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Rae Solomon

@raedear1.bsky.social
509 followers 732 following 164 posts

Public radio reporter based in Colorado covering rural stories with an emphasis on climate, environment, energy, agriculture, economy, policy, housing and culture. Ex-architect

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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The federal Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights has opened an investigation into the JeffCo School District over alleged pattern of mishandling sexual misconduct allegation. My story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/10/07/f...
cpr.org
Feds investigate JeffCo Schools over handling of sexual misconduct allegations
The move is the latest escalation of ongoing legal battles between the district and the federal government.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Details of the first "federal school choice" program were released last week Colorado is the only consistently progressive state that has opted in. My story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/10/06/f...
cpr.org
Details of the ‘first federal school choice’ program are out. Here’s what it means for Colorado
The program would give big tax credits to people who donate money towards scholarships for a broad range of educational purposes including private school enrollment.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The soaring cost of diesel fuel is hitting school districts where it hurts: right in the transportation budget. My latest story for @npr.org aired on Morning Edition Friday. www.npr.org/2026/10/02/n...
npr.org
Some school districts switch to electric buses as diesel prices soar
School districts that drive long distances are navigating record high diesel prices in different ways. Some have transitioned to electric or propane buses to ease the pinch.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Boulder parents are suing the school district over alleged Open Meetings Law violations related to the school board’s plan to close 4 schools and reconfigure 12 others. My latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/10/01/b...
cpr.org
BVSD parents are suing over plan to close schools
The district is addressing declining enrollment, but a lawsuit says the board made decisions behind closed doors.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A delightful story about an annual track and field day for deaf and hard of hearing students across Colorado. My latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/09/29/f...
cpr.org
Balls and parachutes fly high at track and field day for kids who are deaf, hard of hearing
The annual event brings together kids with hearing loss from across the state
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The average cost of diesel in Colorado hit a record high of $6.22 a gallon this week. That dramatic jump is hitting school districts across the state where it hurts: right in the transportation budget. My latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/09/23/c...
cpr.org
The soaring cost of diesel means a bumpy road for school buses in Colorado
The cost of diesel fuel in Colorado hit a new record high this week
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The latest in Colorado school consolidation news: Boulder to close four schools, reconfigure/relocate a dozen others. My story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/09/23/b...
cpr.org
Boulder Valley School District plans to close four schools
The board approves the consolidation plan amid shrinking enrollment and pushback from parents.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
9/11 fundamentally changed the country’s approach to security, surveillance, privacy and the world order. But for younger generations it's just another chapter in their history books. My latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/09/11/9...
cpr.org
Twenty-five years later, the lessons of 9/11 are where the past becomes history
Students who were born years after the 2001 terrorist attacks grapple with what was once a national trauma.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Excited to share that today I start a new contract role as @coloradopublic.bsky.social's new Education Reporter! For at least the next few months I'll dig into everything from ECE to Higher Ed... and how ed systems relate to the important issues of our world. 📚🎒Tips to rsolomon@cprmail.org🎒📚
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Farmer Marc Arch's irrigation supply ran dry in April. His spring cropping plans went out the window. A crisis is brewing on farms across Colorado and lawmakers in Washington aren't helping. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/08/19/f...
cpr.org
A crisis is developing on Colorado’s farms and lawmakers aren’t helping
Heat, drought and input cost spikes are draining farmers dry as federal agriculture policy flounders.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
But can you blame him?
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
So, I'm also curious about pivoting to work in the climate space - climate solutions, climate tech, I have to see what's out there... Until I figure out my next step... it's been the pleasure of a lifetime to be part of the Colorado press.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
I'm very actively looking for my next opportunity. Hopefully it will be in journalism. But let's be honest about the state of industry right now.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Catch up on a few of the new laws that took effect in Colorado yesterday. My latest (and possibly last!) story for Colorado Public Radio. My contract expires today, which means my time reporting on CPR's politics and public affairs team is coming to an end. www.cpr.org/2026/07/01/c...
cpr.org
Several new state laws take effect on July 1
The laws cover gun regulations, conversion therapy and more.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
My story discussing how Hispanic voters will decide the outcome of the election in Colorado's 8th Congressional District... which could determine which party controls the U.S. House is airing on @npr.org's All Things Considered today. www.npr.org/2026/06/30/n...
npr.org
In Colorado, Latino voters will be crucial in deciding a toss-up Congressional race
The state's 8th Congressional District stretches from the Denver suburbs deep into rural areas. It's Colorado's newest district and approximately 40% of its residents are Hispanic.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
In Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, Hispanic voters will decide one of the most competitive races in the U.S. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social with @caitlynkim.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/06/29/h...
cpr.org
In Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, Hispanic voters will decide one of the most competitive races in the U.S.
