Good Monday morning, Boulder.
We have a packed edition today, but first, an important note from us: From now through Dec. 31, every donation to Boulder Reporting Lab — up to $1,000 — will be doubled thanks to NewsMatch, a national campaign supporting nonprofit newsrooms like ours.
That means your one-time gift or new monthly donation will go twice as far to support high-quality journalism for Boulder. (For monthly gifts, the full 12-month value is matched — so $15/month means $360 for BRL!) We’ll officially launch our year-end campaign later this month, but if you’ve been thinking about supporting BRL, now’s the perfect time to make it count twice.
We’ve built something rare in Boulder: a truly local newsroom that answers only to you. While other outlets shrink or vanish, BRL is growing because of this community. And we’re just getting started. With your help, we’re preparing for 2026: another pivotal election year, Boulder’s Sundance-prep moment and an even bigger role for BRL in keeping our community informed and connected. You make it all possible. Thank you to everyone who’s already given. Let’s keep building together.
Leading today’s edition: As the 2025 election enters its final stretch, Brooke Stephenson hit the pavement with three city council candidates to see what really matters to voters, beyond the mailers and talking points. As they knocked on doors across the city, she listened in on candid conversations about Boulder’s biggest challenges, from housing and homelessness to schools and neighborhood change. Here’s what she heard.
We’ve heard from many readers concerned about the federal immigration crackdown. In BRL Opinion today, Boulder County faith leader Marissa Seuc-Hester shares the story of her friend — a local father and Afghan asylum seeker detained by ICE while working out of state — and reflects on what his case reveals about America’s treatment of immigrants and the values of our own community.
Plus, more, Below the Fold:
- Election night: We’ve got you covered.
- Eldorado Canyon fall: Climber seriously injured after 70-foot plunge.
- EnergySmart rebates: County shifts program to serve lower-income residents.
- EV trade-ins: Colorado boosts incentives as federal tax credit ends.
- Tax scam alert: State warns of fake refund texts.
- Boulder Mountain Handmade: Artisan market marks 49 years Nov. 8-9.
- Things to do: Arts and crafts and drinks, Beatles vs. Stones showdown, murder mystery theater, West Africa-inspired Cirque, AI workshop, local film fest + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– Stacy, publisher
As your Councilman, Matt Benjamin has delivered progress on housing, homelessness, climate action, public safety, and good governance. He leads with transparency, equity, and accountability to reflect Boulder’s values. With momentum underway and challenges ahead, Matt is ready to keep leading. Re-elect Matt Benjamin for Boulder City Council to keep pushing for progress and building a Boulder that’s inclusive, resilient, and vibrant.
We followed Boulder City Council candidates as they went door to door. Here’s what we heard.
Housing and homelessness remain top of mind for many residents, though like candidates, they don’t all agree on the solutions or even how to frame the problem. Continue reading…
Marissa Seuc-Hester: My Boulder County friend was taken by ICE, and I can’t stay silent
As a local faith leader, I’ve spent years welcoming immigrant families into our community. Now, one has been detained, and I fear what that says about who we’re becoming. Continue reading…
Fall warmth and sunshine through midweek
Boulder’s getting a stretch of classic November weather — sunny days, crisp nights and just enough warmth to linger outside a little longer. Today will be partly sunny with a high near 62, dipping to the low 40s overnight. Tuesday looks even better: mostly sunny and up to 72 before cooling again after sunset
It’s Election Night tomorrow! We’ve got you covered.
What to expect: Four Boulder City Council seats are up for grabs, and voters will decide whether to extend the Community, Culture, Resilience & Safety Sales Tax. At the county level, ballots include a proposed Mental and Behavioral Health Sales and Use Tax and an extension of the Open Space Sales and Use Tax.
How to follow along: We’ll post live updates on our website and across social media, primarily on Bluesky and Threads, as results are announced. Coverage will include the latest numbers in city council and BVSD races, as well as city, county and state ballot measures.
Subscribers to this newsletter, BRL Today, will receive the latest results — plus reporting from Election Night watch parties and beyond — in Wednesday’s edition, hitting inboxes around 7:30 a.m.
Boulder County’s results schedule:
- Election Day (Nov. 4): 7:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 10:45 p.m and an “end-of-night” update around 12:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: 5 p.m. and an end-of-night update around 10 p.m. or later
- Thursday, Nov. 13: end-of-day update including overseas, military, and cured ballots (end of unofficial results)
- Nov. 25: final certified results
Keep in mind: Early results aren’t final. A candidate who appears ahead on Tuesday night could fall behind by Wednesday, especially in a close race (or vice versa). We try not to cover this as a horse race — because it isn’t. Ballots simply take time to process, and results evolve as more votes are counted.
