DENVER A last-minute effort to stop Amendment 87 from appearing before Colorado voters on the November ballot this year was rejected by a Denver judge Wednesday.

Michael Andre Hancock, an Arapahoe County man, filed suit against Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Amendment 87 proponents Chris deGruy Kennedy of the Bell Policy Center, and Kiyana Newell of New Era Colorado, alleging the signature gathering process for the graduated income tax ballot question was done incorrectly. The lawsuit also challenged the Secretary of State's review of the signatures.

Watch Denver7's previous reporting on this lawsuit in the video below:

Court hearing questions on Amendment 87 two weeks before Election Day

During a hearing Monday, the defendants admitted that mistakes were made in the signature gathering process but said they proved in court it was not to the extent alleged by Hancock.

There were a couple issues where not all the circulators were registered, but I think what we showed is that was not the case in enough cases to disqualify the measure from the ballot," said deGruy Kennedy. What we showed in the evidence today is that at most we're talking about 33 circulators having their signatures disqualified, and that is not enough to knock 87 off the ballot."

On Wednesday, Denver District Court Judge Heidi L. Kutcher ruled that Hancock did not meet his burden to establish his case against Griswold and Amendment 87 proponents.

Therefore, the Court DISMISSES this matter, Kutcher wrote in her ruling Wednesday.

Responding to the ruling, Griswold said she appreciated the Courts careful consideration of this matter, and look forward to voters making their voices heard on this question.

Griswold said voters should continue to vote on the ballot they were sent.

In a statement, Jason Dunn, Hancock's attorney, said they "obviously disagree with the result" and will file an appeal to the Supreme Court Thursday.

"This decision was based largely on the testimony of a single witness from the Secretary of States office that conflicted with much of the other testimony on the question of whether requiring circulators to register helps prevent fraud," Dunn said in a statement to Denver7. "We believe it does and that the Supreme Court will agree." 

Amendment 87 tackles Colorados flat income tax rate by instead offering a graduated tax rate. Colorado currently has a 4.4% flat income tax. A no vote on 87 would keep the rate the same. A yes vote on Amendment 87 would tax income by bracket and remove the flat tax rate from the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, more commonly known as TABOR.

Here's how that breakdown would work if Amendment 87 passes:

Any revenue made from this change would go to the Colorado Futures Account, a proposed fund that would give money to public education, healthcare and early child care programs.

Amendment 87 is separate from Proposition 136, which is another ballot measure that could cap individual and corporate taxes at 4.4%. If voters approve both, the proposed tax rates within Amendment 87 would be higher than the limit set by Proposition 136.

According to the 2026 Blue Book, the state legislature or a court would have to resolve any conflicts that arise if both measures pass since the "exact outcome is unclear."

In Colorado, a ballot measure needs signatures from 5% of the total number of votes cast in the Secretary of State race in the prior general election.

GRAND COUNTY, Colo. Prosecutors on Wednesday charged a driver with several counts of criminally negligent homicide in connection with a head-on crash that killed an entire family south of Kremmling last year.

Samuel Roland Conger, 26, is facing five counts of criminally negligent homicide for the deaths of 34-year-old Manuel Cabral-Torres, 30-year-old Andrea Banuelos-Salazar, and their three children 12-year-old Maria Cabral-Banuelos, 5-year-old Manuel Cabral-Banuelos, and 2-year-old Andres Cabral-Banuelos.

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Details about the cause of the deadly crash remained hidden from public view for months as investigators worked to develop probable cause to make an arrest in the case.

But on the anniversary of the crash, the Colorado State Patrol said it had presented their investigative findings to the 14th Judicial District Attorneys Office in Grand County for review and filing of charges a step that signaled prosecutors were close to revealing what happened on Aug. 4, 2025.

In an unsealed affidavit obtained by Denver7 Friday, a witness to the crash said he was driving the morning of Aug. 24 along Highway 9 near milepost 136 when he saw Congers Ford F150 traveling north along the highway.

The witness told investigators he saw the truck started to veer into his lane, and he had to swerve to avoid the truck hitting his vehicle, according to the arrest affidavit.