The outcome could determine which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Erie's town council accepted a mineral rights deal on the controversial Draco well pad - a big oil and gas development in Weld Cnty that will drill 26 bores horizontally underground to tap reserves 5 miles east in Boulder Cnty. My story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/06/26/e...
cpr.org
Erie town council reverses course on controversial Draco Well Pad, narrowly approving a mineral rights deal with SM Energy
Council members revisited the deal they had rejected just one week earlier.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
@bentebirkeland.bsky.social and I were on @coloradopublic.bsky.social's Colorado Matters again on Friday to talk about what we found when we spoke to dozens of rural voters in Colorado. www.cpr.org/show-episode...
cpr.org
June 26, 2026: Megan Falley reflects on the afterlife in 'Searching for Jobie;' What's on rural voters' minds? | Colorado Public Radio
In mountain towns and plains communities, voters approach Tuesday’s primary with a unique agenda. CPR has been traveling the state to hear what’s on their minds. Then, Megan Falley, the widow of Color...
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Another story with @bentebirkeland.bsky.social for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social. We pried into the minds of rural voters in Colorado. No generalizations here... rural voters are a diverse, surprisingly nuanced bunch. www.cpr.org/2026/06/26/a...
cpr.org
As Colorado votes, rural voter politics could influence key races
Rural doesn’t necessarily mean conservative, and the opinions of these 10 voters run the gamut.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
@bentebirkeland.bsky.social and I teamed up again today to speak with @ryanhasaquestion.bsky.social on Colorado Matters about what we've been hearing from voters in the run up to next week's primary election. Well worth a listen. www.cpr.org/show-episode...
cpr.org
June 24, 2026: Voters weigh-in on primary; Young documentarians on family; One of the West's best chefs! | Colorado Public Radio
The primary election's next week. We're talking to voters about some of the tightest races. Then, two student filmmakers take on the subject of family: the one we're born into versus the one we choose...
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Less than one week to go before Primary Election Day in Colorado, the race to determine which Democrat will challenge Republic congressman Gabe Evans is heating up. My latest for Colorado Public Radio co-reported with @bentebirkeland.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/06/24/c...
cpr.org
Voters in CD 8 Democratic primary will pick opponent for Rep. Gabe Evans in tossup district
Democratic State Rep. Manny Rutinel of Commerce City  and former statehouse Rep. Shannon Bird of Westminster are locked in a heated primary race, vying to challenge Evans this fall.
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Jesse Aaron Paul @jesseapaul.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Colorado state budget picture improves — but not enough to reverse cuts to public services coloradosun.com/2026/06/18/c... #copolitics #coleg
coloradosun.com
Colorado state budget picture improves — but not enough to reverse cuts to public services
Legislative forecasters called it a “best case scenario” for the state budget, which still faces long-term financial challenges
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The lockout at the Cargill meatpacking plant in Fort Morgan drags on nearly a month later. Workers are getting frustrated, but remain behind the union. My latest story for Colorado Public Radio. www.cpr.org/2026/06/18/c...
cpr.org
Roughly 1,700 workers at the Cargill meatpacking plant in Fort Morgan remain locked out as labor dispute drags on
The lockout began on May 20 after workers rejected what they describe as a lowball offer from the company.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
CO's 8th congressional district just might have the most competitive race in the country this year. Dems consider it a key potential pick up that could flip the house. My story about what's top of mind for voters there aired on NPR's All Things Considered yesterday. www.npr.org/2026/06/16/n...
npr.org
Here's what's top of mind for Colorado voters in an increasingly rare swing district
In an era of partisan gerrymandering, Colorado's 8th Congressional District remains a toss-up. Voters, many unaffiliated, have a variety of opinions on what type of candidate they want this November.
