Residents in the Capote Lake drainage area of Archuleta County are under an evacuation warning, according to the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office.

This warning includes the entire U.S. Highway 151 corridor and roads accessing Highway 151 between U.S. Highway 160 and Arboles. River levels are rising, and the sheriff's office said flooding is possible in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Officials warned residents to expect localized flooding, submerged riverbanks and dangerous swift-water conditions. They advised people not to walk, play or camp near any riverbanks and warned against driving through flooded roadways. The sheriff's office also urged residents to keep pets away from rising water, secure property in low-lying areas and move equipment or outdoor items to higher ground if necessary.

The warning was issued because officials said there is a high likelihood an evacuation order could become necessary due to rising floodwaters. Residents were advised to arrange transportation, confirm evacuation plans, gather important items and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.

People with disabilities and those with large animals should leave now, officials said.

The sheriff's office warned drivers to expect increased emergency vehicle traffic in the area.

The final update on a wildfire that burned more than 100,000 acres, destroyed hundreds of homes and forced multiple Colorado communities to evacuate this summer was issued Friday by incident command.

Firefighters reported that no remaining heat has been detected by unmanned aircraft scanning the fire footprint.

Containment has reached 94%, though incident command clarified that a cool perimeter does not mean a fully contained fire. A fire must be completely encircled by secured lines that are expected to hold under most conditions to be considered fully contained, incident command said, not just cool and quiet.

Crews still need to remove weakened trees, reinforce control lines, and ensure the perimeter will hold under future dry, windy weather. This careful, methodical work protects communities and firefighters and often takes longer than visible fire activity might suggest, incident command said.

Watch below: Colorado report finds Aspen Acres Fire was sparked by tree falling onto power line

Colorado report finds Aspen Acres Fire was sparked by tree falling onto power line

Steep, difficult terrain filled with dead trees has made containment efforts difficult. The remaining uncontained sections of the fire are located in one of the most hazardous environments in wildland firefighting, incident command said.

Firefighters expect full containment to be reached once measurable snow remains on the ground for an extended period in the uncontained area.

Crews are now focused on removing equipment from fire lines and clearing hazardous trees along containment lines, roads and trails.

Smoke is not expected to have a significant impact.

The Aspen Acres Fire Closure Order was reduced Friday, Oct. 23, though firefighters urged caution when entering the burned area.

Falling trees and limbs, loose rocks, unstable ground, trail obstructions, and an increased risk of rockslides or landslides remain hazards within the burned area.

The cause of the fire was determined earlier this month after investigators concluded the blaze stared when a tree fell on a power line.

READ MORE: Colorado report finds Aspen Acres Fire was sparked by tree falling onto power line

Colorado report finds Aspen Acres Fire was sparked by tree falling onto power line

Evidence that the report uses to make its case includes eyewitness accounts, fire effects, fire patterns, and the actual aspen tree resting on a power line with burn marks.

According to a state report, the tree was blown over by high winds and fell onto overhead power lines. Investigators said the impact forced the lines to within about 3 feet of the ground, where heat from the line and melting aluminum ignited nearby vegetation.

Evidence that the report uses to make its case includes eyewitness accounts, fire effects, fire patterns, and the actual aspen tree resting on a power line with burn marks.

The Aspen Acres Fire began on June 29. As of the final update, it had burned 102,007 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District. The purpose of this order is to is to protect public health and safety after the Aspen Acres Fire.

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The Colorado Springs International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is asking the public to help protect the Fallen Firefighter Memorial and keep it clean.

In a post on social media, the IAFF said that they are experiencing issues with people camping on the grounds and also leaving behind trash and graffiti on the memorial.

"We are asking for the communitys help in protecting this sacred space. If you see anyone vandalizing, damaging, or disrespecting the memorial grounds, please report it. We encourage everyone who visits or passes by to help us keep a watchful eye on this special place," the post reads.

Kent Smith with Local 5 told KOAA that they don't just want the memorial to look nice, but they want to "protect the legacy" behind the names.

"Behind one of those names on the wall is a person who sacrificed for other people," Smith told us.

"This memorial belongs to the families of our fallen brothers and sisters, the fire service, and our entire community. Together, we can ensure it remains a place of honor, reflection, and remembrance," the post reads.

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Community feedback is reshaping a year-long redesign of West Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs, where city planners have removed cement barriers and scaled back center pedestrian refuge areas at crosswalks.

The project includes lane realignment, parking adjustments, and new pedestrian options. Protected crosswalks were added last month, and they have since been altered based on public input.

"Recently we made some adjustments to what we had initially implemented, and this is just that ongoing iterative process of testing what's working, what's not working as well as was originally anticipated," Ryan Phipps, Colorado Springs capital improvements manager, said.

The cement barriers that were part of the original crosswalk design are now gone.

"Basically what we heard was that concrete barrier, although it was just temporary, was obscuring some of the visibility for pedestrians, you know, especially shorter pedestrians because it's just a solid wall of concrete," Phipps said.

Center pedestrian refuge areas have also been scaled back, a change driven by feedback from first responders.

"There were times when vehicles were trying to pull out. The way for first responders to come through and they were kind of creating a blockade where the pedestrian refuge was. So we've removed that to ensure that fire and police have the access that they need up and down Colorado Avenue," Phipps said.

Planners say the changes are not necessarily correcting mistakes, but rather finding better options.

"It's all just kind of tweaking and balancing. That's why this test phase is so important is to really feel and see how this works," Phipps said.

Businesses along the corridor are watching the changes closely. Centennial Cuts sells prime Colorado beef and depends on customer access.

"All of our cattle are raised on our ranch in Fowler, Colorado, 3rd generation. We sell it here at our single brick and mortar store," Joe Kliche, the manager of Centennial Cuts, said.

The store's Colorado-created products are popular among locals and tourists, so its managers are paying attention to the changes to roads, parking, and walkways along Colorado Avenue.

"I do like how there is a center lane for parking for loading and unloading that's very helpful," Kliche said.

Store managers thought there would be more additional parking, and reactions to the crosswalk changes are mixed.

"It was a little weird in the middle of the street with all of the, like the stanchions or whatever coming up," Kliche said.

The latest updates represent a reset of this portion of the trial. City planners are now looking for more feedback to see if the changes are working.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.___

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Todays Forecast:

Clouds will start to clear later on this morning. Sunshine will move in around 10AM for I-25. A cold front will push through the area from the west and will create some lift for additional thunderstorms further east. A few storms may pop up along I-25 further south. Afternoon highs will still be warm eventually reaching the 70s.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 73; Low: 47.

Colorado Springs will have temperatures in the 50s this morning. Clouds will clear throughout the morning and will help to warm temperatures. Afternoon highs will get into the 70s. This cold front will move through during the day and into Saturday morning. This will drop temperatures as we head into the weekend. Highs on Saturday will only get into the 50s.

Pueblo forecast: High: 80; Low: 52.

Pueblo will have morning temperatures in the 50s. With a little more sunshine in the forecast it will help temperatures to get back into the 70s by this afternoon. A cold front will move in today and will create some lift for storms further south. Pueblo will mainly see more clouds move in, but there's about a 10%-20% chance of rain on the south side of town. Rain chances will really ramp up once we get into the weekend.

Canon City forecast: High: 75; Low: 49.

Canon City will have temperatures in the 50s this morning. We will see some clearing with the cloud cover. By the time we get into the afternoon, there will be a chance for a couple of showers. Rain chances remain around 20-30%. The majority of the area will still stay dry, but don't be surprised to see a couple of sprinkles. Afternoon highs will still be warm getting into the mid-70s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 58; Low: 39.

