Photo: Matt Stensland

Even in the dark of night, chalky smoke from the coal power plant looms over Craig, Colorado. For generations, coal has been a constant in this northwestern city. But by 2030, the Craig Station stacks will go quiet as Colorado shifts to renewable energy.

City leaders see a tight window of opportunity to build a new economic base, provide residents replacement jobs, and ensure the city’s survival. They hope Colorado Northwestern Community College will play a key role, retraining displaced workers and building a diverse job base. 

College leaders have embraced the city’s optimism. But limited funding for the college threatens that bootstrapping vision.

Alida Garcia is the vice president for advocacy at an immigration advocacy group known as FWD.us. Now more than ever, Garcia says she is "scared" for the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the people who count on it for survival.

Texas and eight other states are asking the court to end DACA. They argue the program is unconstitutional and forces states to bear extra costs from providing DACA recipients with services like education.