The driver told troopers Congers head was down, appearing asleep or passed out behind the wheel, and said he saw the vehicle continue moving into the southbound lane of the highway through his rear-view mirror before the F150 collided head on with a maroon GMC Yukon.

Other witnesses provided troopers with similar accounts of the crash, the affidavit states.

The F150 was going at about 78 to 86 mph in a posted 65 mph zone at the time of impact, according to arresting documents.

Troopers said Conger drove into the oncoming lane for hundreds of feet prior to the collision, and did not try to brake or take an evasive maneuver to avoid oncoming traffic.

The crash caused the F150 and the Yukon to spin clockwise before both vehicles caught fire, according to the arrest affidavit in the case.

Witnesses told troopers they tried to get everyone out of their vehicles after the crash but the flames prevented anyone from helping the Banuelos family get out of their burning vehicle. Conger was able to get out of his car with the help of bystanders, arresting documents show.

Conger was then flown to St. Anthonys Hospital in Lakewood for treatment. The remaining five victims all died at the scene, prosecutors said.

Criminally negligent homicide carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000 for each count in the state of Colorado.

It was not immediately clear when Conger would make his first court appearance.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. The man suspected of killing one person after driving his pickup truck onto a sidewalk in Old Town Fort Collins in late August was charged Friday with several counts, including vehicular homicide, the Larimer County District Attorneys Office announced Friday.

Van Lemaster, 88, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was charged with one count of vehicular homicide, two counts of reckless endangerment and four counts of vehicular assault. He was booked Friday into the Larimer County Jail on those charges, according to a news release.

Watch Denver7's previous report on this story in the video below:

One person dead after driver hits pedestrians on sidewalk in Old Town Fort Collins, police say

The fatal crash along Mountain Avenue on Aug. 29 happened at the height of the city's Tour de Fat celebration, an annual costume bicycle festival that brings thousands of bicyclists to Old Town.

Police said Lemaster drove onto the sidewalk and struck multiple people as the event was underway. Six people, including Lemaster, were taken to the hospital.

A preliminary investigation into the deadly crash shows Lemaster reversed from a parking spot along Mountain Avenue, hitting another vehicle. It then drove forward onto the sidewalk, hitting pedestrians before colliding with a tree and coming to a stop.

Investigators ruled out impairment as a factor in the crash, according to Fridays news release.

"This was an incredibly tragic crash that affected many in our community. Our entire agency will continue to be there for all who were impacted and support them as this case progresses through the criminal justice system, said Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda in a statement. Im grateful for the diligence, professionalism, and thoroughness that our agency displayed while both responding to this incident and the subsequent investigation."

Lemaster is being held on a $75,000 cash/surety bond.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Allegations of racist behavior coming from students and spectators of a private Christian school in Parker at Colorado high school football games could jeopardize the schools athletic programs indefinitely if it fails to implement immediate changes to its culture, officials from the Colorado High School Activities Association warned Thursday.

Lutheran High School, which has been embroiled in controversy over reported racist incidents at football games for nearly a month, is now facing suspension from CHSAA-sponsored games and other activities unless it completes a corrective action plan that addresses game management, spectator conduct, staff training and school culture.

In the meantime, CHSAA has placed the schools athletic department on probation for at least 12 months after determining that racist and discriminatory language and unacceptable behavior occurred at Lutheran athletic events.

Racism and discrimination have no place in our schools or at our events. CHSAA takes sportsmanship, crowd control and the treatment of every participant at our events seriously, and every member school is responsible for the conduct of its coaches, players and spectators, officials said in a statement Thursday.

Officials from the states governing body for high school athletics said they were forced to consider suspending Lutheran High Schools membership in the Association following a comprehensive review of documentation, official game reports, and first-hand accounts that member schools gathered from their students and communities.

The racist incidents occurred while visiting Lutheran High School played against Sand Creek High on Sept. 24 and Rampart High School on Oct. 2 and 3.

Families who reached out to News5 about the racist incidents said Black cheerleaders from Sand Creek High were subjected to racial slurs during the game and were even called Harriet Tubman by Lutheran High students. The racist harassment was so severe Sand Creek cheerleading coach Sanaa Ford had to escort a group of Black cheerleaders to their cars before the game was even over while students made monkey noises at them, according to The Denver Post.