Woodland Park will have temperatures this morning in the 40s. The sun will be out today, but some more clouds will move in once we get into the afternoon. This cold front is already starting to move through portions of western Colorado which will bring some rain chances this weekend. Highs will drop significantly into the 50s.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 69; Low: 43.

Monument and the surrounding areas will still have some chilly temperatures this morning in the 40s. There will be more sunshine today and temperatures will still be warm. A cold front moves in today and will drop temperatures on Saturday. Highs will only make it into the 50s.

Plains forecast: High: 70s & 80s; Low: 50s.

The eastern plains will still have some active weather today with thunderstorms moving back into the area by the evening hours. The first part of the day will still be nice with some sunshine. Afternoon highs will reach the 70s and 80s. This is the last day of warm temperatures before they take a nose dive over the weekend.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 73/74; Low: 49.

The southern portion of I-25 will have temperatures this morning in the 50s. There will still be some sunshine this morning and into the afternoon. Expect this to be the warmest day over the next 7 days. This weekend will have a big drop in temperatures with highs in the 50s.

Mountains forecast: High: 60s; Low: 30s.

The mountains are still dealing with some lingering moisture. There is still some flooding in the southwest part of the state. It may take some time to see these water levels go down. Avoid the southwestern mountains this weekend. Highs will also drop this weekend.

Extended outlook forecast:

Looking ahead to next week, conditions look much calmer. Plenty of sunshine throughout the week and partly cloudy skies. Temperatures will warm each day and be a little more seasonable for this time of year. Highs will be in the 60s. For an early look at Halloween, temperatures will likely be in the 50s and 60s. So far conditions look dry, but this could still change before we get there.

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Two suspects were taken into custody after a raid and five-month investigation into a narcotics drug trafficking organization, Colorado Springs police say.

Police say 188 pounds of methamphetamine, about 37,000 fentanyl pills, two pistols, one rifle and a large quantity of cash were seized Thursday during the bust.

The police department's metro narcotics team identified six people operating and conspiring to distribute large amounts of meth and fentanyl, authorities say. Search warrants were conducted at four homes in El Paso County with the Drug Enforcement Administration's assistance.

One suspect was taken into custody in Colorado Springs. Another suspect was taken into custody in New Mexico by a drug task force that includes state police, Santa Fe police and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators are working with federal partners to identify other co-conspirators.

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As Colorado Springs grapples with housing affordability, rising costs and the need for good-paying jobs, the regions economic future will take center stage at the 30th annual UCCS Economic Forum on Oct. 28.

The event, hosted by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs College of Business, will bring together business, government and industry leaders to discuss economic development, the defense industry, tourism and the regional economic outlook. Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corp., will be a panelist at the forum and said it offers residents an opportunity to better understand the economic forces affecting their daily lives.

I think it's important for us to all remember that Colorado Springs is open for business, Reeder Kleymeyer said. Good paying jobs lead to a strong economy in our community and lead to an economy that affects the individuals.

The forum is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS on Oct. 28. A welcome reception is planned from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. The program will include a plenary session on economic development in the Pikes Peak region, panel discussions on the defense economy and tourism, and an update on the regions economic outlook, according to the university.

Since its beginnings as the Southern Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum in 1997, the annual event has served as a resource for residents, business leaders and policymakers seeking data and analysis about the regional economy. Reeder Kleymeyer said the region has diversified its economy over the years, with aerospace and defense remaining its largest primary industry alongside cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. But she acknowledged that local families and businesses continue to face economic challenges.

We see headwinds just like in most of the country, she said. You know, families are struggling, so jobs are important to a strong economy and a strong tax base.

Business growth and local budgets

Among the challenges facing the region are local government budget deficits and the rising costs of infrastructure and public services, including roads, transportation, utilities, parks, fire protection and law enforcement.

Reeder Kleymeyer said one way to address those needs without relying on higher taxes is to expand the local business base.

Rather than charging more taxes, we should grow the pie and you can do that by adding businesses to our economy, she explained.

According to Reeder Kleymeyer, the Chamber and EDC, working with city and county partners, has announced 44 companies since 2022. Those announcements represent 6,700 new jobs and more than $2 billion in capital investment. She pointed to the ripple effects of business investment, including construction employment and increased spending at local restaurants, shops and other businesses.

Those are construction jobs, she added. Those are people going to the doctor. Those are people using education services. This is how we keep a strong economy.

Reeder Kleymeyer highlighted two companies as examples of the regions economic development efforts.

Accu-Precision recently announced plans for a new facility in the area, representing 127 jobs and $65 million in investment, she said. She also cited BlueStaq, a Colorado Springs-headquartered cybersecurity company that has grown from fewer than two dozen employees five years ago to hundreds of employees, with its Colorado workforce expected to exceed 500.

Reeder Kleymeyer said a diverse mix of employers helps the region weather economic changes because different industries may perform differently during periods of inflation, offshoring or other disruptions.

Every employer would tell you it is about the employees that work for them, she said. They're here because we have strong talent in our region, we need to continue to find opportunities for that talent to stay right here in Colorado.

Housing affordability remains a concern

Housing affordability is another issue expected to figure prominently in discussions about the regions economic outlook.

Reeder Kleymeyer said the area has added multifamily housing, helping increase supply and give renters more options. However, she said additional options are needed for people seeking to purchase single-family homes at affordable prices.

The first thing to remember is a home is where a job lives, so that's a person, she said. And we want to be sure that homeownership can be realized for all people in the Colorado Springs metro area.

She also called for a closer look at the costs and regulations involved in building new homes.

Reeder Kleymeyer said some requirements can add more than $30,000 in costs before construction begins, citing measures such as making homes ready for electric vehicle charging or solar panels. She questioned whether all such requirements are appropriate for homes intended for lower-income buyers. The Chamber and EDC plans to advocate for what Reeder Kleymeyer described as responsible regulation and a balance between safety requirements and affordability. As state lawmakers prepare for the next legislative session in January, she said the business community will emphasize increasing housing supply, shortening permitting times and reviewing requirements that add costs without compromising safety.

The way to be able to lower home prices is to increase supply, she stated.

Reeder Kleymeyer also pushed back on perceptions that the region is growing too quickly, saying residents should examine the data and consider the employment opportunities growth can provide.

If we want our children to be able to stay here, if we want opportunities for those of us that are either exiting the military and want to stay employed in our region or those that want to make changes in their job status or want to move up in what their employment opportunities are, we have to have a thriving economy, she said.

She added that the region needs smart growth to pay for infrastructure and maintain public services without continually asking existing residents to shoulder higher taxes.

Defense, data centers and the future

The forum also comes as Colorado Springs continues to assess its position as a major defense and national security hub.

Reeder Kleymeyer recently traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, with a delegation of 90 people to examine the citys economic development strategies and build relationships between the two communities. Both cities have strong workforces and significant defense-related assets, she said, arguing that their economic success should not be treated as a competition.

Huntsville doesn't have to fail for Colorado Springs to win, and Colorado Springs doesn't have to fail for Huntsville to win, Reeder Kleymeyer said.

She said both communities must plan for future opportunities and remain competitive for new military missions while supporting the military families and civilian employees who serve the country. Other potential discussion topics include inflation, fuel prices, industrial site readiness and data centers. Reeder Kleymeyer said data centers raise questions about how communities can accommodate the infrastructure needed for digital services while addressing residents concerns about whether such facilities are the right fit for their neighborhoods.

I think these are all topics that are important to discuss, she added.

The university describes the Economic Forum as a community resource that tracks key economic indicators, analyzes local and national data and provides expert commentary to help citizens, businesses and civic leaders make informed decisions. For Reeder Kleymeyer, that emphasis on data and open discussion is particularly important at a time when public debates can become polarized.

