Colorado lawmakers may revive some bills vetoed by Gov. Jared Polis

Colorado lawmakers may revive some bills vetoed by Gov. Jared Polis

Gov. Jared Polis struck down a half-dozen bills to close this year’s legislative session. But a revived proposal to fight wage theft — potentially with his backing — shows that the defeats aren’t necessarily permanent. House Majority Leader Monica Duran, a Wheat Ridge Democrat, was one of the prime sponsors of House Bill 1008. The … Read more

Why DPS says it must close Denver schools to avert “full-blown crisis”

Why DPS says it must close Denver schools to avert “full-blown crisis”

Carrie Olson remembers the first time she was told Denver Public Schools would need to close schools because fewer babies were being born. She had only been on the Board of Education for a year or two when the state demographer predicted the difficult decision that Olson — first elected in 2017 — and her … Read more

Heat deaths of people without air conditioning underscore inequity

Heat deaths of people without air conditioning underscore inequity

PHOENIX, ARIZONA —  Mexican farm worker Avelino Vazquez Navarro didn’t have air conditioning in the motor home where he died last month in Washington state as temperatures surged into the triple digits. For the last dozen years, the 61-year-old spent much of the year working near Pasco, Washington, sending money to his wife and daughters … Read more

Many popular heat pump models recalled due to overheating risk

Many popular heat pump models recalled due to overheating risk

Several major brands have recalled certain heat pump models in Canada because they can switch from air conditioning to heating mode following a power interruption. The recall affects Daikin, Amana and Goodman brands. The recall doesn’t affect heat pumps installed for free through a P.E.I. government program for low-income homeowners, according to the province’s Department of Environment, Energy … Read more

Colorado lawmakers weigh new building style as fire chiefs push back

Colorado lawmakers weigh new building style as fire chiefs push back

As Sean Jursnick traveled through Europe, he marveled at its buildings. The Denver-based architect was particularly struck by a type of development that’s largely illegal in the United States: taller apartment buildings with just a single staircase. Such buildings often feature apartments or condos situated around a central flight of stairs, with front doors opening directly … Read more