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Reposted by Rae Solomon
Caitlyn Kim @caitlynkim.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The Senate failed to discharge Sen. Warnock's War Powers Resolution, 47-48. Three Ds did not vote, including CO Sen. Michael Bennet, and Sens. Booker and Sanders. 4 Rs voted in favor: Cassidy, Collins, Murkowski & Paul, while D Sen Fetterman voted against.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
No joke. I had to get special legal clearance from NPR attorneys to air that word in a national version of the story airing later this week.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
last October, I took a freelance assignment for The Sporkful covering the Taco Bell 50K. Ultramarathons not enough of a challenge for you? Throw in 10 servings of Taco Bell and then let's talk. Anyway. The episode is now out. Take a listen! www.sporkful.com/why-would-so...
sporkful.com
Why Would Someone Run 31 Miles While Eating Taco Bell?
And can they do it without puking?
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
I truly think it was my proudest moment
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
I covered the Boulder Jewish Festival this weekend, just over one year since a group of Jewish demonstrators were attacked with firebombs on Boulder's Pearl Street mall. My latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/06/08/3...
cpr.org
Grief, celebration and strong security at the Boulder Jewish Festival
One year after firebomb attack, Boulder’s Jewish community gathers to remember and celebrate.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
More Colorado primary coverage! Democratic governor's race and Colorado secretary of state's race, for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/06/06/c... www.cpr.org/2026/06/06/c...
cpr.org
Colorado Democrats gather to hear straight from their primary candidates
Gubernatorial candidates Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser headlined the event, answering questions from their fellow Democrats for 40 minutes.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
My story, with @bentebirkeland.bsky.social about the Colorado GOP gubernatorial primary debate got a nod from @lastweektonight.com with John Oliver! This is almost as exciting as my NPRmaggedon turn (iykyk). youtube.com/shorts/lIHQo...
youtube.com
Colorado Primary #lastweektonight
YouTube video by LastWeekTonight
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
This year, Colorado's GOP gubernatorial primary is... interesting. My write up of the debate, with @bentebirkeland.bsky.social for @coloradopublic.bsky.social is well worth the read. And if you don't believe me, ask @lastweektonight.com 😉. www.cpr.org/2026/06/03/c... youtube.com/shorts/lIHQo...
cpr.org
GOP primary debate goes off the rails
The GOP candidates for governor offered conspiracy theories, unverified heroic stories and a prayer in their only appearance together.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Falling behind on posting again! Colorado's 8th congressional district is the state's newest and most competitive US House district. It's rural. And urban. Nearly 40% Hispanic. And politically, all over the place. I talked to CD8 voters for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/06/05/8...
cpr.org
What voters in Colorado’s newest and most competitive congressional district are thinking about right now
The 8th Congressional District spans from the left-leaning urban Denver Metro Area into conservative rural Weld County and is considered a toss-up.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Vetoes, vetoes, vetoes! Or what Governor Jared Polis has been up to this week. A couple of my latest stories for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/06/03/p... www.cpr.org/2026/06/03/p...
cpr.org
Polis vetoes three progressive bills
A ban on surveillance pricing, arbitration reform and limits on plastic utensils were all axed by the governor.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Colorado voters will weigh school funding against Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) refunds, after Dem lawmakers passed a bill early Tuesday morning to put the question on the statewide ballot in November. My latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/05/12/v...
cpr.org
Colorado lawmakers ask voters to consider giving up TABOR refunds to fund schools
The question will appear on the statewide ballot in November.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
From bathroom breaks to extreme heat on the jobsite, federal labor safety regulations aren't protecting workers. Colorado lawmakers are trying to fill the void. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/05/11/c...
cpr.org
Colorado lawmakers consider worker safety amid rollback of federal protections
Three bills are all aimed at filling the void left by a weakened OSHA under the Trump administration.
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Caitlyn Kim @caitlynkim.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Colorado approves balcony solar, but approved units aren’t widely available yet www.cpr.org/2026/05/07/c... #copolitics
cpr.org
Colorado approves balcony solar, but approved units aren’t widely available yet
Gov. Polis signed a bill into law on Thursday making Colorado the third state to clear a path for plug-in solar kits.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
A bill to cut credit card swipe fees removing sales tax from the equation passed the CO leg. Lobbyists spent $600K+ on opposition ads. Supporters say it'll help small businesses and prevent banks from profiting off local taxes. My latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/05/06/c...
cpr.org
A bill to stop credit card companies from profiting off of local taxes passes the State Legislature
The legislation that reduces merchants’ swipe fees now heads to the governor’s desk with big banks in opposition.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Overcrowding in CO's prisons is forcing lawmakers to throw more $$ at prisons, even as the budget squeeze is cutting programs for CO's most vulnerable. 3 bills that could help: my latest for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social w/ @taydolven.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/05/01/r...