Finding good data, learning good information, sitting down and having discussion and debate and learning maybe a different opinion or a fact that you didn't know only helps us be a more well informed community, she said.

She encouraged residents to attend the forum, hear from economists and other professionals, and use that information to form their own conclusions about the regions economic future.

Come and hear from the experts, she said. Come and hear the data that's being shared from economists at UCCS and other professionals, and then make your own informed decisions.

Registration information and additional details about the 30th annual UCCS Economic Forum are available at business.uccs.edu/economic-forum.

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Southeast Colorado Springs has historically recorded the lowest voter turnout in El Paso County, and some residents say finding convenient voting options can be a challenge.

As of Oct. 21, just 9.79% of the 46,184 registered voters in City Council District 4 had cast a ballot, compared with 15.27% countywide.

Judy Thorbahn, who has lived in southeast Colorado Springs for more than 40 years, says voting has always been a priority. But this election, finding a convenient place to drop off her ballot proved difficult.

I'm a regular voter. I vote, president, city, Thorbahn said.

Thorbahn initially went to the Sand Creek Library, expecting to find a ballot drop box.

I went to the Sand Creek library and there was no Dropbox and then I went inside and she said, no, we don't do that here, she said.

Unsure of the correct drop-off location and not wanting to drive farther, Thorbahn went a different route

I just went ahead and mailed it in because I wasn't sure about the address, she said.

El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker says the county is working to make voting more accessible, including in southeast Colorado Springs.

We're gonna have a total of 41 voter service polling centers open, VSPCs, which are in-person vote centers, and that is the most we have had in El Paso County for any election ever, Schleiker said.

Five voter service and polling centers serve southeast Colorado Springs, offering residents additional options to cast their ballots in person.

The locations are:

Southeast Branch (EPC Clerk's Office): 5650 Industrial Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80916 Deerfield Hills Community Center: 4290 Deerfield Hills Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80916 Family Success Center Pikes Peak United Way: 1520 Verde Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 Sand Creek Library Pikes Peak Library District: 1821 S. Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80916 Victory World Outreach: 3150 S. Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80916 For the full list click here.

Schleiker said the five centers account for 12% of the county's 41 locations. Additional centers nearby include locations at Fort Carson, the Zalman Center at Harrison High School and Redemption Hill Church.

I am grateful I wasn't aware that they had voting centers, Thorbahn said.

Although District 4 has historically had the county's lowest voter turnout, Schleiker said he has seen encouraging signs of increased engagement in southeast Colorado Springs.

During the primary every single precinct in the southeast and theres 29 of em where they went higher in voter turnout in the primary than the last one and I anticipate the same thing because I see a lot of engagement down there southeast strong, Schleiker said.

The county hopes expanded access and additional voting locations will help more residents participate in the election.

In addition to in-person voting, the centers will offer replacement ballots and accessibility assistance.

Schleiker said language assistance is also available at every voter service and polling center.

Every one of my VSPC centers has a tool called Pocketalk and we can translate up to 76 different languages, Schleiker said.

The centers will open in phases. Twenty-one locations are scheduled to open Oct. 30, with the remaining centers opening Nov. 2. The county says staggering the openings helps match staffing and resources to when more voters are expected.

For Thorbahn, clearer information about voting locations and available services could make the process easier for residents across the southeast.

Her message to fellow voters is straightforward: make a plan and participate.

Get out there and vote, send your ballot in, whatever it takes, but do your duty, Thorbahn said.

Tonight's Forecast:

A few more showers are expected for the Pikes Peak Region, Pueblo county and the plains are expected for Thursday evening. Overnight lows will drop into the 40s and 50s for most across southern Colorado too. The San Juans and the southwestern corner of state will continue to see heavy rainfall with flooding and mudsldie risks. There is some flood watches, severe thunderstorm watches and even a few flood warnings active over that region.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 51; High: 73;

After another mild evening with a few showers, Friday will be warmer than average again with a few early morning showers ahead of a break during the afternoon when things will dry out for a bit with a dash of sunshine. Wind will be elevated with a cold front moving through ahead of the weekend.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 55; High: 81;

Another mild day is ahead for Pueblo with a few on and off showers throughout the day. Winds will be elevated with evening showers expected as well. Then, the bigger changes move in for the weekend with cooler temperatures and moisture expected.

Canon City forecast: Low: 54; High:75;

Canon City has a day of 70s expected to wrap up the week with a break in the moisture arriving by Friday afternoon. The break doesn't last for long though as a cold front and more moisture flow arrives Friday night and into the weekend.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 43; High: 56;

Temperatures above seasonal averages still continue to Friday with on and off showers. Then, the weekend cools with cool rain and even some snow expected.

Plains forecast: Low: 60; High: 83;

The end of the week is still warm with a few stray showers. Depending on how things set up, the plains could see some decent rainfall for the weekend as temperatures drop off with strong wind.

Mountains forecast: Low: 41; High: 59;

The San Juans and western slope continueto see heavy rainfall with flooding risk into Friday and the weekend. Snow lines will likely drop after a cold front moves through for the weekend too.

Extended outlook forecast:

Winds will pick up for Friday and into the weekend up to 40 or 45 MPH across the area. Early Saturday morning a cold front will move through Colorado too. That's going to drop our temperatures by a fell 10 or 15 degrees to sit below averages. Tropical moisture flow shifts east and brings in more moisture for southern Colorado too. Total accumulations across the area could be between .10" to .75". Next week will dry out with more seasonal temperatures back in the forecast.

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With less than two weeks until Colorado voters decide who will be the state's next governor, Denver7 sat down with the Democratic nominee vying for the position, Attorney General Phil Weiser.

The full interview with Weiser, where topics ranged from water issues to the state budget, is transcribed in this article.

Election day is Nov. 3.

Read more of Denver7's stories on Colorado politics here Watch the full interview with AG Phil Weiser below: Note: This video and the following transcript were edited for clarity full Weiser interview.mp4

Colette Bordelon: I've heard people say Attorney General basically means almost governor or something of the sort.

Phil Weiser: Yes, I've said that. I believe that. I do.

Colette Bordelon: What do you think of that little colloquialism?

Phil Weiser: There's not a better job in state government to understand all the agencies, all the issues, and to work with the people of Colorado directly. Take the opioid crisis, for example. Identified this challenge, saw that big pharma had fueled it, got back close to a billion dollars, worked with local governments, created a framework to make sure that money was spent well, it's been rated the best framework in the U.S. from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health all the way to John Oliver, and over the last couple of years, we've seen over 20% decline in opioid overdoses. That's problem solving. That's my government leadership, and that's type of leadership I've proven I can bring to the governor's office.

Colette Bordelon: It is Saturday, Oct. 10. We are less than a month away from Nov. 3. How are you feeling?

Phil Weiser: I'm feeling both good about the campaign we've run, and disappointed that I'm running a campaign against someone who's not showing up for any debates, any unscripted appearances. We had the one time on stage together, and he got the questions in advance and read the answers. I don't believe democracy is well served when people stay in their own bubbles, when they don't answer questions or engage the public. That's why, in both my primary campaign and my general election campaign, I went all across Colorado with a real simple message: I'm here to listen to, to serve, and get things done for the people of Colorado.

Colette Bordelon: Did you also get those questions in advance?

Phil Weiser: I did.

Colette Bordelon: What was your reaction? Had you gotten questions in advance prior in any of the debates, forums, town halls that you had done?

