Today’s top story comes from Brooke Stephenson, who continues her coverage of the federal job cuts under President Trump and the growing fallout for Boulder residents — particularly those who’ve suddenly lost their jobs without severance or access to unemployment benefits.
Dozens of NOAA scientists and federal workers based in Boulder were abruptly terminated, many without warning. One of them, Joe Sedlar, a former research scientist with CU Boulder’s CIRES institute, said he assumed the unemployment benefits he paid into would support his family during this time. Instead, his claim was denied.
Sedlar is one of hundreds of laid-off federal employees in Colorado now battling a confusing, inaccessible unemployment system. Multiple workers told Boulder Reporting Lab it’s nearly impossible to reach anyone — one even called it “a system that needs a ‘magic phone’ just to get help.”
“This system is really difficult,” said Jan Cartwright, a former USAID contractor now volunteering to help others navigate the process. Another Boulder resident said she’s bracing not just for income loss — but for the possibility of needing housing assistance.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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