Watch News5's first story on these allegations in the video below:

School districts respond to racist incidents at high school football games

News5 took those families concerns to Lutheran High School executive director Dan Gehrke, who said he was aware of the allegations and was actively investigating them.

But just three days after another racist incident occurred at Rampart High that reportedly involved the LuHi Lions, Air Academy High School announced it was forfeiting its homecoming football game against the private Christian school. School officials cited a coaching shortage as the reason for the forfeit and said they would instead schedule a flag football game versus TCA for Oct. 9.

In their statement, Air Academy High did not address the controversy over the racist allegations that now plague Lutheran High, only saying the school was committed to a safe and supportive environment for all students.

The lack of clarity forced Academy District 20, the school district under which Air Academy High School operates, to provide a statement of its own.

Academy District 20 believes racism in any form should never be tolerated. Any credible concerns of racist remarks should be taken seriously and fully investigated, district officials said.

In their statement, district officials said that conversations between Lutheran High and Air Academy High had taken place last week and both had agreed to limit fan attendance only to family members of both schools as well as add security enhancements.

Ultimately, individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available. Given those circumstances, Air Academy was not in a position to safely field and support a varsity football contest, district officials said.

On Monday, School District 11 announced it, too, had decided that Coronado High School would also forfeit its game against Lutheran scheduled for this Thursday after both Lutheran and CHSAA failed to provide a statement to the district denouncing racist behavior ahead of the scheduled game.

Our athletic programs should reflect respect, dignity, and a commitment to equal and fair play, School District 11 officials said. In the absence of the requested statements, we do not believe proceeding with Thursdays game is consistent with those expectations.

CHSAA officials defended their delayed response in implementing disciplinary action against Lutheran in a statement last week, saying any disciplinary action required more than responding to individual reports.

We understand the desire for immediate action. But decisions of this weight must be based on complete information and acting before we have it would not serve student participants or our member schools, officials said. If CHSAA bylaws are determined to have been violated, consequences will be determined according to those bylaws.

If Lutheran fails to meet the requirements set forth by CHSAAs corrective action plan, the states governing body will recommend the Board of Directors suspend Lutherans membership for a length of time determined by the Board.

Gehrke, the LuHi Lions' executive director, said in a statement to families obtained by Denver7 later Thursday that Lutheran High "condemns racism in any form," adding the school will complete "every requirement CHSAA has set."

"We are disappointed that CHSAA reached its determination before our own review is complete and before it could consider our findings," Gehrke said. "In the meantime, I humbly ask that you keep our students, families, coaches and staff in your prayers, along with everyone affected."

This isnt the first time Lutheran High School students have been under the spotlight for alleged racist behavior.

In 2021, an investigation for unsportsmanlike conduct was launched against the LuHi Lions after an Evergreen High School parent alleged Lutheran High football players used racist slurs against Evergreens minority players and said, We will bury you like your dead coach, after a coach on the Jefferson County team had died, according to Denver7.

Montrose High School, which is expected to face Lutheran High on Oct. 23, announced later Thursday their game against the school was still on, but said in a statement that their decision to compete "should not be interpreted as minimizing the seriousness of these allegations or condoning the behavior described."

"Montrose County School District unequivocally condemns racism and discrimination in any form," Montrose High School Principal Heidi Voehringer said in a statement obtained by News5. "We remain committed to representing our school and community with the character, integrity, and respect we expect of all Red Hawks."

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PUEBLO, Colo. (KOAA) Pueblo city officials are reassuring residents that their drinking water is safe following two wastewater discharges earlier this week, but advised people to avoid recreational contact with the water in Pest House Gulch, Wild Horse Creek, and the immediate downstream areas for the time being.

Officials from the Pueblo West Metropolitan District said the wastewater discharges occurred Tuesday during planned infrastructure upgrades at the districts wastewater treatment facility, which is undergoing improvements to modernize its ultraviolet disinfection system.

The first discharge occurred at around 1:13 a.m., according to a news release.

In that first incident, district operators responded to an alert indicating a temporary failure of a contractor-operated bypass pumping system. Officials said that during that brief failure, approximately 54,000 gallons of fully treated but non-disinfected wastewater was discharged through the plant outfall into Pest House Gulch and Wild Horse Creek before district personnel restored operation of the facilitys primary UV disinfection system.