Phil Weiser: No, no. I've been in forums in Colorado Springs, in Grand Junction. I've been in forums in my primary campaign. I've been in forums in this very studio, and they don't give you the questions in advance. In this case, by the way, I think they also had a moderator change too. All because I take it, my opponent Victor Marx doesn't want to go outside his comfort zone. But here's a problem: If you're governor, you're going outside your comfort zone, and you have to be ready to show up. People deserve to know who you are, deserve answers. That's why my campaign is about showing up, serving the people of Colorado.

Colette Bordelon: You have been campaigning all across the state, but I'm interested to know if you were chosen as Colorado's next governor, how would you work with state lawmakers?

Phil Weiser: My mindset and what is, again, the almost governor part of the AG job is, I've been doing this. Colorado lawmakers have worked with me on a range of laws, and the relationship is fundamentally a collaborative one. My question to lawmakers when they have an idea is, 'What problem are we trying to address? How can we best address it?' When I come to them with an idea, 'I've got a concern about privacy, protecting privacy of Colorado citizens. I've got some ideas on how to address it. What do you think?' That's what collaboration looks like. That's how we get better public policy.

Colette Bordelon: I did an interview with Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, and she said that if you are elected as governor, Colorado will be wishing to have Gov. Jared Polis back. What is your response to that statement from Ms. Boebert?

Phil Weiser: Did she say what she meant by that?

Colette Bordelon: She, I know, on primary night, I also talked to her, and I was curious to know how she was feeling as the results were rolling in, and she was saying she wished [Sen. Michael] Bennet would have had this nomination.

Phil Weiser: I don't know what Congresswoman Boebert is thinking about how I'm going to be as governor, but I would say she's got a bigger problem. She could lose her race because Eileen Laubacher is running an incredible campaign. She's a rear admiral, and she is showing up for rural Colorado, and what I can tell all of the Fourth Congressional District I will show up for you. I've been showing up for the Fourth Congressional District. The reason she's in a tough campaign is, sometimes, people are sick of the drama. They want people to focus on getting results. Eileen's going to do that. I'm going to do that.

Colette Bordelon: How many lawsuits have you filed against the Trump administration as of today?

Phil Weiser: Eighty-seven. We're bordering on 90 at this point.

Colette Bordelon: I've heard some critiques saying they believe those lawsuits were politically motivated. What is your response to that?

Phil Weiser: Let's say Lauren Boebert says that my lawsuits are politically motivated. I would say to her, 'Which lawsuits should I not have filed?' It's easy... easy to make that statement, but then what's hard? Look down the list. The last one I filed, and it's typical. This federal government is denying us money for unemployment insurance. It's money that we're entitled to. It's money that will help people at a vulnerable point in their lives. Why are they denying it? We don't know. There's no basic reason. There's no justification in law, so if Lauren Borber or someone else said, Phil, why are you doing this? It's political. I'd be like, 'Are you serious? Colorado needs this money. We're entitled to this money.' When I talk to even the most conservative business leaders, I'd make the following point: If you have a contract, and the person you're contracting says, 'You know what? We got the goods from you, but we're not going to pay you for it.' Would you say, 'Okay, we'll give up the money,' or would you say, 'That's wrong? I'm going to fight back for what's right.'

Colette Bordelon: I also did an interview with District Attorney Michael Allen, running for your current spot right now as Attorney General, and I asked him out of the lawsuits you had filed if there would be one that he could point to that he would drop, or that he would not litigate. And at first, he said he didn't want to get into specifics. Then he did point to the Space Command lawsuit, after I mentioned that he had brought it up on Jeff Hunt's show. What do you think about the Space Command lawsuit? Does he have any leg to stand on when he says he would be dropping that because he believes the president has the power to move Space Command, and we shouldn't be involved in that decision?

Phil Weiser: Sadly, if Michael Allen is saying that I am bringing lawsuits that are political, or I shouldn't have brought the Space Command lawsuit, he's making the case why voters shouldn't support him. Let me tell you why: In that same lawsuit, we're protecting NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research. It's a crown jewel for Colorado, and you know what, we've had a successful litigation. NCAR is protected because of litigation, both by us and a parallel lawsuit. Also, in that same lawsuit, you know what we found in discovery? And this is jaw-dropping: A White House meeting called for the purpose of, 'How do we punish Colorado?' So, if anybody, Lauren Boebert or Michael Allen, have an attitude (of), 'we're not going to be a check on a lawless federal government,' my answer is: You're not doing the job to fight for Colorado, because when Colorado's harmed, whether it's threats to our elections or not getting money that we deserve, I believe in standing up for what's right and fighting back.

Colette Bordelon: What would be the primary difference between a Gov. Weiser within the Colorado State Capitol and Gov. Polis? What would be the primary difference between these two?

Phil Weiser: There are probably a few different points. I want to focus on one that's meaningful to me: It's around social media and big technology companies. I have pushed for oversight and accountability of big tech. We know that kids are hurting, and that social media platforms are doing things that hurt our kids, making it easier for kids to get access to guns and fentanyl. I pushed a bill that would have had real accountability and oversight on social media companies. Gov. Polis vetoed that bill. As governor, I'll sign it.

Colette Bordelon: That segues nicely into the Meta settlement. I talked with Lori Shott on the day that that settlement came down, and one of the things that struck me is, she said that you called her before the news broke and you talked to her. Is that emblematic of how you treat people on the other end of these lawsuits?

Phil Weiser: It's really important to bring up Lori and her courage. Lori lost her daughter Anna, who died by suicide, and I've talked to other parents who've lost kids to suicide, or as we talked earlier, about opioids and fentanyl. And what I promise is, when I'm serving the people of Colorado, we need to make sure everyone is treated with respect and that we're partners together. Lori's leadership inspires me. And so, as we think about questions like, how do we make sure the money that we get from that settlement is spent well, how do we make sure we protect our kids, how do we make sure that Meta is following the commitment made, having partners like Lori who see things from the ground? It's essential.

Colette Bordelon: That segues nicely into AI, regulating AI. That was something that we did see lawmakers work alongside Gov. Polis to do. Are there any other regulations you would like to see Colorado take on when it comes to artificial intelligence?

Phil Weiser: I want to make one point on this because it's really important. Artificial intelligence and new technologies can be used for good things or bad things. Here's a bad thing: Helping corporate landlords fix prices, engage in collusion that jack up rents. Say here in Denver, and there was a study from the White House, the Biden White House, that said it was over like $130 per month that rents were going up because of using this technology in a way that's for bad. I would ban that sort of harmful technology. That's the challenge we have with AI. How do we channel it for so much possibility, innovation, new jobs, making life better, and how do we make sure we have the right guard? That we don't do things that make life more expensive in the case of rents going up or harming kids, like through AI chatbots.

Colette Bordelon: We saw also in the state legislature this year two different data center bills that were essentially competing data center bills. Both died. I'm curious, which side of the coin do you fall on when it comes to those different pieces of legislation?

Phil Weiser: My view on data centers is a common sense view, and I've said I want this to be the first bill that we get done because last year we ended up getting close, but we didn't get a bill at all. And there's three critical guardrails we need. First, I don't want communities having data centers shoved down their throats. If they don't want a data center because it's noisy and interferes with community, we don't need to have it there. Second, electricity rates need to be protected. Consumers shouldn't be paying for the energy for data centers. These companies should. And finally, how do we make sure we are consistent with our clean energy commitments, protecting our water? A great example of a data center that could meet those three goals is Northwest Colorado. We're closing coal plants. People in Hayden, people in Craig are going to lose jobs in coal plants. But what if we have a data center powered by geothermal energy, where they can employ those losing jobs in coal plants? That is a win-win opportunity. That's type of data center development that makes sense for Colorado.

