Headlines – April 10, 2023

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AG Weiser Makes Statement On Abortion Drug Suspension

A judge in Texas issued a ruling Friday afternoon to reverse the Federal Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone, a medication used for pill-based abortions. The ruling could affect access to safe, legal abortions in states across the country.

Colorado State Attorney General Phil Weiser released a statement admonishing the decision, stating, “It is outrageous that one judge in Texas would suspend the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, which has been used safely and effectively for more than 20 years for abortion care and to treat miscarriages.”

Weiser’s statement also included reassurance that Coloradans would have ample access to the abortion medication despite the recent court ruling. Weiser made clear that Colorado is as involved as it can be in barring actions the FDA may take to diminish the availability of the drug.

Weiser ended the statement indicating that – quote – “Attacks on reproductive freedom will continue, and we will be vigilant in the fight for the right to access mifepristone and safe and legal abortion care in Colorado.”

Southwestern Tribe, U.S. Officials Reach Colorado River Deal

A Native American tribe in Arizona agreed to not use about a fifth of its Colorado River water rights until 2025 in a deal with the U.S. government made last week. In exchange, the Gila River Indian Community will receive $150 million plus over $80 million in funding for a water recycling pipeline. Officials are calling the agreement “compensated conservation.”

The partnership is part of a plan to lessen water use in seven drought-stricken states. Those states include Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico.

The funding comes from the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A total of eight projects in the Upper Colorado Basin Region will support water reclamation systems and replace aging infrastructure.

Historically Black Colleges Offer Transfers For Colorado Community College Students

Two historically black colleges and universities have signed an agreement with Colorado community colleges to make it easier for students to transfer to their institutions.

The Colorado Community College System is extending its ““Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program” outside of Colorado.

The Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program launched in 2020. The program guarantees community college students admission to four-year universities with full credit transfers for qualifying students.

Many of the state’s largest universities already participate in the program, which can allow students to save thousands of dollars in tuition.

Houston-based Texas Southern University and St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina became the first out-of-state universities to participate in the program.

While the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program does partner with in-state universities that are federally designated Minority Serving Institutions, the state of Colorado does not have a single Historically Black College or University.

New Behavioral Health Partnership Between UCHealth, Aurora Police

The City of Aurora is adding new emergency dispatch mental health clinicians to its two behavioral health crisis response teams.

Clinicians are either dispatched without police to answer non-emergency calls, or in emergencies involving violent or life-threatening situations, clinicians are paired with crisis-trained police officers.

The response teams were created to de-escalate crises stemming from issues like mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse. The teams responded to some 1,500 calls in 2022.

UCHealth has provided clinicians for the programs since January after the healthcare organization won a competitive bidding process.

Be Aware Of Increased Bear Activity In Spring

The City of Boulder is encouraging residents to plan for increased bear activity.

As bears come out of winter hibernation seeking food, the city encourages community members to use bear-resistant containers for outside trash and compost. Bear-resistant containers are mandatory West of Broadway and south of Sumac Avenue. Officials also say that residents should keep livestock–especially goats – secured overnight.

Preventing bears from seeking human food protects them from hazards such as power poles, harmful chemicals and losing their natural fear of people.

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