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.

News5 will carry the event online and across streaming platforms starting at 1:00 p.m.

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.

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.

Multiple keynote speakers will be speaking, and two streams will be available below.

Main Stream Secondary Stream

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.

Get a Full Breakdown of What to Expect Below

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

News5's Tony Keith helped contribute to this report.

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ROXBOROUGH PARK, Colo. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will soon be considering a possible name change to Roxborough State Park.

"We've had it described as a great place to take a nature bath," said Mike Thomas, Boardmember of the nonprofit: Friends of Roxborough State Park. "Just a place to really enjoy the quiet and the solitude of nature."

Denver7's South Metro reporter Danielle Kreutter has the story in the video below:

Name change being considered for Roxborough State Park

Before Roxborough State Park was a State Park, it was around 1,400 acres of land that late Governor Richard Lamm felt was worth saving.

"He bought the land. He encouraged people to go there. He went there himself and hiked. And when he saw a piece of property that he thought should be protected, he was finding ways to make it happen," said Gail Klapper, who ran the Department of Regulatory Agencies and Department of Personnel for former Governor Lamm.

She described the former Governor as an avid outdoorsman whose passion for nature and the environment was infectious.

She is now one of the several petitioners who are hoping to change the park's name to the Richard D. Lamm State Park at Roxborough after also gathering support from Lamm's family.

"I think it's so easy to forget the incredible amount of work and effort and passion, and history is part of us. We need to remember both: Who these people were, why they did what they did, and who they inspired to do more," Klapper said.

Friends of Roxborough State Park told Denver7 that while the petitioners looped in the nonprofit shortly before the request was filed, they were shocked to hear of the potential change.

"The park has had its name for 51 years now. The area has been called Roxborough for over 125 years. So to have anybody even suggest that the name be changed just really surprised us a lot," said Thomas.

For more than 30 years, the nonprofit has helped raise money for park improvements, amenities, education and even expanded the park back in the 1990s.

"There was a lot of people involved in creating and and acquiring that other 2,000 acres to make the park what it is today," said Thomas.

Friends of Roxborough State Park said the amount of volunteering and fundraising efforts that made that possible should not be overshadowed.

"We just don't believe that one person should have their name on this State Park," said Thomas.

The petitioners for the name change said they tried to incorporate that concern into their suggestion.

"They like that name, and so we combined the names. We said Richard D. Lamm Park at Roxborough, so everybody could call it whatever they wanted, but Dick Lamm would be honored," said Klapper.

The group opposing the name change also notes the logistical and financial strain involved in changing the name.

"There's a lot of cost that would come with a name change. On maps, signage and brochures. And that's just what CPW would have to change, but also the fact that Roxborough State Park is in hundreds of thousands of guidebooks, we're in textbooks for geology classes," said Thomas.

Denver7's South Metro Reporter Danielle Kreutter asked Klapper about those concerns.

"Because we're looking at Roxborough as a place of honor for Governor Lamm, I think would help us philanthropically pay for whatever it was that was going to make Roxborough as good as it could be," she said.

The petition to change the name to honor Governor Lamm has gathered support from former governors, mayors, congressmen and other notable figures across the state.

Read the list of supporters for the Richard D Lamm State Park at Roxborough name change here or in the embed below:

Friends of Roxborough State Park have outlined their full concerns on their website and have said they believe they have a lot of public support behind their stance.

"Responses we've gotten from either our our public opinion survey or social media, 99% of that 1,500 [responses] is opposed to the changing of the name to one person's name," said Thomas. "One thing we understand about Governor Lamm is that he was for listening to the citizens of the state and the people of the state, and not bow down to political pressure, so we're hoping that Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the commission, will see what the public is really saying about this and how much in opposition they are of this name change."

Supporters of the name change said it's important to recognize Lamm's contribution that helped establish the park.

"To have a piece of nature be something that echoes you, that's really special," Klapper said.

While opponents are hopeful that the late governor can be recognized in a different way.

"We would like [Colorado Parks and Wildlife] to deny the petition," said Thomas.

CPW is set to discuss the issue at their Nov. 5 meeting around 12:15pm.

Public comments are still be accepted. Residents can click here to submit their thoughts on the potential name change.

Amendment 81 on Colorado's midterm election ballot would require local law enforcement to notify the U.S. Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours when certain people charged with crimes are in the country illegally or their citizenship status cannot be determined.

Right now, state law limits what information local police and sheriffs can share with immigration enforcement officials and bars them from holding someone solely on an ICE detainer.

Watch the full story in the video player below:

Amendment 81 would require local law enforcement to report more information to ICE

If approved by voters, Amendment 81 would change the state constitution to require officers to alert DHS about people whose immigration status cannot be confirmed or are in the country illegally if they are charged with a violent crime or are charged with any crime and already have a felony conviction.

Under the amendment, local law enforcement would have to make an effort to verify the citizenship status of people charged. Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson said that's not something his deputies are trained to do or currently responsible for.

"That's the responsibility of the federal government, and so we would have to completely re-frame how we make arrests and what information we gather," said Johnson. "If my employees can't determine whether you're in the country legally or not, they will have to report you to ICE, even before you've been convicted of a crime."

