Crime
We moved Boulder Crime News and police blotter out of News and made it a primary category. Even though crime news is the highest in analytic s some readers complain because it ruins non violent news. Our readers and viewers prefer science, tech environmental and entertainment news. So crime news junkies now have your own bad news section here.
Boulder Channel 1 News Briefs: Redford Trump D.A. Scott
Sep 17th
1. DA Probes Social Media’s Role in Kirk Assassination
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions.
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions. 2. Jann Scott Shares Redford Letter on Homeless Doc
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. 
Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection.
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection. 3. Boulder’s Brits Buzz Over Trump’s Windsor Visit
Boulder’s British expat community, over 5,000 strong, is thrilled as President Trump visits Windsor Castle today for his second UK state visit, hosted by King Charles III. Local Brits, gathered at the British-American Society, cheered the Red Arrows flypast and royal banquets.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties. 
Boulder’s Police Pay Woes Persist Amid Rising Crime
Sep 3rd
Boulder Sept 3, 2025 The City of Boulder and the Boulder Police Officers Association (BPOA) finalized a new contract for 180 officers and sergeants, ratified with a modest 4.75% salary increase for 2026.
Non-economic terms, settled in June, will also be included. City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde hailed the agreement as a testament to mutual commitment to public safety,
Non-economic terms, settled in June, will also be included. City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde hailed the agreement as a testament to mutual commitment to public safety,
Signature:
emphasizing proactive community policing. However, the deal fails to address Boulder’s chronic underpayment of its police force, leaving the department 20 officers short. BPOA President Officer Bryan Plyter acknowledged the preserved healthcare protections but noted the salary bump falls below the independent arbitrator’s recommendation. Despite the raise, officers’ pay lags behind regional standards, fueling retention and recruitment struggles.
The compromise—between the city’s 4% and the union’s 6% offer—reflects Boulder’s projected $7.5 million 2026 budget deficit, balancing economic pressures with fiscal constraints. Rivera-Vandermyde recognized inflation’s toll on employees, expressing hope for future raises as finances improve. Yet, the shortfall in competitive pay continues to hamstring the department. With 20 vacant positions, response times lag, and crime rates climb. Boulder’s streets see criminals roaming freely, emboldened by an understaffed force stretched thin.
The city’s focus on fiscal caution overlooks the urgent need for robust public safety investment. The agreement averts a ballot measure, ensuring stability but not satisfaction. Boulder’s police remain underpaid, understaffed, and overwhelmed, as the city grapples with rising crime and a strained budget. Plyter vowed to keep pushing for fair compensation, but for now, officers face mounting challenges with inadequate support, leaving the community vulnerable. The contract, while a step, falls short of addressing the deeper crisis threatening Boulder’s safety.
Boulder D.A. concerned about suicide effect A.I. puts on Children
Aug 28th
Earlier this week, in a rare show of bipartisan unity, 44 Attorneys General from across the U.S. signed a strong commitment to hold Artificial Intelligence companies accountable if their products harm kids.
August 28 2025 Boulder Channel 1 News As you know, I stood strong against social media corporations for this same type of conduct. And I will continue to do so with AI products that prey on our children.
As AI continues to develop, it will be an incredibly helpful tool for businesses and individuals. There is, also, an opportunity — and obligation — to build in protections for our kids. A recent Reuters report found that Meta’s AI rules let its chatbots hold “sensual and romantic” conversations with children. This past April, a teen took his own life after months of advice from an AI chatbot on how to do so. Our kids deserve guardrails that protect them.
As the nation’s Attorneys General explained in this week’s announcement, “Social media platforms caused significant harm to children, in part because government watchdogs did not do their job fast enough. Lesson learned. The potential harms of AI, like the potential benefits, dwarf the impact of social media.”
As an experienced prosecutor and leader, I know what it takes to protect kids from sexual predators an online threats. We must protect kids and their mental health, support them, and equip them to succeed as our next generation. I will always work hard to do so.
