross assisted residents at the scene.
Officials said foul play has been ruled out, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s identity and cause of death.
RTD launches tap-to-pay fares on buses and trains
RTD has begun rolling out a new contactless payment system that allows riders to pay fares by tapping a credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet, directly on validators aboard buses and at rail stations.
The system, known as Tap-n-Ride, accepts physical or mobile Visa and Mastercard cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. RTD officials said support for American Express and Discover cards is expected to be added in early 2026.
With Tap-n-Ride, passengers no longer need to purchase a ticket in advance. Validators automatically charge the local fare, though some rail platforms are set to charge the airport fare. Riders must use a separate card or device for each passenger. Tap-n-Ride is not available on Access-a-Ride, FlexRide, or Access-on-Demand services.
RTD said riders can link their card to a MyRide account to access discounted fares for LiVE, senior or disabled rider programs. The system also includes fare capping, meaning riders using the same card or device will not be charged more than the cost of a day, airport day or monthly pass over time.
County urges Boulder residents to test homes for radon
Boulder County Public Health is urging residents to test their homes for radon, an invisible radioactive gas, and the second leading cause of lung cancer. Health officials estimate about half of homes in Boulder County have unhealthy radon levels, compared with a national average of 6%.
January is National Radon Action Month, and winter is an ideal time to test because homes are more tightly sealed. Testing is inexpensive, and elevated radon levels can be reduced with mitigation systems, county officials said.
More information and test kit options are available through Boulder County Public Health and local retailers.
City opens applications for $2M in 2026 arts and culture grants
The City of Boulder is now accepting applications for the Boulder Arts Commission’s 2026 Cultural Grants Program, which will award more than $2 million to support arts and cultural projects across the city.
Funding is available for organizations, individual artists, businesses and classrooms, and can support performances, exhibitions, arts education, professional development and general operating costs. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
City officials said the 2026 program reflects updates from the Boulder Arts Blueprint process, with expanded funding, new grant categories, and changes aimed at improving equity and access. Some grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have set deadlines.
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