Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Groundworks Art Lab’s summer camps — sign up now for their youth and adult sessions before spots fill up.
Before we jump in, some BRL news: We’re thrilled to welcome our newest full-time reporter, Por Jaijongkit — a name many of you may recognize. Jaijongkit contributed to our investigation with CU grad students on coal ash, later joined us as a summer community reporting fellow, and most recently covered environment and climate. We’re excited to have her on board full-time — and it’s all thanks to your support (more on that below). We grow because of you.
Leading today’s edition: Boulder County officials ruled the death of Megan Trussell — the 18-year-old CU Boulder student who went missing in February — a suicide. But her parents say that conclusion was based on untested evidence, including the large volume of pill material found in her stomach. They pushed for that testing to be done and continue to press investigators on what they see as unanswered questions. Brooke Stephenson has the latest, including insights from outside forensic experts.
Before the holiday, Stephenson also dug into the recent metal chain attack that injured at least 10 people across Boulder. Police first said no one was seriously hurt, but it turns out a 4 a.m. assault — left out of the initial news release — sent a man to the hospital with a fractured skull. The missing details are raising questions about the timeline and why the public wasn’t warned sooner.
And in BRL Opinion, contributor Bob Yates weighs in on city council’s open comment sessions in light of the June 1 terror attack — and makes the case for suspending them. Reminder: You can submit your own commentary (read our guidelines here). These pieces reflect the voices of our community — not the views of BRL.
More, Below the Fold:
- You did it: Spring campaign triples goal thanks to reader support.
- CU South lawsuit: Opponents ask judge to revisit flood project case.
- Live look: Trail cams show trailhead parking, weather.
- Regent censured: CU’s Wanda James sanctioned over campaign comments.
- City volunteers wanted: Boulder seeks board and commission applicants.
- Waterline upgrade: 63rd Street project enters final phase.
- Things to Do: Murals, music, stargazing, crafts, cocktails and more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– Stacy, publisher
Summer camp is in full swing at Groundworks Art Lab but there’s still time to jump in! Youth and adult camps still have open spots in clay, print, metal, wood, and more. Whether you’re looking for creative play, skill-building, or just a reason to unplug for a few hours each day, we’ve got something for you. Spots are limited, so grab yours while you still can – for youth and adults!
Megan Trussell’s death was ruled a suicide by Boulder County. Her family fought to have key evidence tested.
The official ruling relies heavily on the large volume of pill material found in the CU student’s stomach, which was not tested at the time but will be now. Continue reading…
Boulder chain suspect allegedly attacked 10 people over two days
Police initially said no one was seriously injured, but the first attack happened hours earlier than they first reported and left a man hospitalized. Continue reading…
Bob Yates: Close open comment at Boulder City Council meetings
A forum intended to amplify community voices has devolved into disruption, and is now preventing council from doing its job. Continue reading…
Hot with a chance of thunder
Mostly sunny and hot today, with a high near 90 and a 30% chance of afternoon storms. Clear and mild tonight. Tuesday stays sunny and hot, with a high near 91 and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
And as BoulderCAST warned last week: While everything may still look pretty green around town, Boulder’s actually been quite dry lately — officially, less than half an inch of rain has fallen over the past month. Even after the holiday, please be extra careful with any lingering fireworks or outdoor flames. Our native grasses are definitely ready to burn.
A huge thank you to our incredible readers
Thanks to you, we raised $29,800 during our 10-day late spring campaign — that’s nearly three times our $10,000 goal. We’re thrilled, humbled and so grateful.
A total of 257 people chipped in, and 60 became paying members for the first time. That means more support for original reporting, deeper accountability journalism and a stronger future for truly local news in Boulder — not owned by faraway financial interests, but by a newsroom that belongs to the people who read it, share it and fund it.
We launched this campaign with a simple idea: In a time of real change, Boulder needs a constant. We’re here to be that constant — helping you stay informed, connected and clear on what’s happening, so you can take part in civic life where your voice really matters. If you didn’t get a chance to give during the campaign, there’s still time. Every contribution helps us keep doing this work. – Stacy
CU South flood project opponents ask court to revisit lawsuit dismissal; city calls motion baseless, seeks $46K in legal fees
A group of Boulder residents opposing the South Boulder Creek flood mitigation project at CU South is asking a Boulder County District Court judge to reconsider a decision to dismiss their lawsuit challenging the city’s plan to finance the project.
The lawsuit targets the city’s use of stormwater utility fees to fund the estimated $66 million project, which has been in the works for more than a decade. The city has not yet issued bonds to finance the construction, which was slated to begin this year.
The City of Boulder has described the latest motion by Save South Boulder as baseless, according to a recent court filing. The city is also asking the court to order the plaintiffs to pay $46,000 in attorneys’ fees, arguing they are acting in bad faith to delay the flood project.
The flood mitigation project includes building a concrete spillway along U.S. 36 and creating a detention pond to reduce the risk of flooding for about 2,300 people living in the 100-year South Boulder Creek floodplain.
