Artificial Intelligence in School: Chatbots or cheatbots?

Nelson’s Corner | August 2025

This piece is part of Yellow Scene Magazine’s Opinion section. The views expressed here are those of the author, and do not represent a reported news position. At Yellow Scene, opinion pieces speak freely, challenge assumptions, and say the quiet parts out loud. The Bigots Won't Win First days of school! One granddaughter began high school (huh?) and our grandson entered 5th grade. The older...

Foodie: Porch, Patio, or Party Deck? Yes, Please.

When the Front Range finally thaws and the skies stretch out blue and wide, there's no better time to park yourself on a patio. From breezy brunches to fire-lit evenings, the local area offers an impressive spread of al fresco experiences—whether you're sipping spritzes on a rooftop in Boulder or chasing kids through a cider garden in Lafayette. Start with Acreage in Lafayette, arguably the...

Off Menu: C Bar

Tucked away on the West End of Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, C Bar is a world where hot dogs, caviar, and clever libations live in harmony. This alluring new cocktail lounge is the latest venture from Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality, the dynamic restaurant group behind Oak at Fourteenth, Corrida, Brider, Bellota, and C Burger. Big city inspiration is evident throughout the undeniably sexy...

Jeff and Paige | Spotlight

Courage does not always wear a costume, but in this case, it does. The husband and wife duo, Jeff Kagan and Paige Doughty have been a fixture in  Boulder Valley for more than two decades, performing over 2,000 live events.  Their music, designed for kids ages 2–8 but catchy enough for adults, blends science, nature, and plenty of silliness. It is hard to believe that this rainbow-clad...

Scene Stealers | August 2025

Music Brandi Carlisle @ Red Rocks Amphitheater For two nights, eleven-time Grammy winner Brandi Carlisle will be singing among the spires at Red Rocks. Carlisle’s music ranges from pop to country to folk-rock. With her band, made up of twin brothers, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, she will be celebrating their most recent 2025 album, Brandi Carlisle and Elton John. Tickets start at $125 and...

Editor’s Picks | August 2025

  Back to School School is starting back up, and whether you are in school, have children, or are a former student, it is hard not to feel nostalgic for the first day of school. Just as Tom Hanks offered Meg Ryan in 1998, “I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils, if I had your name and address.” Since I don’t, I’ll offer some suggestions to celebrate the...

Connection over convenience: Why shopping local matters in today’s America

We have the power as consumers to stop giving money to billionaires who perpetuate violence and injustice. The people in power, who control the headlines, are listening to your purchases. They listen to their bottom line. Taking small, actionable steps can make a difference for a world in crisis. If you are looking for a sense of connection or a way to make your money matter, consider shopping at...

Education Evolution: A look at the course of teaching over 25 years

Before Colorado became a state, the people valued education. The University of Colorado opened it’s doors to students five months before Colorado even became a state. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of our society, Colorado leads the nation in the highest education educational attainment, with 62.9% of adults between the ages of 25-65 having at least a partial postsecondary degree...

Artificial Intelligence in School: Chatbots or cheatbots?

When kids use AI to cheat, are they gaming the system or are they ahead of the curve? In January 2023 the New York City Department of Education banned its million-plus student body from using ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence “chatbot” that can perform a wide range of tasks such as long-form writing and artwork. Having taken a look at its capabilities after the release of ChatGPT 3.5 in...

Dismantled Childhood: How the Department of Education is falling under Trump

In March 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education - a move that could severely limit the federal government’s ability to uphold educational standards and civil rights protections mandated by Congress. Since its modern inception as a cabinet-level agency in 1979 under President Jimmy...

Month In Review | August 2025

[ Boulder County ] Boulder County Commissioners vote to approve a ten-year extension on an open space tax. This has upset many farmers and ranchers, who are dissatisfied with this decision because there is no language to protect them from the tax extension. This could lead to driving agriculture out of Boulder County.. Erie Town Council has approved the Erie Town Center Urban Renewal...

Editor’s Note | August 2025

Education and Regulation On Monday, I dropped my four-year-old off for the first day of school. Now in his second year of Colorado’s state-funded Universal Pre-K (UPK) program, he was greeted enthusiastically by his teacher and paraprofessionals before letting go of my hand and running inside—excited for three hours of learning and play with his friends. The classroom felt warm and alive...

YS Back to School Directory 2025

We’re online! Check out the most exhaustive education directory in Colorado: schools, extracurriculars, and plenty of resources! Schools Art Schools East Side Art Institute (720) 829-7225, Erie PO Box 44, Erie, CO [email protected] eastsideartinstitute.org Charles Burrell Arts Campus K-8: 303-340-0770, 875 Peoria St., Aurora HS: 303-340-1600, 11700...