Colette Bordelon: If you are Colorado's next governor, you are inheriting quite an interesting predicament with the budget situation, especially when it comes to our state Medicaid program, which is growing at a faster rate than any of the portion of the budget and taking up roughly a third of that cost. I believe it was said in the last meeting with HCPF that if it continues at this rate, it would crowd out most other spending by the year 2040-ish. Are there any ideas you have to ensure that Medicaid spending is reined in while still not hurting the families who rely upon those services?

Phil Weiser: You have put your finger exactly on the challenge. How do we identify where we can save money, where we can operate more efficiently, where we can prevent wasteful spending while recognizing Medicaid supports care, often for the most vulnerable. This is going to be one of the most important and challenging things I have to do. Let me tell you how I'll approach it. First off, the legislature now has this Medicaid commission. They're looking for ideas on how to do this. I will be a partner, like I mentioned earlier collaborator in how we figure this out. I'll make sure I'm listening to families on the ground and ask them that question. We get to be transparent. We can't keep Medicaid spending the way it is. What can we do to check this spending so that it doesn't take over our state budget? And then we got to try some experiments to see what works. I am a big believer that if we are listening to one another, we're trying different things, we can take on these challenges. This is going to be a big one for us.

Colette Bordelon: I believe you are in support of Proposition NN, but I'm curious: Some Coloradans are concerned about how that would impact our TABOR refunds, taking them away entirely, and then also with this not being a permanent thing, how it would play out in the future. What would you say to those concerned voters when they're looking at Proposition NN and thinking, "Wait, this is my TABOR money, and what about the government spending, and what's going to check this in a few years?"

Phil Weiser: I've got a few important comments about NN: The first is we have underfunded education in Colorado through what was known as the BS factor, which I know this is a family show. It means budget stabilization. This is a $10-billion hole, a hollowing out of education. We're paying our teachers less than surrounding states do. We've got bigger class sizes, fewer school days, and we've taken away career and technical education or youth mental health services. We got a lot to do to bring our educational system to where it needs to be. That's number one. That's my first reason to vote for it. Second, to your point, I am committed to effective oversight and ensuring that we do get real results that we spend this money smartly, and I'm going to make sure that we build a plan from the grassroots up about how we invest in our kids' future, so that taxpayers know your money is going to our kids' future. I believe, done correctly, investing in our kids' future is the best investment we can make.

Colette Bordelon: The Front Range Passenger Rail issues that we saw on the ballot. I'm curious, why should voters have faith in this system with such a mistake that's been made?

Phil Weiser: I haven't taken a position on Front Range Passenger Rail, and I know voters are asking, does it make sense at a time when I feel squeezed to put more money into it? Those questions are ones that include: Part of it's already funded. Why would you build another fund base before you've actually built out the first part? I understand those questions. I'm asking them. I'm going to come to rest on this issue, but I've not taken a possession on position on that issue yet.

Colette Bordelon: Would you agree to mandatory cuts when it comes to dry years related to the Colorado River?

Phil Weiser: This is an important and subtle question. So I'm not going to go into negotiations, making cuts that are somehow not warranted under the law, or that are us giving up our rights in a way that is disadvantageous. And here is our reality: We have less water than we had 10 or 20 years ago. That's because of climate change. We have increasing population. We can't deficit finance water. So what we need to do, and what my leadership will bring, is a new mindset. Water is a precious resource. We should treat it that way. We shouldn't leave reservoirs open to evaporation loss, we should cover them with solar panels, cutting evaporation loss by as much as 40%. We should be asking: Can we xeriscape more lawns here in Denver so that we're saving water? Can we reuse water again and again in more effective ways? And how do we smartly store water? So, we need leadership on water because we have less of it because it's essential to our lives here in Colorado.

Colette Bordelon: What will be your stance on the Worker Protection Act? I know that's coming back this next session with Gov. Polis having vetoed it twice. Obviously, it would eliminate that second vote in the unionization process here in Colorado. What would you do if this bill came across your desk?

Phil Weiser: What I've said on this is, I do believe we need to change what is an antiquated Labor Peace Act that makes it harder to organize. And the way that we make this change, this gets back to the first point about being collaborative, is to bring the business community and labor together and ask questions, which is, 'What do you need, and what can you give up? How can we work together to get to a better solution?' So that's how I will get to how we change our state labor law, how we deal with the fact that there are real concerns about Colorado's not as competitive as we need to be.

Colette Bordelon: There was a yes or no question I asked during the debate, and I knew you and Senator Michael Bennet really wanted to expand upon it, and I didn't let either of you. So I'm going to let you do it now. Should Colorado continue overriding local control to build more housing?

Phil Weiser: This is a very important point because if you're thinking about my goal to build 40,000 more starter homes, homes that teachers know they can afford to live in communities like Denver or Jefferson County, homes that young people could buy at an earlier age. It used to be, you could buy a home at age 30 or so. That's actually how old I was when I bought my first home in Colorado. Now that number is 40 and rising. So we have an imperative here. There is often this, as you put it, binary choice: Do you override local control or respect it? And it's not quite so easy. There is an intermediate point, which is: Do you create some guardrails, things like allowing people to build ADUs on their homes, or we don't have developers have to have parking minimums. But also, the state can be a leader by showing the way, by providing incentives, encouragement, setting goals. We need to build more of that type of dense housing, think townhomes, condominiums, and we need to make sure it's at a price point that works. So I'm going to provide leadership where I lean in, work with willing localities, and create a culture of, 'Hey, we're working to meet this goal together.'

Colette Bordelon: I'm curious. When you were younger, did you know you wanted to get into politics?

Phil Weiser: No, my younger self would have said, 'I'm committed to public service,' and as recently as 2016, my commitment would be, 'I am rooting for Hillary Clinton to become president, and I'll go join a Hillary Clinton administration,' like I joined a Bill Clinton administration, like I joined a Barack Obama administration. But 2016 for me, like a lot of people, was a game changer. For those who understand the theory of the multiverse, we're in the wrong timeline because for me, the right timeline would have been she won that race. She didn't. I had to think, what do I do to serve, and that's what put me on this journey to run to be attorney general, now running to be governor. And what's been amazing for me is my mindset went from appointed service at the federal level to elected service at the state level, and for that I'm grateful because serving the people of Colorado at the state level in elected capacity is so meaningful. Just like you said for Lori Shaw, I get to know people who are affected by the issues I work on, whether it's social media, the opioid crisis, a proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, and I know those people by name. I know their communities. I know who I'm fighting for. This is incredibly meaningful work to me. It's why I want to keep serving in elected office as Colorado's next governor.

Colette Bordelon: Would you have three words to describe what what kind of governor you would be if sent to that seat by Coloradans?

Phil Weiser: I will be collaborative. I will be innovative, and I will always respect the people of Colorado, treating them authentically, transparently, and always honestly, I believe in service. That's my why.

Colette Bordelon: The Department of Justice is suing Denver over what federal government claims is an unconstitutional mask ban targeting federal agents and other law enforcement officers. That ordinance signed into law earlier this year bans immigration officers wearing face coverings. Is that actually an unconstitutional law based off of your understanding of this?

Phil Weiser: This administration is pushing envelopes right and left. The fact that they have law enforcement officers breaking from best practice, wearing masks in almost all cases, really, to me, is a problem from sound law enforcement and undermines public safety. Denver, California did this too. They are taking important safeguards, safeguards that I'm doing my best to defend. There are legal issues that are raised here, and there's public policy issues here as well. My view is we don't want masked rogue agents, we need transparent, trustworthy law enforcement. That's the principle I'm going to keep fighting for.

Colette Bordelon: Do you ever get tired?

Phil Weiser: I have a lot of energy.

