Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by the Boulder Comedy Festival — running June 25–29 and spotlighting women in comedy, with a mix of nationally touring comics and local headliners.
Readers often ask us to highlight the good things happening here, especially the people quietly doing heroic work behind the scenes. Today, Brooke Stephenson shares the story of Harold Niedzielski, a man who has helped more than 800 people in Boulder County access addiction treatment and rebuild their lives.
Harold, known by some as an “angel without wings,” is quietly saving lives, breaking down barriers to care and showing what’s possible when someone refuses to give up on people.
Everyone Stephenson spoke to — from those Harold has helped to Boulder police officers and county officials — showered him with praise. But Harold rarely talks about himself. In this story, he opens up — and it’s one worth reading.
Also today: Amid all the stories about programs being cut, here’s one that isn’t — it’s giving away money.
Boulder County farmers, food producers and retailers serving low-income neighborhoods — or anyone accepting SNAP benefits — can apply for millions in state funding to buy equipment and expand access to fresh food. Gabe Toth explains how Colorado’s Community Food Access Program covers 75% of costs, from irrigation systems to meat slicers, and why now’s the best time to apply.
More, Below the Fold:
- EV incentives: E-bike and heat pump credits slashed.
- Neguse: Reacts to Iran strikes.
- NIH policy: DEI funding restriction reversed.
- Frasier grants: $100K awarded for senior support.
- Water study: Wildfire pollution can last up to eight years.
- Fire HQ: New Niwot station opens July 1.
- Bike shop: Full Cycle rebrands as Mike’s Bikes.
- Things to Do: Meadow Music, park concerts, late-night sets, outdoor yoga, a midsummer feast and more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Boulder Comedy Festival highlights women and diversity in comedy, bringing together nationally touring comics and local headliners. There are seven shows at four venues, including two Brunch Shows, so there’s something for everyone. This year’s kickoff show is Wednesday, June 25 at Junkyard Social and there are shows Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at Dairy Arts. Saturday and Sunday have boozy brunch shows at The End in Lafayette and Louisville Underground in Louisville. Come laugh with us while supporting women, diversity and local business!
‘An angel without wings’: How one man is helping hundreds in Boulder County find the path to recovery
Harold Niedzielski, a peer recovery navigator, has quietly helped more than 800 people overcome barriers to treatment for addiction, and now he has plans to open his own clinic. Continue reading…
Millions in state funding up for grabs to bring fresh, local food to more Boulder-area neighborhoods
A new $10 million state program offers a 75% tax credit to help food producers and retailers buy equipment and expand access to fresh food across Boulder County. Continue reading…
Cooler temps and rain on the way
Saturday’s heat came close to record-breaking: Boulder hit 97, just two degrees shy of the June 21 record set in 2016. Denver reached 98, one degree off its record from 2007.
But relief is on the way. Today’s high is expected to reach just 74, with a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances increase to 40% Monday night and 50% on Tuesday, when the high climbs to the low 80s.
Colorado to cut popular e-bike, EV tax credits in half next year
State incentives for electric vehicles, e-bikes and heat pumps will be slashed by 50% in 2026 due to a gloomy revenue forecast, according to the Colorado Sun. Lawmakers had tied the full value of the tax credits to at least 4% projected revenue growth. But state economists now expect just 2% next year.
The cuts come as federal EV incentives are also on the chopping block under a new Republican budget proposal in Congress. Together, the reductions could make it harder for Coloradans to afford electrifying their homes and transportation.
Tax credits will now drop from up to $8,000 to $4,000 for EVs, from $500 to $250 for e-bikes, and from up to $2,000 to $1,000 for heat pumps. A $2,500 bonus for lower-cost EVs and other state programs will remain in place.
Neguse, Hickenlooper react to U.S. strikes on Iran
Rep. Joe Neguse, who represents Boulder County, issued a statement on June 22 condemning the Trump administration for bypassing Congress. “Any offensive military actions must first receive authorization from Congress, and the President clearly failed to seek such congressional authorization — including reportedly failing to consult with Democratic members of the Gang of Eight,” he said. Neguse added that Iran “cannot be permitted to develop nuclear weapons,” while also warning against direct U.S. involvement in foreign wars. His office encouraged Coloradans in the Middle East to reach out for evacuation assistance if needed.
Sen. Michael Bennet, who is running for governor, has not released a public statement following the June 21 strikes. His most recent remarks, from June 13, said that Iran “must not acquire a nuclear weapon” and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.
