Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Holly Shrewsbury

hollyshrewsbury@gmail.com

720-320-0097

Michael Dougherty Condemns Governor Polis’ Veto of HB26-1255, Stands with Evergreen Students, Teachers & Law Enforcement

BOULDER, COLO. — Thurs., May 28, 2026 — District Attorney and candidate for Colorado Attorney General Michael Dougherty released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis vetoed House Bill 26-1255:

“Governor Polis’ veto of HB26-1255 is deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity to help prevent future acts of violence.

This bill was created in response to the tragic shooting at Evergreen High School. Students, teachers, parents, survivors, law enforcement, and legislators came together with one goal: to save lives by helping law enforcement respond more quickly to credible threats posted on social media before violence occurs.

HB26-1255 was a commonsense public safety measure.

The bill focused on requiring social media platforms to report specific and imminent threats to local law enforcement when users violated platform policies in ways that raised credible safety concerns. It also reduced critical delays in the judicial warrant process, shortening response times from weeks to hours so law enforcement could intervene faster during emergencies.

Days matter. Hours matter. Lives depend on it.

As a prosecutor, I know firsthand that early intervention can prevent tragedy. This legislation would have provided law enforcement additional tools and time to interrupt violent acts before they happened and better protect our schools and communities. That’s why I team up with Sheriff Reggie Marinelli on it, when we spoke after the shooting at Evergreen High School.

What makes this veto especially painful is that this bill was driven by courageous young people and educators who turned unimaginable trauma into action to protect others. The Evergreen students and teachers who advocated for this legislation showed extraordinary leadership, strength, and determination.

They deserved better.

We cannot change the past. But we can build a safer future, and that requires listening to survivors, supporting law enforcement, holding social media companies responsible to the law, and taking practical steps to prevent violence before it happens.

I stand with the Evergreen community, the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who supported this bill, and every student, parent, and educator demanding stronger protections for Colorado communities.”

Community members, students, educators, and supporters of HB26-1255 will gather Friday at a rally urging continued action to protect schools and communities from future violence.

Michael Dougherty has supported Senate Bill 25-86 and Senate Bill 26-11 for these same reasons.

About Michael Dougherty

Michael Dougherty currently serves as Boulder County District Attorney. A career prosecutor with nearly 30 years of experience, Dougherty has handled thousands of cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, and complex fraud. He previously served as Colorado’s Deputy Attorney General and led the Sex Crimes Unit at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office as Deputy Chief of the Sex Crimes Unit. Throughout his career, Dougherty has focused on protecting communities, standing up for victims, and ensuring justice is applied fairly. He is focused on public safety, defending constitutional rights, and delivering real results for Colorado families.

For more information, visit www.michaelforag.com. Follow him on social media:

Facebook: @MichaelDoughertyCO, Twitter/X: @MDoughertyCO, Instagram: @michaelforcolorado, and TikTok: @michaelforcolorado.

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Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

For Immediate Release

May 20, 2026

Shannon Carbone

303-441-3804

scarbone@bouldercounty.gov

Boulder County, Colo. – District Attorney Michael Dougherty is responding and pushing back on a congressional inquiry from House Republicans targeting Colorado communities (including Boulder, Colo.) over state immigration laws, calling the effort political theater that ignores serious failures within the federal immigration system. Dougherty believes that this country needs secure borders and that immigrants convicted of a crime should be subject to deportation with due process.

Dougherty emphasized that his office prosecutes violent criminals regardless of immigration status and follows Colorado law while prioritizing public safety. Our office also fights for the rights of immigrants. Victims of domestic violence and sex assault should be able to call 911 without fear that they will be deported as a result of calling the police. And prosecutors should be able to prosecute cases to completion before ICE swoops in, deports a defendant, and denies justice for our community.

“Local district attorneys do not write federal immigration law. Congress does,” Dougherty said. “If Washington politicians are serious about immigration enforcement and public safety, they should focus on fixing the broken federal system instead of attacking Colorado prosecutors who are doing the real work of protecting communities.”

The inquiry comes just weeks after Dougherty’s office secured a guilty plea to all charges and a Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) sentence against the perpetrator of the deadly Boulder firebombing and antisemitic hate crime attack that injured numerous victims and killed 82-year-old Karen Diamond.

The defendant in that attack was reportedly in the United States illegally after overstaying a visa.

“I am committed to fighting for public safety, supporting victims, and doing justice. Congress, on the other hand, has been accomplishing remarkably little. Also, federal systems failed to stop the firebomber before innocent people were harmed, even when his attempted purchase of a firearm was denied due to his immigration status,” Dougherty said. “After the attack, I worked with our law enforcement partners, fought for the victims, and secured justice.”

Dougherty said the case highlights the disconnect between political rhetoric coming from Washington and the real work being done by prosecutors on the ground.

“Congressional politicians can send letters and hold press conferences,” Dougherty said. “My office is the one that prosecuted this violent offender, secured a life sentence without parole, and stood with victims throughout this horrific case.”

The District Attorney’s Office will continue focusing on violent crime prosecution, victim advocacy, and community safety.

Our office is committed to our public safety efforts for all people in Boulder County, and we will continue to fight for all community members, regardless of immigration status.

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Colorado — Families whose loved ones have been killed, harmed, or devastated by systemic injustice across Colorado will gather for a press conference on Monday, November 17th at 5:00 PM at Aurora City Hall (15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO). This press conference will take place immediately before the Aurora City Council meeting. This meeting marks the first in-person meeting since public access was restricted in June.

The location is intentional. Aurora remains one of the most egregious examples of state violence and systemic harm in Colorado’s recent history. From police brutality to institutional failures that have left families without answers and without justice, Aurora stands as ground zero for the crisis we are naming. This moment demands public presence, public accountability, and public truth.