Colette Bordelon: I did, during our primary election when we were interviewing with certain candidates in this one-on-one kind of a format, You participated in the debate, so I did not do this with you. I did ask people for a fact that voters wouldn't know about you, like a fun fact.

Phil Weiser: I mentioned before the theory of the multiverse, alternative timelines. What I didn't say then, which I will share with you now, in one alternative timeline, I'd be a sportscaster doing play-by-play, maybe on TV, maybe on radio. That's what I did in college for baseball, basketball, and football. And I'm still a huge sports fan. Things could have gone that way. Instead, here I am in public service.

Colette Bordelon: Also, I think it was CPR a few years back, did a cool piece asking what the mayoral candidates you know how the mayor has that little spiel that they say on the DIA train. (CORRECTION: The Colorado Sun did the DIA train story)

Phil Weiser: Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

Colette Bordelon: If you got to do a spiel over, like, an Avs game...

Phil Weiser: Well, can I do Nuggets?

Colette Bordelon: Yeah.

Phil Weiser: Okay. Nuggets fans, we're experiencing the Nikola Jokic experience it's once in a lifetime. Enjoy this incredible Colorado leader who represents us at our best. We look out for one another. We help others win. We root for one another. Jokic, we love you. Enjoy, fans.

Campaign ads are blanketing screens and mailboxes across Colorado, and some voters say they're overwhelmed but many aren't giving up on doing their homework before Election Day.

Sarah Hagedorn, a professor of political science at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, answered questions about what candidates and outside groups can legally say in their ads and what voters can do to separate fact from spin.

Hagedorn said when it comes to policing campaign ads, the courts have largely stepped back leaving voters to sort through the claims on their own.

"That elected official has to prove that these direct mail piece, these ads that whoever was paying for them, whoever put them out was misleading, was intentionally trying to inflict malice upon them, that they knew it was false and they still ran it. So courts for the most part have thrown these cases out so it really is upon us as voters to kind of look at these and see them," Hagedorn said.

She said even the most aggressive attacks in campaign ads are typically rooted in some element of fact.

"When we're seeing attacks on candidates, at the base of that has got to be something that some campaign worker found that is based in fact. It may be overblown, it may be extra, but it is going to be based in some sort of fact. There's nothing that says you cannot make those bold claims against your opponent," Hagedorn said.

Not every ad is created by a candidate. Some are produced by outside groups supporting or opposing a candidate or a ballot initiative and those groups are not always easy to identify.

"What comes out though is sometimes those committees are just a bunch of words together that we have no idea what they stand for and that unfortunately falls upon us as voters and then the media to help us kind of sift through that and find out who is paying for these ads," Hagedorn said.

Hagedorn pointed to several websites that can help Colorado voters track campaign finances, including TRACER, OpenSecrets.org and Ballotpedia.

"They do a really good job of kind of breaking down those ballot initiatives and showing who's supporting it and who's opposing it, which is a really good clue for voters," Hagedorn said.

At a Vote Early Rally, voters said the flood of messaging from both parties can feel exhausting but they're pushing through it.

"I have voted Republican and Democrat in the 48 years I've lived here. I get information on my phone, my email, television. I am bombarded by so much hate mail from both parties that I'm just absolutely disgusted," Jeanie McIntyre said.

McIntyre said it's up to each voter to go beyond the noise.

"I think there's been propaganda on both sides. You have to do your education. You have got to go out and do your own research to find out does this agree and align with what I think. There's a lot of issues out there right now that are very confusing, so it's important," McIntyre said.

Nancy Briley said she took a more direct approach.

"I have met with my local state representatives. I have a pretty good idea of what I'm voting for," Briley said.

Carrie O'Hara said she believes voters are rising to meet the challenge.

"I think voters are more sophisticated than a lot of campaigns give them credit for. I think there's a deliberate effort to try to deceive voters on some of these props, but I do believe that people are more interested in getting educated this time around," O'Hara said.

Watch KOAA's story about the No Kings Vote Early Rally: Hundreds rally downtown to push Southern Colorado voters to the polls

Families can leave with a bag of candy and a better idea of where to turn for support at Pikes Peak United Ways fourth annual Trunk or Treat.

The free event runs Friday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Family Success Center. Despite the name, the celebration will take place indoors, with families visiting tables offering candy and information about community resources.

There will also be a pumpkin patch in the cafeteria, with pumpkins donated by Care and Share. Costumes are encouraged but not required, and families do not need identification or documentation to attend.

Bobby Gomez, senior director of community impact for Pikes Peak United Way, said the event helps families build connections before they find themselves needing assistance.

We don't necessarily want families to have to navigate any crisis nor any situation alone, Gomez said.

The annual celebration typically draws more than 700 people, according to Gomez. Beyond trick-or-treating, it gives parents a chance to meet neighbors and learn about support available close to home.

I really do hope that they walk away with a sense of pride and, and just that dignity to know that they're able to provide this for their children and that we're here to provide it as well with them, Gomez said.

ARCHULETA COUNTY, Colo. People living along several rivers in southwestern Colorado were ordered to evacuate Thursday due to the threat of flooding in the area.

The alert from officials in Archuleta County and the Town of Pagosa Springs urged residents living near all low-lying and flood prone areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo, and Piedra rivers to evacuate immediately as as critical weather conditions continue to impact flooding behavior, Pagosa Springs officials said in a news release.

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Residents were encouraged to pick up sandbags at the Archuleta County Building at 1122 Hwy. 84 and the Tara Community Center at 333 Milton Ln, in Arboles.

Please expect localized flooding, submerged riverbanks, and unsafe swift-water conditions, the alert from county officials stated.

Warnings ranging from a severe thunderstorm watch to flood watches and warnings are in effect for much of southwestern Colorado through late Thursday night.

As of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, minor flood had been reported for about five to 10 homes west of South Fork in Rio Grande County, per a preliminary storm report published by the National Weather Service.

This is a breaking developing news story. Stay with Denver7 for the latest.

RICHMOND, Va. Virginia State Police are asking for help in locating relatives of Edward James Donegan, 74, of Colorado, who was found dead along Interstate 95 in Richmond, Virginia, on Oct. 4.

Investigators have been unable to notify Donegan's next of kin.

"Troopers responded at approximately 5:42 p.m. that day to southbound Interstate 95 near Chamberlayne Avenue after receiving a report of a deceased individual. Donegan was located in a wooded area approximately 30 feet from the roadway," a Virginia State Police spokesperson said. "Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to locate and notify his next of kin. State police are releasing his name in the hope of reaching a family member so his loved ones can be notified."

The investigation is ongoing.

"The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. No foul play is suspected," police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Virginia State Police Division 1 dispatch at 804-750-8758 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

This is a developing story, so check back with WTVR.com for updates. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have info, photos or videos to share.

Throwing away a store receipt in a trash can outside a business could give thieves the information they need to steal merchandise and resell it online, Colorado Springs police warn.

The Colorado Springs Police Department's Metro Retail Pawn and Metal detectives issued the warning after two people were arrested in an Oct. 14 investigation involving suspected shoplifting, counterfeit receipts and merchandise allegedly sold on Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces.

According to a police blotter entry, detectives responded around 11 a.m. to a retail store in the 7100 block of North Academy Boulevard on Oct. 14 after an asset protection employee reported tracking two suspected prolific shoplifters. About 30 minutes later, the suspects allegedly attempted to steal merchandise after passing all points of sale. The asset protection employee stopped the suspects, who left a cart of merchandise behind and exited the store. Detectives located their vehicle in the parking lot and searched it, finding a machine used to make fake receipts, counterfeit receipts, a large amount of new, boxed merchandise suspected to be stolen and suspected illegal drugs, according to police.