cpr.org
Colorado lawmakers pass bills aimed at reducing state prison population
It’s unclear if the measures will be enough to offset the need for reopening one or two prisons.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Colorado will remain a national leader in Right to Repair consumer protections after lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have weakened them. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/04/29/c...
cpr.org
State lawmakers stand up for Colorado’s landmark Right to Repair consumer protections
A proposal to weaken the laws was defeated in committee this week.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Governor Jared Polis is strongly pushing back against a proposal that would treat legislative staff in his administration like any other lobbyist. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/04/29/l...
cpr.org
Lawmakers advance bill to regulate state agencies, like lobbyists who try to sway legislation
Backers want more transparency around executive branch meddling with potential legislation.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Colorado has big geothermal potential. A bill advancing at the statehouse would encourage more development to tap into it. My latest story for @cprnews.bsky.social & @coloradopublic.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/04/23/g...
cpr.org
It’s full steam ahead for geothermal as bill advances at the Colorado Capitol
The proposal would clear barriers to geothermal development and give the industry a boost.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Colorado lawmakers have to squeeze $1.5 billion out of the state budget this year. Their proposals to do that will be felt by families across the state. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social & @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/04/22/h...
cpr.org
‘Not just numbers:’ Colorado’s budget cuts will have a human toll
Students, caregivers, immigrants, rural communities and parents will all feel the impact of Colorado’s $1.5 billion shortfall. Students, caregivers, and immigrants will all feel the impact of Colorado...
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Catching up from last week: Colorado state lawmakers vote to make it harder for farm workers to earn overtime wages. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/04/16/a...
cpr.org
Colorado lawmakers vote to strip farm workers of some overtime wage protections
It will be harder for farmworkers to earn overtime pay after Thursday's action.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The story also aired yesterday on @npr.org's Morning Edition and All Things Considered: www.npr.org/2026/04/15/n...
npr.org
Tamale Act aims to expand Colorado's list of homemade food that can be legally sold
Many kitchens in Colorado crank out steaming pots of tamales for sale -- but it's not legal. Lawmakers are trying to add it to the growing list of foods that can legally be sold.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Fallen behind on posting my stories recently 🫣, but here's the latest, for @coloradopublic.bsky.social Tamale Act now being considered at the Colorado State Capitol. www.cpr.org/2026/04/15/h...
cpr.org
This Tamale Act could throw open the door for more home kitchen entrepreneurs in Colorado
Home tamale businesses are the impetus for a new bill giving entrepreneurs a break from regulations.
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Tech glitches disrupt Colorado Democrats as they consider primary candidates. My latest story with @caitlynkim.bsky.social for @cprnews.bsky.social www.cpr.org/2026/03/17/c...
cpr.org
Tech glitches disrupt Colorado Democrats as they consider primary candidates
Frustrated delegates describe chaos, confusion and long delays in the assembly process
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Scammers steal billions of dollars from older adults every year. A bill that gives banks authority to protect them is now advancing at the Colorado statehouse. My latest story for @coloradopublic.bsky.social @cprnews.bsky.social gets into it. www.cpr.org/2026/03/11/s...
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Had the immense pleasure of dishing to the always fabulous @ryanhasaquestion.bsky.social about the latest doings at the Colorado statehouse for @cprnews.bsky.social @coloradopublic.bsky.social's Colorado Matters. www.cpr.org/show-episode...
cpr.org
March 6, 2026: What's left on state lawmakers' plate; DU Middle East expert on Iran; 'Raise the Curtain' with Annie Barbour | Colorado Public Radio
Whether you consider it half over, or half started, there's still a lot to tackle in the legislative session, from agriculture to AI. We get a halftime check-in from our public affairs team. Plus, ens...
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Rae Solomon @raedear1.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
My debut last week on @coloradopublic.bsky.social 's politics podcast Purplish was a chance to dive deep into Colorado Democrats' failed attempt this year to regulate neonicotinoid pesticides. www.cpr.org/podcast-epis...
cpr.org
A prescription for pesticides? Why lawmakers considered a novel approach to neonics | Colorado Public Radio
There’s a growing movement to restrict neonics, in the name of protecting public health and the environment. But farmers say that ignores agricultural reality.
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