If you haven’t voted yet, check out our BRL Voter Guide.
Climber seriously injured after 70-foot fall in Eldorado Canyon
A 69-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries Sunday afternoon after falling about 70 feet while climbing the Chockstone route in Eldorado Canyon State Park, according to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
Bystanders and rescuers performed CPR and were able to restore his pulse before he was evacuated down steep terrain and taken by ambulance to a local hospital. The rescue operation, which lasted roughly two hours, involved Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Mountain View Fire Protection District and the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group.
County’s EnergySmart rebates to refocus in 2026
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Boulder County’s EnergySmart program will narrow its home electrification and efficiency rebates to serve income-qualified households earning at or below 100% of the area median income. Eligible residents can receive up to $2,000 per year, covering up to half the cost of projects such as heat pumps, induction cooktops and insulation upgrades.
The county said the shift will “maximize community impact and ensure taxpayer-funded assistance reaches those who need it most.” EnergySmart advisers will continue offering free guidance to help all homeowners navigate other available incentives from utilities, state programs and a forthcoming regional initiative through the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
Meanwhile, Colorado expands EV trade-in incentives starting today
In another boost for income-qualified residents looking to go electric, Colorado is stepping up incentives to help residents go electric on the road. Beginning Nov. 3, the Vehicle Exchange Colorado program will offer up to $9,000 toward a new EV or $6,000 for a used one when residents trade in older gas-powered cars.
The program is open to Colorado residents earning at or below 80% of the area median income who trade in an older gas-powered car. Since launching in 2023, the program has helped facilitate nearly 3,000 trade-ins statewide.
The timing is strategic: the federal tax credit for new EVs (up to $7,500) and used EVs (up to $4,000) expired on Sept. 30.
State officials note that changes to Colorado’s EV tax credit take effect in 2026, and say acting this year could provide the greatest savings.
State warns of tax refund text scam
The Colorado Department of Revenue is warning residents about fraudulent text messages claiming to offer a tax refund. The texts may request personal or banking information and threaten consequences if the recipient does not respond. Officials say the messages are designed to steal financial data and should be ignored.
The department emphasizes that it will never send unexpected text messages asking for private information. Coloradans are urged not to click any links and to report suspicious texts to StopFraudColorado.gov or to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Boulder Mountain Handmade celebrates 49 years this November
The Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District will host its 49th annual Boulder Mountain Handmade Market on Nov. 8-9 at the Boulder Elks Lodge (3975 28th St.). The event raises funds for the district’s volunteer emergency response team, which serves more than 1,000 homes in the foothills west of North Boulder, including Pine Brook Hills and Wagonwheel Gap.
The market will feature 57 local artisans selling handmade goods — from pottery and woodwork to jewelry and textiles — along with a gourmet bake sale, fire engine tours, kids’ art projects and performances by Boulder Suzuki Strings and Frequency Dance. The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with free admission.
☀️ 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.
Joy as Resistance in Fascist Authoritarian Times: Monday, Nov. 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Eaton Humanities Room 250, 1610 Pleasant St. Read More
Arts and Crafts and Taps at the Rayback Collective: Monday, Nov. 3, 4:00-7:00 p.m., Rayback Collective, 2775 Valmont Rd. Read More
eTown Presents Everyone Orchestra: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7:00-9:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce St. Read More
Science + Art Collider: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Guitarists Teja Gerken and Michael DeLalla: Fingerstyle Extravaganza: Thursday, Nov. 6, 7:00 p.m., Niwot Hall, 195 2nd Ave. Read More
Viva Theater: Murder on the Orient Express: Friday, Nov. 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Additional dates Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 23. Read More
Amelie Quartet: Friday, Nov. 7, 7:00 p.m., The Muse Performance Space, 200 E. South Boulder Rd, Lafayette. Read More
Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque: Friday, Nov. 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. Read More
Beatles vs Stones – A Musical Showdown: Friday, Nov. 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Unit T, Lafayette. Read More
Navigating AI: Build Your Parent Playbook: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., CU Boulder Smead Aerospace Building, 3775 Discovery Drive. Read More
Boulder Mountain Handmade Market: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 28th St. Additional date: Sunday, Nov. 9 same time. Read More
Veterans Day Concert with the Jubilate! Sacred Singers: Saturday, Nov. 8, 7:00-9:00 p.m., St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 3700 Baseline Rd. Read More
3rd Annual Yellow Barn Film Festival: Sunday, Nov. 9, 10:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Yellow Barn Farm, 9417 N Foothills Hwy. Read More
Face Vocal Band: The Jukebox Show: Sunday, Nov. 9, 7:00 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl Suite V3A. Read More