Investigators also recovered receipts believed to have been taken from trash cans outside retail stores. During a police interview, one suspect admitted to stealing merchandise and selling it on Facebook Marketplace, the blotter said.

Derek Wilson, a public information officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department, said discarded receipts can provide thieves with a way to make stolen merchandise appear legitimate.

When you throw your receipt away in the trash outside of a local retailer, there are criminal elements that are watching and or coming back after the fact, Wilson explained.

Thieves can retrieve receipts from the trash and use them to attempt returns for merchandise they never purchased or claim items as their own when leaving a store, Wilson added. They can then resell the merchandise for profit. Police recommend shoppers hold on to their receipts and throw them away at home rather than in trash cans outside retail businesses. Wilson said retail theft can have consequences beyond the businesses directly affected.

Those retailers have to pass along the lost cost to the law-abiding consumer, so it comes back around no matter what, Wilson said.

Red flags when shopping on Facebook Marketplace

Police also are warning consumers to be cautious when buying new, unopened merchandise through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp.

A low price does not automatically mean an item is stolen, but Wilson said shoppers should be wary of deals that seem unusually good.

If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, as the old adage says, it probably is, he said.

Wilson recommends asking sellers questions about the merchandise, including when they purchased it and whether they have the original receipt or other proof of purchase. Other warning signs include pressure to complete a purchase immediately, prices significantly below retail and seller profiles with little history or ratings that are all recent.

Another thing that some individuals will tell us is that they felt pressure to kind of buy now, that this won't last long, that you've got to take advantage of the offer, Wilson stated. If something feels suspicious, seems suspicious, if you feel that pressure, take a pause, do some research, ask questions, and if need be, contact local law enforcement.

Consumers should also review seller ratings and verify that the account has an established history, Wilson said. If a transaction appears suspicious, shoppers can report their concerns to the online platform and local law enforcement. Wilson recommends preserving messages, emails and text conversations with the seller, along with any available identifying information and details about the transaction. For in-person exchanges, police recommend meeting in a public place. Wilson said shoppers can also consider meeting in a police station or substation parking lot, where security cameras may provide additional protection.

Suspects face charges

According to the CSPD blotter, detectives recovered 30 grams of suspected powdered fentanyl, 81 grams of suspected psilocybin and 131 grams of suspected marijuana during the Oct. 14 investigation. Police recovered $851 in merchandise and returned it to the retailer. Investigators also found a truckload of additional merchandise they planned to return to other local retailers as the businesses were identified.

Nicole Buttery, 47, and Jarrod Davis, 37, were charged with money laundering, forgery and theft, according to police. Detectives anticipated additional drug charges following laboratory testing. Wilson said police are working to address retail theft through enforcement and public education.

We want to educate the community. That's part of why we're having this conversation, and we will enforce when necessary, he said.

His advice to consumers is straightforward: pay attention to warning signs, ask questions and trust their instincts before completing a purchase.

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Todays Forecast:

This morning temperatures are warmer sitting into the 50s and 60s. That moisture has finally arrived to Colorado and widespread rain is impacting the mountains. For I-25, isolated rain chances will last throughout the day. There is a possibility of some thunderstorm activity further south across Pueblo county this afternoon. Highs will still be warm despite the cloud cover.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 72; Low: 50.

Colorado Springs is sitting in the 50s this morning. These warm temperatures will last into the afternoon and highs will reach the lower 70s. Isolated rain chances are possible later on this afternoon. These warm temperatures will last into Friday before a cold front moves in and drops temperatures over the weekend.

Pueblo forecast: High: 77; Low: 53.

Pueblo is waking up to temperatures in the lower 60s this morning. Even though temperatures are warmer, a rain jacket or umbrella is not a bad idea to grab as you are headed out the door. Rain will move into parts of Pueblo county this morning and chances will remain through the afternoon. Highs will reach the upper 70s.

Canon City forecast: High: 73; Low: 53.

Canon City will have temperatures this morning in the upper 50s. There is some rain moving into parts of Fremont county this morning, and these rain chances will last into the afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 70s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 63; Low: 48.

Woodland Park will start the day with temperatures in the 40s. A few isolated showers will move east into Teller county throughout the day. Despite the increased clouds and rainfall, temperatures will still make it into the lower 60s.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 67; Low: 51.

Monument is steering clear of showers this morning, but these chances are still possible this afternoon. Temperatures this morning are sitting in the 50s. Highs will reach the upper 60s later on today. This evening those temperatures will dip into the lower 50s.

Plains forecast: High: 80s; Low: 50s.

With this ridge in place, conditions will stay warm across the plains. Afternoon highs will reach the 80s. A few stray showers are possible today. Once we get into the evening, temperatures will drop into the 50s. Cooler temperatures won't arrive until the weekend.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 74/76; Low: 53.

The southern portion of I-25 has some rain moving in from the west. I-25 may have some wet spots, and rain is expected to continue this afternoon. Highs will still be warm getting into the mid-70s by the afternoon. Cooler temperatures will eventually move in by the weekend.

Mountains forecast: High: 60s; Low: 40s.

The mountains will get the bulk of the moisture over the next several days. Flood watches are in place through Friday at noon. Rainfall totals between 2-4 inches are possible. Afternoon highs will reach the 60s today.

Extended outlook forecast:

Looking ahead, temperatures will remain warm. Friday will likely be the warmest day of the week before temperatures take quite the dip. A cold front will move in late Friday and early Saturday morning. Along with the cooler temperatures, moisture moves back in which means more rain for portions of I-25. These cooler temperatures will stick around throughout the weekend and into the beginning of next week.

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TCA and Vista Ridge will square off for the girls 4A state championship after they each picked up wins during Wednesdays semifinals.

TCA is headed back to the flag football state championship for the third consecutive season, but will be defending a title for the very first time. Vista Ridge is making its first appearance in the state championship game.

It will be the second meeting this season between the Wolves and the Titans. TCA won the previous matchup 35-20.

The state championship game will be played on October 24 at Trailblazer Stadium with a start time of 4PM.

No. 1 TCA 19, No. 4 Green Mountain 13 The Harter sisters paved the way back to the state championship for TCA. Reagan Harter caught three touchdown passes from Kelsey Peterson while Kennedy Harter added an extra point and a crucial fourth quarter interception.

Green Mountain got on the scoring started at the beginning of the second quarter with a short quarterback keeper for the touchdown. TCA responded with Petersons first touchdown pass to Reagan in the back corner of the end zone. The Titans only successful extra point attempt of the game followed that touchdown as Kennedy Harter caught a short pass and reached across the goal line to even the score at 7.

The defending champs opened the quarter with a strong offensive drive. Peterson hit Brooklyn Blair along the left sideline good enough to move the chains. Later on the drive, Peterson felt the pressure of the defense and heaved it downfield for Reagan who made a contested catch along the sideline and took off with no one to stop her from leaping into the end zone for her second touchdown of the night.

Peterson and Reagan found that same success on a shorter pass play in the fourth quarter which gave TCA a 19-7 lead. The Rams drove down the field and were knocking on the door of the end zone. That was until Kennedy Harter picked off the pass and allowed the Titans offense to drain some more clock.

Green Mountain added a touchdown with just over three minutes to play but the Titans offense possessed the ball for the remainder of the game.

No. 3 Vista Ridge 28, No. 2 Mountain View 14 Kayla Dempsey and Addison DeGennaro started for the Wolves in the upset win. DeGennaro tallied 7 sacks throughout the course of the game, while Dempsey scored three of the teams four touchdowns.