Johnson said he fears the amendment could lead to racial profiling and deny crime victims the justice they deserve.

"People will assume that just based on color of skin, or their nationality or their origin, that automatically they're going to be assumed to be in this country without legal documentation, and my fear is that people will get lumped together, whether they have committed a crime or a serious crime or not," he said. "If somebody gets arrested for committing a crime of violence against a community member, if they're deported before that case ever goes to trial, I'm concerned that the victim never gets the outcome that they want, and individuals who are quickly deported from our country often find their way back with no consequence."

He said he also worries the amendment would erode trust with immigrant communities.

"People will no longer trust us, no longer want to come forward or work with us to solve crime in the community because they will fear that relationship that we now have to have with ICE will get in the way," Johnson said.

Jon Caldara, the president of the Independence Institute, who supports the measure, disagrees.

"This is not about racially profiling. This is about having cooperation between law enforcement agencies. It's just that simple," he said. "It's for those people that they arrest for violent crimes, and good God, don't we want violent criminals if they're here illegally to be notified that, or to have ICE notified of them? Of course we do."

The conservative group Advance Colorado is responsible for getting Amendment 81 on the ballot. Denver7 reached out to the group multiple times for an interview but never heard back.

Caldara said the vote may come down to how people feel about ICE under the current administration.

"My suspicion is, if Donald Trump were not president right now, that something like 81 would pass pretty easily," Caldara said. "I guarantee you, people will be using this as a proxy vote on how they feel about how Trump is running immigration and customs, and that's too bad because we really should be thinking about the law, not the president," Caldara said.

Check out Denver7's Colorado voter guide for the 2026 midterms here

Police were called to a reported burglary north of downtown Colorado Springs on Tuesday, leading to a large law enforcement response.

Very few details were available the last time this article was updated at about 10:10 a.m. Police tell News5 they received a call for service at about 9:15 in the morning for a home in the 1300 block of N. Weber Street. The neighborhood is near E. San Miguel Street and N. Nevada Avenue. There were concerns that someone may have been armed, but that has not been confirmed.

A suspect was barricaded in the garage of a home in the area, according to police.

At about 11:20 a.m., a shelter-in-place alert was issued for the neighborhood.

"The Colorado Springs Police Department has issued a SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER for E San Miguel St to E Caramillo St, and N Nevada east to N Wahsatch Ave due to LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY near 1300 N Weber St," a post on Peak Alerts read. "SECURE your home/business and STAY AWAY from doors and windows. SHELTER in a safe place until further notice. You will receive an alert when the order is lifted."

Click here for a map of the impacted area.

This is a developing story, and as more information becomes available, this article will be updated.

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Visiting Colorado Springs parks is free, but parking illegally could now cost you. Rangers with Colorado Springs Parks have been given the authority to issue parking tickets at the city's largest open space parks, most of which are on the city's Westside.

Mount Cutler Trail in North Cheyenne Caon is one example of why the change is happening. The trail is very popular, but it has only about 20 parking spaces. When those fill up, people often get creative and park along the side of the road, creating traffic jams and safety issues.

Locals who frequent Colorado Springs open space parks know how crowded some can get.

"This place for sure, yeah, yeah, Cheyenne Canon definitely does. I mean, it's helped a little bit. They added more parking spaces here than they used to have, but it's still not enough. But, I mean, where are they gonna put them?" Troy Linnebur said.

Linnebur, who had the day off and came to Mount Cutler Trail to hike, said he prefers visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds and the roadside parking he sees on busy days.

"Sure, yeah, when they're parking along the side of the road, it's sketchy," Linnebur said.

For years, parks rangers were limited to giving warnings and having conversations with parking violators.

"Now we have a way to deal with those issues," Colorado Springs regional parks, trails, and open space manager Scott Abbott said.

"Giving those explanations to individuals sometimes only goes so far," Abbott said.

Because the issue kept getting worse, parks leaders joined with police and parking enforcement. Park rangers are now credentialed to give parking citations.

"That gives them now the authority to go through all the training, have all the technical expertise, and go out there now and issue tickets in a real way," Abbott said.

Visitors who follow the parking rules will not be fined. The new enforcement starts with a short grace period before fines begin.

"Use designated areas. Don't pull off the sides of the roads. Don't park in front of closed gates. We need this accessibility for not only our visitors, our maintenance teams, our park rangers, but also first responders in case of any emergencies," Abbott said.

The reality of the parks' popularity means there will be days when parking spots are hard to find.

"I guess if there's not any space, you gotta just turn around. I've had to do it. It sucks," Linnebur said.

Depending on the violation, fines can range from $30 to $100.

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 recall effort is underway against Colorado Springs City Councilmember Brandy Williams, with petition organizers accusing the District 3 representative of failing to respond to constituents, missing meetings, and opposing a voter-approved development authority in Old Colorado City.

Williams, who took office in April 2025, disputes the allegations, saying a serious illness limited her ability to attend meetings in person and that she continued participating virtually. She also argues that the recall effort could further disrupt a district that has experienced multiple changes in representation in recent years. The recall petition was filed with the Colorado Springs City Clerks Office by three District 3 electors: Peter Hernandez, Ali Lange and Zoe Woodruff.