A second operational complication occurred later that day during ongoing system adjustments associated with the upgrade project that released approximately 185,000 gallons of partially treated and partially disinfected wastewater into Pest House Gulch and Wild Horse Creek between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., according to officials.

District officials said personnel immediately responded to both incidents, restoring treatment processes and implementing operational measures to stabilize system performance. Both incidents were reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, officials said, and the district is working closely with the contractor to implement additional redundancy measures and safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Officials said water quality samples were collected and laboratory analysis for E. coli is currently underway but reassured the public drinking water is safe.

Pueblo Wests drinking water remains safe and unaffected, a spokesperson for the district said in a statement. These incidents involved treated wastewater discharges and do not impact the Districts drinking water treatment facilities, distribution system, or drinking water resources.

Though Pueblos drinking water is safe, officials are asking that out of an abundance of caution, people avoid recreational contact with the water in Pest House Gulch, Wild Horse Creek, and the immediate downstream areas while water quality monitoring and testing continue.

District officials said they will provide updates as more information and water quality monitoring results become available.

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ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. Colorado State Patrol crime investigators are looking into the circumstances that led to a deadly crash on Interstate 70 east of Byers Wednesday morning.

The fatal crash happened while CSP troopers were investigating a single-vehicle, property-damage-only semi crash on westbound I-70 near milepost 321 at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Watch the latest headlines from Denver7 in the video player below: top-stories.mp4

As troopers were working the scene, one of their patrol cars was struck by a Ford F-150, according to a news release.

Initial reports show the trooper was partially blocking the left lane of travel while tow trucks were removing the semi from the center median when the Ford F-150, driven by an 18-year-old man, lost control, striking the patrol vehicle and sideswiping the passenger side. The F-150 continued westbound, entering the center median, striking the guardrail, and then striking the rear driver's side of the semi-trailer.

The 18-year-old driver of the F-150 was taken to an area hospital for serious injuries. The passenger of the pickup, a 19-year-old man, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died, according to the release.

The trooper involved was taken to an area hospital for a precautionary medical evaluation; no injuries were reported at the scene.

The name of the 19-year-old will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner once family has been notified.

The Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating this crash.

DENVER Ice Castles, the family-friendly winter wonderland experience that drove thousands to Cripple Creek and Silverthorne each year, will not be returning to Colorado for the 2026-2027 winter season after the state experienced one of its worst winters on record.

While Wednesdays announcement does not explicitly state that Colorados record-low snowpack was a reason for cancelling the event this year, Cripple Creek officials said earlier this month that organizers cited operational and business considerations as the reason behind the decision.

Watch our latest update on this story in the video below:

ice Castles will not return to Cripple Creek for 2026 - 27 Season

Mild weather last season throughout the country were challenges for the organization, Cripple Creek officials said. As a result, they will be scaling back on the number of sites they will be opening this coming season.

City officials also cited significant water issues in Teller County as another contributing factor for cancelling Ice Castles in Colorado this winter.

We're deeply grateful to the Town of Silverthorne and the Outlets at Silverthorne, and to the City of Cripple Creek and the property owners who hosted us there, along with the guests and communities across Summit and Teller counties and the greater Front Range who made Ice Castles part of their winter tradition, said Andrew Child, a spokesperson for the Ice Castles in a statement.

Though Ice Castles is canceled this winter, organizers said they hope to return in the future to the Centennial State.

Ice Castles first made its debut in Colorado in 2017 and has been a staple for thousands of people each winter. The last time the massive frozen tourist attraction canceled its season in Colorado was in 2021.

DENVER State health officials are urging Coloradans to get vaccinated against flu now instead of waiting a few more weeks to do so as the number of influenza cases and hospitalizations defy seasonal norms.

The early rise in cases comes after Colorado saw a record-breaking flu season last year, with 5,931 flu-related hospitalizations across the state the highest annual total since the state began tracking the disease in 2004. Of those, 1,169 were among children. Eight of those children died from flu last year, according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment spokeswoman Hope Shuler.

Denver7 reported on Colorados record-breaking flu season earlier this year. Watch that story in the video below:

A Colorado hospital brought back mask mandates as flu hospitalizations surged. Will others follow?