Jocelynn Kalkman fired a pass into the end zone that was caught by Dempsey to give Vista Ridge a 6-0 lead at the start of the second quarter. Mountain View then gifted the Wolves a safety after a bad snap fell dead in the end zone.

Vista Ridge regifted points to Mountain View after a deflected pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. The game was tied at 8 after the two-point conversion.

The score remained the same until Dempsey caught another pass from Kalkman, which should have been a short pick up but she turned it into more. Dempsey reached out to pick up extra yardage but the defense completely missed her flags and she took off for the longest touchdown of the game. Vista Ridge led 14-8 at the break.

Coming out of the locker room, Dempsey did not seem to be satisfied with her two offensive touchdowns. After a Mountain View pass bounced out the hands of their receiver, Dempsey kept her focus on the ball resulting in an interception that she returned for her third touchdown of the night.

Isabella Waters put the game away in the fourth quarter with a rushing touchdown off of a reverse play. Her score put the team ahead 28-8, a lead they would not relinquish.

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At Oxford Nails and Spa, helping customers find their way to the salon sometimes starts over the phone.

Employee Ly Tang says construction near South Academy Boulevard has made reaching the shop more confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Employees give callers directions, but they cannot always answer when they are busy helping someone inside.

Tang, who has worked at the salon for about six months, says walk-in business has slowed.

So its hard for us to finding a new customer in here, she said.

For Tang, fewer customers can affect more than the pace of the workday. She says slower business makes covering her own expenses harder.

A slow day, it means we dont have no income, she said.

The challenges come as crews continue the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project. Project engineer Ryan Phipps says workers are replacing aging water mains and storm sewer infrastructure, with construction progressing north toward Fountain Boulevard.

The improvements are intended to provide more reliable water service, improve drainage and rebuild pavement, sidewalks and curbs.

Its not so much about growth as it is reinvesting in our own community, Phipps said.

Where roads are closed and how to get around

Three closures began Oct. 21. Nearby businesses remain open, with alternate access available:

South Murray Boulevard: Closed just east of South Academy through Nov. 30 for storm sewer and water pipe installation, paving, and sidewalk and curb reconstruction. From Academy, take Chelton Road east, then turn south on Murray. Nearby driveways remain open. Sierra Sun Drive: Closed at South Academy through 5 p.m. Oct. 28. Residents of the Sierra Springs neighborhood can enter from Jet Wing Drive by turning onto High Sierra Place. Astrozon Shopping Center driveway: One driveway off northbound South Academy, about 350 feet north of Astrozon Boulevard, is closed through 5 p.m. Oct. 28. Customers can enter from Jet Wing Drive or Astrozon Boulevard.

Additionally, the left turn from southbound Jet Wing Drive onto South Academy is restricted through Nov. 19.

All schedules depend on weather and may change.

What comes next

Phipps says the underground utility work is more than halfway complete. More visible improvements, including paving, concrete work and fresh striping, are expected in 2027. The larger project is projected to finish in summer 2028.

During construction, Phipps says the city is prioritizing communication and maintaining alternate entrances to businesses.

For Tang, the hope is that easier access will help customers return, and make it easier for new ones to find the salon.

Drivers can find construction information and sign up for updates on the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project webpage. Questions can also be directed to the project hotline at 719-427-6422. Bus riders should check Mountain Metro for temporary stop changes.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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A Texas woman passing through Colorado is warning others to stay alert after she says her truck was burglarized overnight at a Pueblo hotel, part of what police confirm is a pattern of thefts in the same parking lot.

Robin Denninger, of Texas, stayed at the Best Western Plus of Eagleridge in Pueblo while traveling in early October. She said her room was fine, but the problem was what happened outside.

Watch Owen Skornik-Hayes' report in the video player below: Pueblo car thefts

"Stayed downtown, it was great, had a lovely visit," Denninger said.

After spending time in Montana doing estate cleaning for her sister, Denninger returned to Pueblo to stay the night on her way back to Houston.

"We checked in about 10 to 9," Denninger said.

After a night's rest, she returned to find an emptied box in the bed of her truck, removed from the inside.

"There were dark-tinted windows. Someone had to have a flashlight to look and see," Denninger said.

She said her vehicle was burglarized without the alarm going off and without damage.

"They just knew what they were doing," Denninger said.

Denninger said the thieves took several items belonging to her sister along with a heavy safe.

"It would have taken a dolly or a few people to do it, and it was buried in the truck," Denninger said.

When Denninger reported it to the hotel manager, she said she was told the only security on the property is a camera facing the front door.

I called the Best Western to verify this information. As soon as I said I was a reporter, the manager refused to answer any of my questions.

"My message is be very, very careful," Denninger said.

I reached out to the Pueblo Police Department for more context. They told me that in the Best Western Plus parking lot alone, there have been six reports of theft from vehicles and one confirmed property damage from an attempted auto theft in 2026.

Pueblo Polices public information officer, Sgt. Alarid, said parking lots across the city are targets for thieves.

"Their hands are tied as to what they can do about it, and I feel badly for them," Denninger said.

In a statement, the Pueblo Police Department shared tips to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of theft in parking lots.

"Remove valuables from your vehicle. We also encourage citizens to lock their doors and take their keys out of their vehicles. When possible, park in well-lit, high-traffic areas and remain aware of your surroundings," the Pueblo Police Department said.

"Something good's going to come out of this, even if it's just a message to the community to stand up and start fighting crime," Denninger said.

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Tonight's Forecast: Cloud cover increases overnight as showers and mountain convection spread east across the Continental Divide, bringing heavy rain to the eastern San Juans. A few light showers or sprinkles could stray into the I-25 corridor by early Thursday morning. Lows fall into the 40s to low 50s for lower elevations and 30s to 40s in mountain valleys.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 53; High: 73; Mild with a mix of sun and mid-to-high clouds on Thursday. Expect gusty southwesterly winds at times, remaining mostly dry through the day with just a slight chance for an overnight sprinkle.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 53; High: 77; Unseasonably warm and pleasant Thursday with highs hitting the upper 70s. Breezy at times with passing clouds, staying dry through Friday before big weekend changes arrive.

Canon City forecast: Low: 56; High: 73; Highs reach the mid-70s on Thursday under mostly cloudy skies. Expect breezy southwesterly winds to develop through the afternoon as moisture continues to stream in.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 46; High: 60; Highs near 60 degrees on Thursday. Cloud cover thickens through the day with scattered showers developing west over the Divide, becoming more frequent Thursday night.

Extended Forecast: A surge of subtropical moisture will bring high-elevation flood concerns and mountain mudslide risks along the Continental Divide through Friday, before a much colder system impacts all of Southern Colorado this weekend.

Thursday Friday: Deep moisture streams over the high country with snow levels remaining very high (above 10,00012,000 ft). Heavy rain will fall over the eastern San Juans and Upper Rio Grande Valley under a Flood Watch, with the peak risk for stream flooding, rockslides, and mudslides coming Thursday night into Friday morning (12" rainfall totals possible). Meanwhile, the eastern plains stay warm, breezy, and mostly dry with highs in the 80s through Friday. Saturday: A cold front pushes through Southern Colorado as an upper-level low deepens to the southwest. High temperatures drop sharply into the 50s and 60s with light to moderate rain showers expanding across the region. Parts of Southeast Colorado carry a risk for localized flash flooding. Sunday Monday: An unsettled and much cooler fall pattern takes full control across the region. Highs stay trapped in the 50s across lower elevations with widespread, lingering rain showers and mountain snow levels lowering to around 8,000 to 9,000 feet.

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Curious about the First Alert 5 Weather Storm Impact Scale? Check out our cheatsheet explainer.

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