In the petition, the organizers allege Williams has consistently failed to respond to emails, letters, and other forms of communication from her constituents regarding matters of concern. They also cite what they describe as a history of absences from City Council meetings and a lack of engagement during meetings she attended, including the Project Taurus appeal hearing.

The petition further alleges Williams failed to attend Meadows Park Community Center meetings despite multiple requests before its closure. Organizers also object to her role in initiating a proposal to dissolve the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority, which they say was widely supported by families and small-business owners in District 3.

District 3 residents who care about their community deserve a representative who responds to constituents, listens, engages, and acts in the best interest of our community by respecting public input, and demonstrating dedication to serving the community, the petition states.

Williams said she was not surprised by the recall effort, noting that rumors of a potential recall had circulated previously. However, she questioned whether a recall was the best approach for the city.

I don't think it's the best governance option for the city of Colorado Springs, Williams explained in an interview with News5.

Williams said she was hospitalized for a week in July 2025 with a kidney infection and later experienced a relapse that required another hospital stay. Her primary care physician subsequently instructed her to remain on bed rest, she said. Williams said her health prevented her from attending some council meetings in person, but she continued participating virtually.

The reason that it says that I wasn't attending council meetings is because I wasn't allowed to physically be here in person, but I did attend those meetings virtually, Williams added. So given the options that I had as a council member, I definitely exercised those.

Regarding the Meadows Park Community Center meetings, Williams said she was still recovering from her illness during the initial meeting and that other council members helped represent her. She said she later worked with city staff and the administration on the center's future. Williams also rejected the claim that she has been disengaged, pointing to her involvement in city projects and public works issues. She said she has worked to address infrastructure needs throughout the district and cited more than $40 million spent on construction in District 3 during her time in office. Williams said she understands that some residents may have difficulty receiving responses from council members, particularly when issues involve quasi-judicial proceedings that require elected officials to maintain neutrality. She said those restrictions can make it difficult to engage directly with constituents on certain matters.

On the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority, Williams said she believes the area needs an appropriate tool to support its future, but she does not believe a downtown development authority is necessarily the best option.

I don't believe a downtown development authority is the best option, but I would like to have the right tool for, you know, the needs of Old Colorado City, Williams said.

Williams also urged residents to consider the district's recent turnover in representation before supporting the recall. Richard Skorman, Stephanie Fortune and Michelle Tallerico held the District 3 seat before Williams, following a series of transitions that included a resignation and a completed term. Williams said another change could complicate long-term planning and development in the district.

Please don't sign the petition simply for the stability of the district, Williams said.

Williams said she plans to continue working on issues affecting District 3 and is preparing for another community town hall, which she expects to hold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Asked whether she would resign or seek a recall election if organizers gather enough valid signatures, Williams said she has not yet decided.

The petition asks the city to initiate the recall process under Article XII of the Colorado Springs City Charter. The filing of the petition does not itself remove Williams from office. The next steps depend on the applicable city recall process and whether the effort meets the required signature threshold. The petition was filed Oct. 9, giving the petitioners until Dec. 8 to turn in about 4,300 valid signatures.

Peter Hernandez did not want to comment on camera, saying the petition speaks for itself. He referred News5 to https://www.recallbrandywilliams.com/ for updates on the signature gathering process.

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Todays Forecast:

Dense fog advisories will be in place through 9AM this morning for El Paso county and counties along I-70. Visibility may be reduced to less than a mile at times. Temperatures this morning are in the 30s and 40s. The sun will make an appearance later on in the morning and the afternoon. Highs will still be warm getting into the 60s and 70s.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 67; Low: 39.

Colorado Springs will have a chance of patchy fog this morning. El Paso county will remain in this Dense Fog Advisory until 9AM this morning. Temperatures as of 5:30AM are sitting in the 40s. Expect warmer temperatures to return by the afternoon. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 60s and there will be plenty of sunshine.

Pueblo forecast: High: 70; Low: 41.

Pueblo is also dealing with some dense fog this morning, and this should clear out later in the morning. Temperatures are in the upper 40s and will rise once we reach the late morning. Afternoon temperatures will make it into the lower 70s.

Canon City forecast: High: 70; Low: 42.

Canon City will have lows this morning in the 40s. We are still expecting warm conditions over the course of the day today. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 60s. Some areas in Fremont county will break into the 70s. Calm conditions will continue over the next several days.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 61; Low: 36.

Woodland Park will have temperatures this morning in the 30s. The sunshine will be back today and will help temperatures reach the lower 60s. Winds will be calm coming out of the southwest between 5-10mph.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 66; Low: 39.

Monument will have lows this morning in the 40s. Once we reach the late morning hours, temperatures will be on the rise. By 11AM, temperatures will be in the upper 50s. Afternoon highs will be in the mid-60s. Winds will be calm throughout the day.

Plains forecast: High: 60s & 70s; Low: 30s & 40s.

The eastern plains will have some fog throughout the morning, but this will clear by the afternoon. Temperatures this morning are sitting in the 40s. Afternoon highs will be above average. Highs will get into the 60s and 70s. These calmer conditions will last throughout the rest of the week.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 66/69; Low: 42/39.