At the press conference, families will stand in solidarity and speak at their discretion to offer a lived reality of the ongoing injustices that have plagued this state, reminding Colorado that behind every case is a stolen life, a grieving family, and a community still fighting for justice that has yet to be lived out.

Joining them will be the legal counsel representing these families, some of the nation’s most respected in civil rights litigation. Their unified stance underscores a powerful truth: the top legal minds in the country recognize the depth of this crisis and are committed to challenging the systems that are failing Colorado’s communities.

Community advocates and organizers will also speak, outlining urgent demands and a path forward:

1. Demand for Meaningful Enforcement of the Aurora Consent Decree
Speakers will call on Attorney General Phil Weiser and his team to convene an immediate strategic session with the City of Aurora to formally acknowledge what communities already know: the consent decree has not produced improved outcomes for Aurora residents.

2. Call for Preventive State Legislation on Police Violence
The press conference will urge the Colorado Legislature to proactively adopt a legislative package focused on preventing police violence and not merely responding to it after harm occurs.

3. Message to the Newly Elected Aurora City Council
Speakers will remind new council members that they were not elected to return Aurora to the past or maintain the current broken conditions. They were elected to usher in a new era of leadership that is grounded in community wisdom, transparency, and a commitment to transformative change.

Colorado is at a critical crossroads. Families, legal experts, and community activists are coming together to declare that justice has been delayed far too long. This press conference unites the community to stand for change that Colorado can no longer postpone.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

MiDian Shofner, CEO (303) 525-6461

The post Press Conference Aurora: An Epidemic – Colorado’s Crisis of Injustice appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

988 Colorado Engages with Communities Statewide for Awareness of Mental Health Resources

Sept. 5, 2025

DENVER, CO- Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed Sept. 8, 2025, as 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day in Colorado, part of the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado). September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health, recognizing the warning signs for suicide and promoting mental health resources and support. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in Colorado last year there were 20.83 suicide deaths per 100,000. To facilitate connections and encourage open conversations this month, 988 Colorado is engaging in-person with communities across the state.

988 Colorado is the state’s primary crisis and mental health line, connected to a national network of local contact centers offering free and confidential assistance to people feeling overwhelmed, panicked or out of control, to experiencing suicidal thoughts or anything in between. Anyone seeking mental health support can call or text 988 or live chat 988Colorado.com for free, 24/7.

“Our work to ensure every Coloradan has access to high-quality health care includes access to necessary mental health support. 988 Colorado is an important resource for many Coloradans and remains a critical part of Coloradans’ health care network, helping us to thrive. I encourage Coloradans to call 988 if you need support,” said Governor Polis.

“988 Colorado is more than a phone number. It’s a movement to build a culture of mental health support across our state. Whether through high-profile activations, statewide campaigns, or one-on-one conversations, we are committed to ensuring that every person in Colorado knows that help is just three digits away,” said 988 Colorado Director Gordon Coombes.

988 Colorado September Events: Meeting People Where They Are

In advance of 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day, and throughout the month of September, 988 Colorado will be showing up in communities to meet people where they are and lift up voices representing our diverse population.

• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado is partnering with Colorado State University (CSU) Rams Athletics for the home-opening football game at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins against the University of Northern Colorado. The game also coincides with Ag Day at CSU, presenting a powerful opportunity to connect Colorado’s agricultural community. 988 Colorado will have a pop-up 988 Radio Lounge with special appearances by CSU student athletes to engage people in a positive, approachable way.

“College can feel like a constant state of pressure. Whether it’s classes, practices, or just life, it can be a lot. Talking about what you’re going through isn’t weakness, it’s strength. It’s okay to not be okay,” said Charlie Dortch, CSU basketball player.

• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado and Southern Ute Behavioral Health will host the 988 Youth Skatedeck Art Paint Party from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Local youth are encouraged to attend this community event to paint their own skateboard deck. The youth artwork will be created into stickers and displayed in community spaces. Supplies, food and beverages will be provided.

• Sept. 7: 988 Colorado will support Fiestas Patrias at Arapahoe Park, a community event with booths, food and live music from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Sept. 8: 988 Colorado will mark 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day with a video campaign sharing voices from around the state about why mental health matters and why 988 Colorado is so important. On September 8, visit 988 Colorado Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts to see this video.

• Sept.13: 988 Colorado will support the community at Denver’s Out of Darkness Walk at Berkeley Lake Park starting at 9:00 a.m. This family-friendly event raises awareness for suicide prevention and honors lives lost to suicide.

Recognize the Warning Signs

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little

• Feeling like you have to keep busy

• Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications

• Lack of energy or always feeling tired

• Trouble focusing or remembering

• Anger, feeling edgy, or lashing out at others

• Changes in behavior like isolating or taking risks

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988Colorado.com to live chat.

Media Resources

• 988 Colorado Dashboard: Provides members of the public with usage information.

• 988 Colorado Media Kit: Assets in English and Spanish to help build awareness for 988 Colorado. Includes Official Proclamation for 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day, logos and messages to accompany stories pertaining to mental health.

About the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line

The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado) is the easy-to-remember three-digit number that allows anyone concerned about an emotional, mental health or substance use concern to be immediately connected with a trained specialist who will listen without judgment. 988 is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988Colorado.com to live chat.

About the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise

In preparation for the launch of 988 in Colorado, Senate Bill 21-154 established the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise in the Department to:

• Impose a 988 surcharge and a prepaid wireless 988 charge;

• Fund the 988 crisis hotline;

• Work with third parties to provide crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care;

• Authorize and issue revenue bonds payable from the newly created 988 Crisis Hotline Cash Fund; and

• Adopt, amend, or repeal policies to regulate its affairs.

The enterprise is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Governor.

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