The U.S. Department of Justice is making headlines with its recent request for a significant amount of election data from Colorado. The DOJ is asking for "all records" related to the upcoming 2024 federal elections and is also urging the state to keep any remaining records from the 2020 election safe. This move has raised eyebrows among experts and officials, who describe it as unusual and worrisome, especially considering former President Trump’s ongoing false claims about elections.
In addition to the election data request, public opinion on Trump’s deportation policies is showing mixed signals. A CBS poll reveals that 54% of people approve of his approach to deportation, while a Quinnipiac poll finds that 56% disapprove. This discrepancy highlights the unpredictable nature of public sentiment on the issue. Experts point out that while many support deportation, there is a distinction between deporting hardened criminals and hardworking community members. This division could give Democrats an opportunity to unify their messaging on immigration as the Trump administration pushes its agenda further.
On another front, the Trump administration is planning to roll back restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants. These plants are the second-largest source of climate pollution in the U.S., just behind transportation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) argues that U.S. power plants contribute a small and declining share of global emissions, around 3%. Critics, however, warn that this rollback could exacerbate climate issues, especially as Americans face the consequences of a warming planet, including severe storms and wildfires.
In higher education news, a proposed Republican bill aims to hold colleges accountable for student loan debt. The plan would require universities to take some financial responsibility if their graduates struggle to repay loans. If passed, this could save the government an estimated $6 billion over the next decade. However, some colleges are concerned about the data requirements needed to implement this plan.
As part of Climate Solutions Week, NPR is focusing on the urgent need for effective strategies to cope with climate change. This year’s hurricane season is particularly stressful for residents in areas still recovering from last year’s storms. Experts are sharing advice on how to prepare homes for potential flooding, emphasizing the importance of building materials and flood insurance.
In other news, the SAG-AFTRA union has recently suspended its nearly year-long strike against major video game companies, which had halted much of the production process. Additionally, music legend Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys has passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that shaped modern pop music.
These developments reflect ongoing challenges and changes in politics, climate action, and the arts, underscoring the dynamic nature of current events in the United States.