Fighting for Free Speech: CU Boulder SJP Students Protest Mahmoud Khalil’s Arrest

By Bell Piccirillo


Students for Justice in Palestine rallied inside and outside the C4C to protest the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and the broader suppression of Palestinian activism. To protect protesters from potential retaliation, photos were edited to conceal their identities. (Bell Piccirillo/Radio 1190) 


A student-led protest erupted Friday, March 14 at 12 p.m. as demonstrators demanded the  university take action following the arrest and threat of impending deportation of Mahmoud  Khal...

Opinion: Trump's war on education and the rise of anti-intellectualism

This piece is from the CU Independent’s opinion section. Any opinions or views do not represent the CU Independent.
I hope the American people — and the world — are prepared for what President Donald Trump’s leadership means for the future of education, democracy and the youth of our country. The rise of right-wing anti-intellectualism has fostered a dangerous climate where expertise is dismissed, critical thinking is discouraged and higher education is defamed. The University of Colorado Boulde...

Tackling Gun Violence and the Killer Behind It: Judith Amabile’s Campaign for Change in Boulder

By Bell Piccirillo and Sophia Gyuk


In the last decade, Colo. has seen 60 mass shootings resulting in 88 deaths and 239 injuries. Unsurprisingly, students are one of the most vocal groups expressing concern at these statistics. Since the fatal Feb. 2023 shooting at Michigan State University, college students in Colo. have been worried they could be next.  


Judith Amabile, the Democratic representative for Colo.’s 49th District, is campaigning for a Senate seat in District 18. Her focus on m...

Ukraine on the Ballot: How the U.S. Election Could Shape Ukraine’s Future

By Bell Piccirillo


Photo by Bell Piccirillo


In a discussion at the University of Colorado Boulder, a panel of experts convened to explore the intricate connections between American politics and the ongoing war in Ukraine. As the U.S. election approaches, four distinguished voices — spanning political science to public activism — shared insights on how the electoral outcome could redefine American support for Ukraine and influence the nation’s identity in the face of relentless Russian aggr...

Laugh Hard, Fight Hard: Dallas Goldtooth’s Humor-Driven Activism

By Bell Piccirillo


If you’ve ever wondered how to balance cracking jokes while attempting to save Mother Earth, Dallas Goldtooth is your guide. Known mostly for his role in the groundbreaking comedy sketch series “Reservation Dogs,” a show with an all-Indigenous cast and crew that navigates the space between storytelling and activism, Goldtooth masterfully blends humor with heavy topics. Whether on-screen or through his relentless environmental activism, he leaves his audience laughing, think...

No Business like Snow Business: Colorado's Ski Resorts Make It Rain

In recent years, Colorado’s renowned ski industry has faced a growing dilemma: the steady decline of natural snowfall. With the reliability of natural snow diminishing, ski resorts have been forced to adapt or risk losing their competitive edge. Enter artificial snowmaking technology—a double-edged sword in the battle against warming temperatures.
Colorado’s ski industry has thrived on its natural snowfall, drawing millions of visitors annually and contributing significantly to the state’s econo...

Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Project: Boulder's efforts to prevent tragedy around Boulder Creek

On March 22, first responders were called to Boulder Creek due to reports of a man in the water. The man, later identified as 20-year-old Conrad Cvar, is a grim reminder that beneath the tranquil surface of Boulder Creek lies a history of tragedy. 
Throughout Boulder’s history, the creek has claimed multiple lives, including those of children and community members. These losses have spurred action, igniting a fervent commitment to implementing measures to prevent future tragedies.
In 2023, there...

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