The southern I-25 corridor is luckily staying clear with temperatures in the 40s. Sunshine returns today and afternoon highs will be in the mid-to-upper 60s. Winds will remain calm throughout the day.

Mountains forecast: High: 50s; Low: 20s & 30s.

The mountains are dealing with some chilly temperatures this morning in the 30s. Afternoon highs will be similar to yesterday eventually getting into the 50s.

Extended outlook forecast:

These nice conditions will last throughout the rest of the week. Highs will reach the 60s and 70s along I-25. A shortwave will move through later this week and just bring more clouds on Friday. Halloween still looks nice with afternoon highs in the mid-60s for Colorado Springs. Pueblo will have temperatures in the upper 60s on Saturday. A pattern change arrives on Sunday and will bring rain chances on Monday.

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Manitou Springs celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the Emma Crawford Coffin Races on Saturday, drawing out thousands of spectators to watch dozens of costumed teams race homemade coffins through downtown.

Event organizers place the official start of the event in 1995; since then, the annual monster mash has drawn thousands to town near the end of October to celebrate the legend of Emma Crawford (along with the Halloween season) with costumes, fanfare, a parade and coffin races.

News5 reporter Jon McMichael has the story in the video below:

Spooky season rolls into Manitou with annual coffin races

The story surrounding Emma Crawford has it that she came to Manitou Springs in the late 1800s in search of a cure for her tuberculosis; she did not find what she was searching for, eventually succumbed to the illness, and (following her wishes) was buried atop Red Mountain.

In 1929, after years of harsh winters and spring rains, Emma and her coffin came racing down the mountainside. The young children who happened upon her remains found only the casket handles, a nameplate, and a few bones.

Now, and for more than three decades, the town remembers her final journey down the mountain via annual coffin races down Manitou Avenue; teams of coffin races construct their own macabre conveyances and task four "pallbearers" to push the coffin, while one "Emma" rides within.

This year, the event saw more than 50 teams compete.

For additional information regarding this unique event, click here.

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Tonight's Forecast:

As our latest storm system pulls away, skies will turn mostly clear across Southern Colorado tonight. Patchy overnight and early morning fog is likely to settle into the mountain valleys and along the Arkansas River Valley. Higher water flows continue along the Rio Grande, Conejos, and Purgatoire Rivers, with minor flooding expected near Las Animas through Tuesday. Lows tonight drop into the 20s to around 30 for high valleys, and the 30s to lower 40s across the plains.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 41; High: 64;

Expect a mild and pleasant Tuesday with plenty of sunshine returning. Afternoon temperatures will top out in the mid-60s with a light westerly breeze picking up at times.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 42; High: 60;

Patchy morning fog gives way to a bright and warm afternoon. Highs will push near 70 degrees with light winds, making for a beautiful late-October day.

Canon City forecast: Low: 40; High: 67;

Sunny and mild on Tuesday with highs climbing into the upper 60s. High-terrain gusts will keep a light breeze over the area during the afternoon hours.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 35; High: 57;

Mostly clear tonight with a crisp morning start in the low 30s. Sunshine drives afternoon temperatures into the mid-50s with breezy conditions developing along the higher terrain.

Extended outlook forecast:

A warm and dry mid-week pattern holds across Southern Colorado before a major pattern shift brings cooler weather and mountain snow in time for the weekend.

Wednesday Thursday: West-southwest flow keeps conditions dry and warm through mid-week, pushing Wednesday highs 5 to 10 degrees above average into the low 70s for lower elevations. A fast-moving weak cold front drops in Thursday morning, nudging afternoon temperatures down just a few degrees. Friday Sunday: A deepening Pacific trough off the West Coast sends a fresh push of moisture into the Southwest. Expect a trend toward cooler, more active weather starting Friday, with accumulating mountain snow returning to the high country Friday night through the weekend. Halloween looks to be mild and dry. The evening could have some gusty winds. 

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Its been nearly two weeks since the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) placed Lutheran High School, a private high school in Parker, on probation after reports surfaced over racist behavior taking place at its football games.

News5 obtained communication through a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request that sheds light on some of the conversations happening behind the scenes as schools and CHSAA were responding.

The initial reports of alleged racist incidents involved Colorado Springs High Schools, Sand Creek High School in District 49 and Rampart High School in Academy District 20. Two schools in Colorado Springs, Air Academy High School and Coronado High School later forfeited their games against Lutheran.

CHSAA is a private non-profit, not subject to CORA requests, News5 obtained records from Districts 49,11, and 20. In response to News5 Investigates request, District 49 provided pages of emails, including one from Douglas County School District, claiming initial reports from the racist incident at the Sand Creek High School game may have involved public school students.

Even though the incident occurred off-campus and at event outside of our district, our district does not tolerate a hostile environment within our schools nor does it accept disruptive conduct within another educational community, the email read.

News5 Investigates reached out to Douglas County School District to ask if it determined its students were involved. It said after a thorough investigation it determined none of its students were involved and our focus remains on ensuring our students understand the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, while making sure allegations are promptly and thoroughly investigated based on the facts.