Though the viral respiratory season has already started in Colorado (flu season typically runs from the beginning of October through late May), several key indicators like positive flu tests and flu-related hospitalizations are showing steep increases across the state.

As of last week, Colorado had reported 46 hospitalizations for the flu compared to 8 at the beginning of September, with emergency department visits also seeing a marked increase. Compared to last year, flu-related emergency department visits did not reach current levels until the first week of November, according to state data.

Last years record hospitalizations were a sobering reminder of how serious the flu can be, especially for young children, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer. With flu activity in the state picking up, parents have a critical window right now to protect their families before virus transmission surges.

State health officials say the best way Coloradans can protect themselves from severe illness caused by flu is to get vaccinated.

Early vaccination is especially important for individuals at higher risk of serious illness, such as infants and young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with underlying health conditions, Shuler said.

The CDPHE recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible ideally by the end of October, state health officials said, since it takes two weeks for full protection to build.

Anyone wishing to get vaccinated can go to their nearest pharmacy, primary care physician, their local public health agency or community health center.

State health officials said most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHP+, cover the full cost of flu vaccines so families pay nothing when visiting providers that accept their health plans. Families without health insurance can get free or low-cost vaccines for their children at nearly 600 locations across the state.

Besides enhancing your immunity by eating well, getting enough sleep, staying active and avoiding stress as much as possible, health officials say there are other things you can do to stay ahead of a potential infection whether thats flu, COVID or RSV this fall and winter.

The CDC recommends a multi-layered approach that includes not just getting vaccinated, but wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask in crowded settings, testing before gatherings, ventilating indoor spaces, practicing proper hand hygiene, and following CDC quarantine guidance if you test positive for any of these respiratory viruses.

Coloradans who have questions about this years flu vaccine are encouraged to talk to their doctor or local pharmacist before scheduling an appointment.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Police in Colorado Springs are investigating after a man was seriously injured in a shooting near Roosevelt Charter Academy on Sunday night.

The shooting was reported shortly before 9 p.m. along N. Murray Boulevard near the intersection with Pikes Peak Avenue.

At the scene, Sand Creek Division officers found a man suffering from obvious gunshot wounds, according to a news release.

The man whose identity has not been released was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation is underway to identify the suspect(s) involved.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) The Colorado High School Activities Association on Friday addressed mounting pressure to investigate racist incidents reportedly coming from students of a private Christian school in Parker during recent football games at two Colorado Springs-area schools.

The alleged racist incidents occurred while visiting Lutheran High School played against Sand Creek High on Sept. 24 and Rampart High School on Oct. 2 and 3.

Watch News5's most recent update on this story in the video below:

Air Academy forfeits homecoming football game

Families who reached out to News5 about the racist incidents said Black cheerleaders from Sand Creek High were subjected to racial slurs during the game and were even called Harriet Tubman by Lutheran High students. The Denver Post reports the racist harassment was so severe Sand Creek cheerleading coach Sanaa Ford had to escort a group of Black cheerleaders to their cars before the game was even over while students made monkey noises at them.

News5 took those families concerns to Lutheran High School executive director Dan Gehrke, who said he was aware of the allegations and was actively investigating them.

But just three days after another racist incident occurred at Rampart High that reportedly involved the LuHi Lions, Air Academy High School announced it was forfeiting its homecoming football game scheduled for this Friday against the private Christian school. School officials cited a coaching shortage as the reason for the forfeit and said they would instead schedule a flag football game versus TCA for Oct. 9.

In their statement, Air Academy High did not address the controversy over the racist allegations that now plague Lutheran High, only saying the school was committed to a safe and supportive environment for all students.

The lack of clarity forced Academy District 20, the school district under which Air Academy High School operates, to provide a statement of their own.

Academy District 20 believes racism in any form should never be tolerated. Any credible concerns of racist remarks should be taken seriously and fully investigated, district officials said.

In their statement, district officials said that conversations between Lutheran High and Air Academy High had taken place earlier this week and both had agreed to limit fan attendance only to family members of both schools as well as add security enhancements.

Ultimately, individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available. Given those circumstances, Air Academy was not in a position to safely field and support a varsity football contest, district officials said.