Sen. John Hickenlooper responded on June 21, saying he’s monitoring the situation and reiterating that Iran “can never be allowed to have nuclear weapons.” He also warned against deeper U.S. involvement and called for clarity on “what comes after the conflict.”
NIH backs off DEI funding restriction for now
The National Institutes of Health has rescinded a controversial policy that would have required institutions to certify they do not operate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in order to receive federal funding.
CU Boulder flagged the policy change in a recent update, noting that NIH is “awaiting further Federal-wide guidance and will provide a future update to the extramural community.” As a result, the DEI restriction, first announced in April, is no longer in effect.
The now-rescinded rule had sparked concern among universities and researchers who rely on NIH grants — including those at CU Boulder. The Trump administration has targeted funding for climate research, public health and diversity, equity and inclusion programs, among other areas. CU Boulder has already lost millions in federal grants and has restructured or renamed several DEI-related efforts.
Frasier awards nearly $100K to support older adults in Boulder County
Frasier, the nonprofit senior living community in Boulder, has awarded nearly $100,000 in grants to five local organizations helping older adults access food, housing and healthcare.
The grants are stewarded by Seniors for Seniors, a Frasier resident-led team that identifies unmet needs and oversees the review process. Since launching in 2021, the program has awarded nearly $400,000 to local agencies.
Some of this year’s funding fills critical gaps left by recent county budget cuts, allowing programs like low-cost meal services and rental assistance to continue.
This year’s recipients include Boulder Housing Partners, Harvest of Hope, Presbyterian Manor, Sister Carmen Community Center and TRU PACE.
Study: Wildfires can pollute rivers for up to 8 years
A new CU Boulder-led study shows wildfire damage to water quality lasts much longer than previously understood — with implications for Boulder County’s fire-prone watersheds.
Researchers analyzed 100,000 water samples from more than 500 river basins across the Western U.S. and found elevated levels of contaminants like nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus and sediment for up to eight years after a fire.
The study is the first large-scale inventory of post-wildfire water quality and highlights the need for long-term water monitoring and storm planning in burn-scarred landscapes.
Mountain View Fire to open new Niwot HQ July 1
Mountain View Fire Rescue will celebrate the grand opening of its new headquarters in Niwot on Tuesday, July 1, with a ribbon cutting and open house from 2 to 4 p.m. at 6328 Monarch Park Place.
The new facility brings together the department’s administrative, logistics, EMS, training and wildland divisions under one roof. The event will include guided tours and a chance to meet MVFR staff. Ribbon cutting begins at 2 p.m. — all community members are welcome.
Full Cycle Bikes rebrands as Mike’s Bikes
If you’ve visited Full Cycle’s website lately, you may have noticed a change: The longtime Boulder bike shop and Colorado Multisport have been acquired by California-based Mike’s Bikes. The business is now operating under the Mike’s Bikes brand, with a phased reopening underway.
As part of the transition, the Full Cycle Café is temporarily closed. The company says it’s rethinking the café’s future, calling it a “beloved” part of the shop’s identity.
Mike’s Bikes is owned by Dutch conglomerate Pon Holdings and is one of the largest bike retailers in the U.S. The Boulder location will begin selling brands like Cannondale and Santa Cruz while dropping others including Specialized and Ibis, according to a news release.
☀️ 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.
Meadow Music at Chautauqua Park: Monday, June 23, 5:30 p.m.; Monday, June 30, 5:30 p.m.; Monday, July 7, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 19, 9:30 a.m., Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Rd. Read More.
Boulder Concert Band Parks Series: Monday, June 23, 7:00–8:00 p.m., Foothills Community Park, 800 Cherry Ave. Read More.
The Emmitt Sisters, Bloomurian, Saoirse Jordan & Robin Liepman: Wednesday, June 25, 7:45–11:00 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St., Suite V3A. Read More
Yoga Pearl x Boulder Symphony: Thursday, June 26, 6:00–7:00 p.m., Sunrise Amphitheater, 1198 Flagstaff Dr. Read More
Summer Concerts in the Park: Thursday, June 26, 6:30 p.m., Louisville Community Park, 100 Roosevelt Ave. Read More
Downtown Louisville Street Faire – The Woods: Friday, June 27, 5:30 p.m., Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St., Louisville. Read More
Summer Yoga Series with Boulder Parks and Rec: Saturday, June 28, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway. Read More
Pearl Street Mile: Saturday, June 28, 4:30–9:30 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
BoDeans: Saturday, June 28, 8:00–11:59 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
Annual Midsummer Feast: Sunday, June 29, 5:30 p.m., Esoterra Culinary Garden, 8985 Valmont Rd. Read More