A letter from Sand Creek High Schools Athletic Director, Mario Romero, was also included in response to News5s CORA request, in it he details frustrations to CHSAA the day after the incident over how Lutheran handled it.

In the letter, Romero calls his interaction with Lutheran concerning. CHSAA responded to Sand Creek High Schools concerns saying we dont have specific protocol because most situations are handled between schools. CHSAA said it was then forwarding his email on to its admin team.

District 49 declined to comment for News5s story.

News5 Investigates reach out to CHSAA about what it found in its CORA requests, CHSAA responded saying under CHSAA bylaws, the host school is responsible for managing the conduct of everyone at its events, regardless of which school a spectator attends (Bylaws 2240 and 2270.1). That responsibility is part of the basis for CHSAA's determination regarding Lutheran.

CHSAA is not an investigative agency. We evaluate reports provided to us by schools and districts, the organization said in its email

News5 Investigates followed up with CHSAA, asking why its process relies on member schools and districts to investigate incidents before CHSAA determines whether its bylaws were violated, and whether the organization is reviewing the effectiveness of that process.

News5 will update this article with CHSAA's response.

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When Kathryn Truax lost her husband just two days before Christmas, her children were only 3 and 7 years old.

"It was very tough," Truax said. "Christmas is the one very important day of the year. They worked so hard at being good."

Years later, a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit stepped in to give them something that went beyond financial support: opportunities to pursue their passions and build relationships with coaches and mentors.

That nonprofit, Angels of America's Fallen, is raising money Friday, October 30th through its "Angels and Demons Halloween Charity Soiree" in Colorado Springs.

The organization helps cover the cost of extracurricular activities for children of fallen military members and first responders until they turn 19.

Truax's husband, David Bruce Truax, known as "Sparky," worked as a firefighter at South Metro Fire.

"He was my hero," Truax said. "If I was on a desert island and there was one person that I want on the island with me, it would have been him."

Sparky died in 2011 because of a drunk driver, Truax said. Six years later, she met Angels of America's Fallen founders Joe and Shelli Lewis at a firefighters gala.

Since then, the nonprofit has helped support activities for both of her children, providing approximately $1,000 per child each year.

Truax said that has included Irish dancing and theater camps for her daughter, Izze, while her son, Davis, has participated in several activities like cross country running, baseball, and ski racing.

For Truax, however, the biggest benefit isn't simply the money.

"There's no dad influence in raising these two kids, so they're at a higher risk, and that always scared me," she said. "Putting in some type of mentorship, letting them be a part of something bigger than just the family, is really what Angels of America's Fallen was able to do."

The Angels and Demons Halloween Charity Soiree takes place Friday, Oct. 30, at The Pinery at the Hill in Colorado Springs. The event is hosted by local veteran Reagan Anderson and is open to adults 21 and older.

Ticket information is available here.

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EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. Two men were arrested last week after nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine, thousands of fentanyl pills along with firearms and thousands of dollars in cash were seized following a monthslong investigation by detectives in Colorado Springs.

Fernando Briceno Chacin, 36, was taken into custody on Oct. 22 in Colorado Springs and 41-year-old German Diaz Diaz was arrested in New Mexico following a monthslong investigation that began in May 2026, according to a news release.

Both men are accused of conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Colorado Springs and El Paso County.

Investigators said the investigation led them to both suspects after months of surveillance, interviews and reviewing intelligence gathered by analysts from the departments Metro Narcotics and Related Crimes (NARC) Unit.

On Oct. 22, investigators served three residential search warrants were executed throughout El Paso County and within the city of Colorado Springs by NARC detectives with the assistance of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents with the Colorado Springs Regional Office. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of 188 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 37,000 fentanyl pills, 2 pistols, 1 rifle, and a large amount of cash in US currency, according to the release. The seized cash is still being counted, but the total cash amount is estimated to be $40,000, police added.

This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information that could help this investigation is asked to contact CSPD at 719-444-7000. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contact Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) A toddler who had been missing since November 2025 has been found safe and returned to their custodial parent.

The El Paso County Sheriffs Office said they were notified of a suspected custody violation of a court order involving a toddler. The childs mother, 30-year-old Aleyha Murphy didnt comply with the court order and didnt return the child, according to EPSO.

Deputies say several attempts to find Murphy and the child were unsuccessful.

Colorado Springs Police found and arrested Murphy August 22, 2026. She was booked into the El Paso County Jail for violation a custody order, according to EPSO. She was released on a $2,000 bond but the toddler was not with her.

The Sheriffs Office said September 9, 2026, they executed a search warrant at Murphys residence on Rubicon Drive in unincorporated El Paso County. They said they found an address of interest in Aurora, Colorado associated with the childs grandfather.

They said they contacted the Aurora Police Departments Fugitives and Narcotics Unit which helped to confirm the childs location.

A SWAT team was called out and the child was recovered on October 8.

The childs grandfather, 54-year-old David McGhee was arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail. He is charged with second-degree kidnapping, attempt to influence a public servant, and harboring a minor. He was released on a $3,000 bond.

The child was returned to the custodial parent.