Watch News5's first story on these allegations in the video below:

School districts respond to racist incidents at high school football games

Not long after that statement was released, CHSAA officials announced they would be meeting with school officials from Lutheran, Sand Creek and Rampart High to discuss these recent racist incidents.

These conversations were about more than any single incident, a CHSAA spokesperson said in a statement to News5 Friday. CHSAA is committed to an environment free from racism and discrimination, and that requires more than responding to individual reports.

CHSAA officials said that besides their own investigation into these allegations, the three schools affected by reports of racist behavior are also conducting investigations of their own and added that they will review their findings before making any decisions on potential punitive action.

We understand the desire for immediate action. But decisions of this weight must be based on complete information, and acting before we have it would not serve student participants or our member schools, officials said. If CHSAA bylaws are determined to have been violated, consequences will be determined according to those bylaws.

This isnt the first time Lutheran High School students have been under the spotlight for alleged racist behavior.

In 2021, an investigation for unsportsmanlike conduct was launched against the LuHi Lions after an Evergreen High School parent alleged Lutheran High football players used racist slurs against Evergreens minority players and said, We will bury you like your dead coach, after a coach on the Jefferson County team had died, according to Denver7.

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DENVER The Department of Justice on Thursday sued Denver over what the federal government claims is an unconstitutional mask ban targeting federal agents and other law enforcement officers.

The city ordinance, which was signed into law earlier this year, bans federal immigration and other law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while working in Denver and requires them to clearly identify themselves with a visible ID when operating within city limits. Under the law, federal agents who do not comply could be cited with a $999 fine by Denver police and face up to 300 days in jail.

Watch Denver7s prior reporting on this city ordinance in the video below:

Denver ban on masks for ICE agents, other law enforcement approved by city council in unanimous vote

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court of Colorado against the City of Denver, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver City Attorney Miko Brown, and Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, argues that complying with the law would endanger officers and reduce operational effectiveness by, among other things, subjecting them to doxxing, harassment, and threats to their physical safety.

Imposing Denvers more rigid facialcovering and identification rules would strip federal officers of the flexibility to determine when and how to identify themselves during immigration enforcement operations, undermining both officer safety and operational effectiveness, the lawsuit states.

The complaint also argues that Denvers mask ban puts agents' safety under threat because it allows the public to photograph or record them during enforcement operations something people have the right to do under the First Amendment and makes the case that disseminating agents' identities online could be used by members of organized crime and transnational criminal organizations in serious and potentially deadly ways.

While such a scenario has yet to play out nationally, the lawsuit claims the families of two federal agents in the Denver metro area and Durango have already been doxxed and harassed after their images were posted online.

The lawsuit further argues that Denvers mask ban is a violation of the federal governments Supremacy Clause, which dictates that federal law takes precedence when it conflicts with local or state laws. In its claim for relief, the DOJ asks the federal court to declare Denvers ordinance as invalid as applied to federal law enforcement officers, agents, or agencies and to permanently prohibit the city from enforcing its mask ban.

In a statement shared on Instagram shortly after the city was served with the lawsuit, Mayor Johnston said his office would fight to the very end on this battle to make sure that every law enforcement officer, local or federal, that operates in Denver does not wear a mask (and) is easily identifiable to the public.

We think law enforcement should be transparent and accountable. An officer should not only not wear a mask; they should have a badge, they should have a name, they should have a badge number that you can track, Johnston said, vowing the city would stand by the ordinance.

Mask ban came in wake of increasing tensions between ICE, public

Denver City Council member Flor Alvidrez, one of the sponsors of the ordinance, told Denver7 earlier this year the law was in response to constituents concerns about how to distinguish law enforcement officers from bad actors as President Donald Trump sought to ramp up his mass deportation campaign.

"I think this is critical. When someone is in their home and someone's knocking on their door and they have a mask and a gun, who's going to answer the door? Why would you?" said Alvidrez. "This is literally trying to find the bare minimum that we can do to help people have some sense of safety and security in our city."

Just last month, The Associated Press reported that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements human resources division was making final job offers before preliminary vetting steps had been completed, including fingerprints, identity verification and credit checks, raising concerns about the new hires.