At the heart of the lawsuit is whether the city’s use of stormwater utility fees to fund the project amounts to a tax, which under Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) would require voter approval. The plaintiffs argue that many residents who pay the fee will not benefit directly from the project. They also challenged Boulder City Council’s approval of an ordinance allowing the city to issue bonds by emergency, which meant the ordinance took effect immediately. Read more on BRL.
New trailhead cameras offer live parking and weather updates
Planning a hike? The City of Boulder has launched live video feeds at eight popular Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) trailheads — including Chautauqua Meadow, Flagstaff Mountain and Wonderland Lake — to help visitors check parking availability and weather conditions in real time.
The cameras are meant to help reduce congestion, encourage alternative transportation and give community members a glimpse of Boulder’s landscapes before heading out. A new camera at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, for instance, offers a live look at the Flatirons.
More cameras are expected to be added in the coming months as infrastructure allows. You can view the live feeds here.
CU regent Wanda James censured over anti-marijuana campaign comments
The University of Colorado Board of Regents voted 7–1 on July 2 to censure Regent Wanda James for comments she made about what she described as racial tropes in a CU Anschutz anti-marijuana campaign, CPR reported last week. James, who abstained from the vote, called the censure “a victory,” saying it exposed deeper racial issues within the university. “Today is not about a censure. It is about censorship and retaliation,” she said.
The board’s action strips James of her committee assignments and invites to official university events but does not affect her ability to vote or serve as a regent.
James, who owns a cannabis dispensary, objected to campaign images that featured Black or dark-skinned figures alongside language about laziness and poor school performance. She also contacted the governor’s office about the campaign’s funding, which some regents said raised conflict-of-interest concerns — an allegation James denies. It is only the second time in CU history that a regent has been censured, according to CPR. James, the first Black woman elected to the board in more than 40 years, continues to represent the 1st Congressional District (Denver and Denver County) through 2029.
City of Boulder seeks volunteers for boards and commissions
The City of Boulder is recruiting volunteers to serve on a board or commission and work alongside City Council on local issues. Applications are open through July 18.
Meetings are offered in a hybrid format, with the option to participate in person or virtually. Members also receive a free RTD EcoPass.
Current openings include:
- Boulder Junction Access District – Parking Commission: Advises on parking services in the district. Must be 18+ and a property owner or representative in the district.
- Boulder Junction Access District – Travel Demand Management Commission: Advises on alternative transportation options in the district. Must be 18+ and a property owner or representative in the district.
- Cannabis Licensing Advisory Board: Advises City Council on marijuana and hemp matters and reviews license applications. Multiple vacancies for residents, marijuana business owners or reps, and residents outside city limits. Must be 21+.
- Human Relations Commission: Promotes mutual respect and understanding in the community. Must be 18+ and a Boulder resident for at least one year.
63rd Street waterline project enters final phase
Boulder will begin the second and final phase of its 63rd Street Waterline Replacement Project this summer, replacing outdated infrastructure between Jay and Valmont roads. The aging waterlines, which serve the Gunbarrel area, are difficult to maintain and vulnerable to failure.
The upgrade will install a larger, 30-inch steel pipe to improve flow and system resilience, helping ensure safe, reliable drinking water, according to the city. Work is expected to last through summer 2026.
Closures will affect 63rd Street/Andrus Road/62nd Street between Jay and Valmont, with access limited to local traffic. Detours will be posted on the Cone Zones map, and brief water service interruptions are expected.
☀️ 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.
Mural Making Workshop with Patrick Maxcy: Monday, July 7, 6:00-8:30 p.m., NoBo Bus Stop Gallery, 4895 Broadway St. Additional dates: July 8-10, same time. Read More
Plight: Monday, July 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Boulder Concert Band Parks Series: Monday, July 7, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Harlow Platts Park/Viele Lake, 1360 Gillaspie Dr. Read More
Make a Set of Wood Coasters: Tuesday, July 8, 2:00-5:00 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
Wine, Women & Wealth: Tuesday, July 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Espresso Vino Party Room at Brewing Market, 2770 Dagny Way, Lafayette. Additional dates monthly. Read More
Dream to Fly: Wednesday, July 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Dr. Read More
Bruce Cockburn: Wednesday, July 9, 7:30 p.m., Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr. Read More
Bourbon, Blues, & Grooves Johnny O Band: Wednesday, July 9, 7:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Dr, Unit T, Lafayette. Read More
Feldenkraise Lessons – Awareness Through Movement with Nancy Linsley: Friday, July 11, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St. Additional dates weekly. Read More
Date Night – Stained Glass & Chill: Friday, July 11, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Colorado Glass Works, 1500 Pearl Street Ste. D. Additional dates weekly. Read More
The Encore at Rosetta Hall: Friday, July 11, 9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., 1109 Walnut St. Additional dates: Saturday, July 12, and weekly. Read More
Griffin William Sherry with Starlight and Pine: Saturday, July 12, 8:00–11:00 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read More