I want to thank our detectives for their diligence, persistence, and commitment throughout this investigation to ensure the child was safely found and reunited with their custodial parent, said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Aurora Police Department, Denver Metro SWAT, and all our partner agencies who provided invaluable assistance and resources. Their collaboration and dedication were instrumental in bringing this case to a safe resolution and ensuring the childs well-being.

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Police in Pueblo are searching for an arson suspect who they say set a fire at an indoor trampoline park on Sunday.

The fire happened at Altitude Trampolie Park at the Pueblo Mall. Police say the suspect forced entry and set the fire.

Anyone with information can call Detective Cantin at 719-553-2506 or Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-7867.

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The Colorado National Guard shared a video of a rescue operation tied to the dangerous flooding in southwestern Colorado.

The video posted to social media on Sunday can be viewed at the top of this article.

"When a couple became trapped by floodwaters overtaking their recreational vehicle in southwest Colorado, the Colorado Army National Guard was there to help hoist rescue them with a UH-60 Black Hawk," a post by the Colorado National Guard reads. "In total two people, three dogs, and two cats were saved in this operation."

As of Sunday, about 100 Colorado National Guard Members were helping assist with flooding.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency on Oct. 22 and authorized the Colorado National Guard (CONG) to mobilize in support of flood response.

We are rapidly mobilizing to help our neighbors respond to this emergency, said Director of Joint Staff U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William DiProfio, according to a news release. The Colorado National Guard has the capability to save lives, reduce suffering, and protect property.

The CONG last supported flood response in Beulah, Colorado, during 2017.

News5 has a request to CONG for more details on the rescue operation.

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Three people were killed Saturday following a small plane crash in a remote area of Gunnison County.

Emergency crews responded to the crash off Ohio Creek Road near Swampy Pass around 9:20 a.m., according to the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office.

The pilot and two passengers were found deceased at the scene. The Gunnison County Coroner's Office has identified the deceased as:

Mark Hendrickson, 46, of Rifle Alan Hendrickson, 15, of Rifle Chase Hendrickson, 13, of Rifle

The sheriff's office, the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Forest Service are investigating.

The sheriff's office says the Hendrickson family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the respect, compassion and support they have received.

Todays Forecast:

Temperatures this morning are hanging around in the 40s and 50s. There is some rain moving out of the area along with some fog. That should clear out by 8 a.m. Sunny conditions will be in the forecast for today and throughout the week. Highs this afternoon will reach the 60s for I-25.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 60; Low: 37.

Colorado Springs will start to clear out and sunny conditions arrive later this morning. Those conditions will last throughout the day and help afternoon highs to reach the 60s. Winds will be coming out of the south between 5-10mph.

Pueblo forecast: High: 64; Low: 40.

Pueblo is dealing with some patchy fog this morning, but that will clear out by 8 a.m. Temperatures this morning are sitting in the upper 40s and lower 50s. Afternoon highs will be very mild eventually reaching the mid-60s. These nicer conditions will last throughout the week.

Canon City forecast: High: 63; Low: 38.

Canon City is not dealing with any active weather this morning, and that will continue throughout the week. Temperatures this morning are sitting in the 40s. These temperatures will warm quite nicely, eventually getting into the lower 60s. Winds will be calm coming out of the southeast between 5-10mph.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 54; Low: 34.

Woodland Park is off to a chilly start with temperatures in the upper 30s and some lower 40s. Winds will be calm throughout the day today between 5-10mph. Highs this afternoon will be in the 50s. We are tracking plenty of sunshine throughout the day and this will continue through the week.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 58; Low: 34.

Monument and the Tri-Lakes area has some moisture moving out so there will be some wet roadways. Sunshine will help to dry off roads this morning and this afternoon. Highs will make it into the upper 50s. Sunshine and calm conditions will last throughout the week.

Plains forecast: High: 60s; Low: 30s & 40s.

The eastern plains will have temperatures this morning in the 40s. Sunshine is back in the forecast today and will help temperatures to warm into the 60s. This week looks much calmer than last week. Highs will remain in the 60s and 70s throughout the week.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 62/64; Low: 36.

The southern I-25 corridor will wake up to temperatures in the 40s and a few clouds. Clouds will clear out by the late morning hours. Sunshine is back in the forecast today and this will help highs to get into the mid-to-lower 60s.

Mountains forecast: High: 50s; Low: 20s & 30s.

The mountains had some snow move in, but those showers are already clearing out. Highs will reach the 50s later on today. Sunshine is back in the forecast and will stick around over the next several days. Morning lows will continue to drop close to freezing.

Extended outlook forecast:

Looking ahead the extended forecast sunny conditions will stick around. Highs will make it into the 60s for I-25 each day. Winds will also stay calm. Looking ahead to Halloween, conditions are looking nice. Afternoon highs will get into the lower 60s. That next system is not set to arrive until Sunday and Monday.

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A Colorado Springs employment provider that helped people with disabilities find and maintain jobs has gone out of business, months after its owner raised concerns about operations within the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

News5 first spoke with Inga Carland, owner and operator of Mountain Employment Training, in January. At the time, Carland said she saw a shift in client authorizations through DVR.

