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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

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A potent winter storm is thumping 1,500 miles of the US. Two more are right behind it; Amid scientists' warnings, Trump admin. sued over medical research cuts; Mississippi communities find local solutions to rural education challenges; CT groups rally against gas pipeline expansion.

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President Donald Trump approves 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. Democrats who oppose dismantling the agency have been denied access to the Department of Education. And some places buck policy trends on sex education and immigration.

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Medical debt, which tops $90 billion has an outsized impact on rural communities, a new photography book shares the story of 5,000 schools built for Black students between 1912 and 1937, and anti-hunger advocates champion SNAP.

Cost of living tops Denver lawmaker’s priorities

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Tuesday, February 4, 2025   

Addressing Colorado's rising cost of living and protecting clean air and water are priorities for Democratic Representative Emily Sirota of Denver in the current legislative session.

Sirota recently introduced House Bill 1090 to regulate so-called junk fees charged by landlords.

The bill would protect tenants from getting bills that can add hundreds of dollars to their monthly rent, for things such as valet trash service, internet service, surcharges on rent payments, pest control and more.

"All sorts of additional fees are being added to folks' bill," Sirota pointed out. "We think if landlords want to charge those fees, they should be reflected in the rent."

Some see junk fees as deceptive and unfair trade practices, because landlords advertise one price to lure renters, but the price is not what they will actually have to pay. Industry groups argued fees are necessary to recoup hard costs and added out all fees are listed in black in white before tenants sign their leases.

Sirota has also introduced House Bill 1011, a measure to add guardrails as private equity firms buy up child care operations, firms already disrupting housing and health care markets.

"And really has been to the detriment of consumers in those sectors because their traditional business model is to increase prices or fees and drive down wages," Sirota observed.

The Trump administration has once again abandoned a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly 10 years ago to combat climate change, and has instead promised to ramp up fossil fuel production and remove environmental protections. Sirota believes state lawmakers still have a role to play.

"We are trying to make sure that Colorado is able to protect its air and water and meet our climate goals, as we see this being unwound federally," Sirota explained.


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While states such as North Dakota stand to lose roughly $3 million in medical research funding cuts under a Trump administration budget cutting move, neighbors like Minnesota could lose a lot more, with an analysis projecting more than $117 in funding losses. (Adobe Stock)

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A lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration over its budget-cutting plans targeting medical research led by colleges and universities…


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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission emphasized the need for thorough safety evaluations and regulatory approvals before the Palisades plant in Michigan can be safely restarted. (Holtec International)

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A northwest Texas family is waiting to hear from agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a recent traffic stop. Jose is in the country …

 

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