Months later, the improvement Carland had hoped for never materialized.

Folks are still out there needing support," Carland said. "Theyre just not making it to us."

Watch the video report below: Colorado Springs employment provider closes amid ongoing concerns over Colorado DVR operations

Carland said her problems with DVR began in 2025 and continued into 2026. She pointed to two events that had a significant impact on her business.

First was back in October when there was a huge delay with being able to get authorizations, the approval to work with folks, Carland said. The second event was January 28th when the waitlist, or order of selection, was enacted and that put a giant bottleneck in being able to get clients through our doors.

In December 2025, DVR addressed a $2.5 million funding deficit for 2026 and outlined several cost containment strategies, including adding additional levels of approval for case service authorization and services being provided directly by DVR staff whenever possible.

Carland said the authorization process eventually improved, but the number of clients coming through her doors did not.

Between the end of January and mid-June, Carland said Mountain Employment Training received just three new clients. In previous years, she said the business would typically receive two or three new clients each week.

Watch our January coverage below: Colorado DVR under scrutiny after months of service delays

When News5 spoke with Carland in January, Mountain Employment Training had the capacity to serve 100 clients, but had only 13 authorized by DVR. Six months later, Carland said Mountain Employment Training was serving 29 people, still far below its capacity.

Weve had to let go of some employees. Were having to let go of our office space, Carland said at the time. A lot of different overhead things that were trimming just to stay afloat.

Since that interview, Mountain Employment Training has gone out of business. Carland said DVR policies and restrictions made it too difficult for the business to continue providing services.

Carland said some DVR staff members had advised her to diversify funding sources rather than depend entirely on DVR.

Ive had a couple staff members of DVR say that they would recommend business owners like mine not to put all our eggs in one basket, to diversify and try to find other funding streams, not to rely on DVR because its so unstable, Carland said.

In a statement to News5, a DVR spokesperson addressed its cost containment measures:

DVR cannot fulfill its mission without our provider community, and we are so grateful for our partnerships. We understand the additional cost containment efforts have been a change for some providers, and were hopeful our providers will remain collaborative as we work through the waitlist in order to support as many individuals as efficiently as possible. When DVR cannot serve all eligible applicants immediately, federal law requires a waitlist, based on disability priority category. As the most effective method for managing costs, a waitlist will help DVR staff continue to provide critical, individualized services. DVR entered a waitlist on January 28, 2026. People we serve with an established Individual Plan for Employment as of January 28, 2026, will continue to receive services regardless of their priority category. We continue our cost containment measures and continue to serve as many people as we can with our available resources. As of October 19, there were 5,710 individuals receiving services under an approved plan for employment. Additionally, students receiving Pre-Employment Transition Services (pre-ETS) continue to have access to pre-ETS. Lastly, all current and future applicants continue to be evaluated for eligibility determination and placement into a priority category. DVR recognizes that waiting to receive services can be stressful. If individuals with disabilities need support right away, weve created this<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Vf1P4tmx3VLKeterXZPghJjqPp1MVxGA6RjVR7T9o4hUXQ/viewform__;!!FJkDyvWmnr4!cB9sLa_gZufb1kxCbFvAfRggd-aSW2BkxBv-5pCU1dlwNZlqyH3CSpvtDd-A1GNBUatHUyO501zawj-U0yZiiTZ6bg$">&nbsp;<u>Support Finder</u>&nbsp;</a>(made possible by<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://mindsourcecolorado.org/__;!!FJkDyvWmnr4!cB9sLa_gZufb1kxCbFvAfRggd-aSW2BkxBv-5pCU1dlwNZlqyH3CSpvtDd-A1GNBUatHUyO501zawj-U0ybnCMO_Rg$">&nbsp;<u>MINDSOURCE</u></a>) to get them connected to readily available resources.

For Carland, however, the concern extends beyond the effect the changes had on her business. She worries about people with disabilities who may spend months waiting to receive employment assistance.

Its very impactful for clients to be waitlisted for months and months on end," Carland said. "That is months and months of a gap on a resume."

She said the greatest consequences may be the ones that are more difficult to measure.

I think the greatest impact is the one that we cant immediately see, Carland said. Its the folks that are sitting at home waiting for support.

Email Senior Reporter Meghan Glova at

meghan.glova@koaa.com

.Follow

Meghan Glova KOAA

on Facebook.

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Last week begun a tough stretch for people living in southwest Colorado.

Historic flooding washed out roads, destroyed portions of highways and left towns and neighborhoods to pick up the pieces.

In Pagosa Springs, Jessie Springer said she has been working to keep her community informed and connect people with resources.

It was like, 1:45 in the morning and myself and some of my co-workers went out and the riverwalk was completely underwater, she said. I tried to document everything and it was just unreal. Ive never seen anything like it.

That was Friday morning, just hours before the water levels through that stretch of the San Juan River peaked at levels not seen for a long time.

Springer said she was closing up Pagosa Bar at the time, where she works as a bartender. While using the bars social media platforms to get information out, she said shes heard many stories of people dealing with the floods; she said some hit close to home.

Ive had friends that have houses and ranches on lower lying areas, she said. So you know, some of them are like Airbnbs and stuff like that. So thats their income.

Around the town, highways are shut down. Among the biggest ongoing closures, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation, are Highways 151 and 160.

We have a bridge that runs right over the San Juan River and I understand that that river is reaching a 500 year peak in flows, Lisa Schwantes with CDOT said of Highway 160. And so it is closed until the water recedes and we can inspect it, so that we can open up that roadway safely to travelers.

Further southwest near Chimney Peak, Schwantes said Highway 151 is in worse shape.

We have had some major significant critical road damage on Highway 151, and this is near Chimney Rock National Monument. We have a segment of roadway that was completely washed out. Its gone, she said.

Springer said those closures have been tough on Pagosa Springs.

Its kind of unfortunate because were kind of stuck, she said. We have one of our bartenders has an elderly mother that lives out kind of in a rural area. So she cant even come to work because she doesnt want to leave her mom because her house is in an area, might flood.

On Sunday, Schwantes said CDOT began the process of working to repair the highways, enlisting contractors and experts to tell them what needs to be done and how long it will take.

This includes, she said, building a temporary road along broken parts of highway for local traffic and emergency responders.

So, we will be looking in the next few days and the next few weeks at how we can repair these roadways, Schwantes said.

But she said it will likely be an extensive undertaking, with broken roads and retaining walls needing emergency repairs. Nonetheless, she said CDOT is looking forward to being able to make those repairs and reopen roads when its safe, adding that shes proud of everyone involved in the process.

They run on adrenaline and theyve got orange blood running through their veins, she said.

And as those repairs begin, Springer said she wanted to get a message out to the public.

Were not shut down, she said.

She said, despite all the damage the town is working to clean up, they are still open for business.

Im not downplaying the situation at all, but we, as a town, were still up and running, she said. Dont be scared to come here. Just be safe, obviously. And thanks for all your prayers.

Springer said a lot of businesses are without power, some homes are destroyed, and there is debris in common areas, but the town is still open for anyone able to visit.

And for those who do visit, Schwantes had some advice.

Make sure you hit the cotrip.org site and always be prepared with emergency kits in your vehicle and make sure your vehicle is in good working order and youve got great tires and a, like I said, an emergency kit in your car, she said. We never get tired of saying it: know before you go. Be sure to check the weather forecast.

For other areas impacted by the floods, there are still evacuations in effect. You can find a map from South Form Fire Rescue and find the latest information on their Facebook page.

Archuleta County is also posting information online.

Anyone wanting to donate to those recovering from the floods can do so here.

Colorado 211 can also connect residents with information on evacuations and shelters and help people in mandatory evacuation zones register for temporary housing vouchers. People can call 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org/disaster-response.

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GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Bo Nix ran for a 62-yard touchdown, RJ Harvey turned a short screen pass into a 52-yard touchdown and the Denver Broncos used a handful of big offensive plays to beat the Arizona Cardinals 30-16 on Sunday.

The Cardinals have lost 10 straight home games in a streak that's lasted 406 days.

The Broncos (5-2) have struggled on offense for most of this season and that trend continued for part of Sunday's game, but Nix and Harvey took advantage of costly mistakes by the Cardinals' defense to get things moving.

Denver has won three straight. Its defense was dominant once again with 12 quarterback hits, six tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Nix's long touchdown run came late in the second quarter, giving the Broncos a 13-6 lead. He dropped back to pass and then stepped up in pocket, surging forward when a huge patch of grass appeared. No one on the Cardinals' defense was near him until a few yards before the end zone, when he sidestepped a tackle and tumbled forward for the touchdown.

The 62-yard run was the longest of his career. He had just 37 yards rushing combined over his first six games of the season.

Denver extended its lead to 20-6 midway through the third quarter when Harvey caught a short screen pass, took advantage of plenty of blocking and ran untouched to the end zone.

Nix finished 15 of 29 passing for 222 yards. He also had 73 yards rushing.

The Cardinals (2-5) cut the deficit to 20-13 later in the third on Trey McBride's 7-yard touchdown catch. Denver responded with a 76-yard touchdown drive highlighted by a 47-yard pass from Nix to Marvin Mims Jr. for a 27-13 lead and controlled the game from that point forward.

The Broncos took an early 6-0 lead on a pair of field goals during a flag-filled first quarter that included 10 penalties five on each team.

The Cardinals cut the deficit to 6-3 early in the second, settling for a 30-yard field goal after running back Bam Knight dropped a potential touchdown catch in the end zone on third down.

Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett finished with 272 yards passing and a touchdown, but the Cardinals were just 5 of 17 on third down. McBride caught 10 passes for 111 yards.

Fitzgerald in Cardinals' Ring of Honor

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony at State Farm Stadium. Fitzgerald one of the greatest receivers in NFL history finished his career with 17,492 yards receiving and 121 touchdowns.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the summer.

Injuries

Broncos: DL Malcolm Roach was evaluated for a concussion, but returned to the game.

Cardinals: Rookie RB Jeremiyah Love missed his second straight game with a sore ankle.

Up next

Broncos: Host Kansas City next Sunday.

Cardinals: At Dallas next Sunday.