The citys mask ban isnt the only step Denver has taken to protect Denver residents from what Johnston has described as federal overreach.

Just days after signing the mask ban ordinance, Johnston also signed an executive order banning ICE from city-owned or city-controlled property.

Watch Denver7s story on that executive order in the video player below:

Denver mayor signs order banning ICE from city property, laying out measures to protect protesters

More recently, Denver sued to block the Trump administration from sending armed federal immigration enforcement agents to voting sites during this years midterm elections, claiming their presence would be a violation of federal law.

Police chief, council members reluctant to address mask ban enforcement questions

Denver7 has repeatedly brought up concerns about how the city would enforce its ICE mask ban, given the U.S. Constitution enshrines the federal government with a Supremacy Clause. In response, Council member Alvidrez said the city has authority over public safety and the use of city resources, even if it cant change federal law itself.

She told Denver7 previously that the law is not meant to target ICE agents but aims instead to reduce the risk of residents or other officers from encountering someone who may not be who they say they are.

But Brian Pacelko, the president of the Denver Police Protection Association, told Denver7 earlier this year there are still many questions about enforcement issues the law does not address.

"What will happen if an officer does take enforcement action, and a federal agent then tries to arrest that officer for impeding their operation? What happens to them if they're charged with a crime? Is there an internal affairs process? Are they sent home? Are they suspended without pay?" asked Pacelko. "These are our main concerns with how these things are going to affect our officers and their well-being."

When Denver7 took these questions to Alvidrez earlier this year, she was hesitant to provide a definitive answer.

"It will have to be a lot of investigation... what my conversations have been with police, is that they will be on scene if there is an imminent threat," Alvidrez said. "They will not be on scene if everything is being followed by the law. Their goal is never to interfere with federal supremacy. It's just holding bad actors accountable."

A spokesperson for the Denver Police Department told Denver7 that when it came to enforcement, "of utmost importance is discretion and prioritizing de-escalation when encountering these situations. Our goal is to apply this ordinance in a way that builds trust and transparency without putting officers, deputies, or the public at risk."

Though similar bans went into effect in places like Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Chicago, Milwaukee and Philadelphia earlier this year, most have either been blocked by federal judges or are subject to pending litigation by the federal government.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board voted Thursday to propose the sale of the former Meadows Park Community Center.

A city spokesperson said in a news release obtained by News5 the proposed sale aims to preserve community-serving uses at the site for the next 25 years and stressed the vote is a recommendation and does not authorize the sale of the former community center, which closed last year after the city could no longer sustain it.

News5 reporter Owen Skornik-Hayes spoke to a group who submitted a proposal to take over Meadows Park Community Center earlier this year in the video below:

'Focused on the Solution': A New Vision for a Closed Community Center

Under the proposal, local commercial real estate company CRE Holdings would purchase the property, the city spokesperson said, adding the company has identified childcare for working families, youth programming and aftercare partnerships as priority uses, while also emphasizing access for lower-income households and continued investment in the facility. Specific future tenants, programs and services have not yet been finalized, the release states.

The recommendation follows nearly one year of work with Stratton Meadows residents and community representatives to identify a sustainable future for the property after the community center closed in October 2025, the spokesperson said, adding community feedback emphasized access to services, social connection and community safety, and helped shape the priorities used to evaluate proposals.

The community helped shape what comes next for this property, and that input has stayed at the center of this process, said Kim King, assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services for Colorado Springs. The goal has been to find a sustainable future for the site that continues to provide meaningful benefit to Stratton Meadows. The Advisory Boards recommendation moves that work forward for City Councils consideration.

Watch additional News5 reporting on the former Meadows Park Community Center in the video below:

Community 'cautiously optimistic' for new-look Meadows Park community center

Following the centers closure, the city formed the Meadows Park Solutions Team, which included neighborhood residents, community leaders, City Councilmembers and City staff. The group reviewed community feedback and helped identify priorities for the property, including youth and childcare services, food access, senior and intergenerational programs, health and wellness, workforce and educational opportunities, and gathering space.

City officials said that work informed a competitive request for proposals issued in February. The City received three proposals, and an evaluation committee that included neighborhood representatives selected CRE Holdings to move forward based on its experience, approach and anticipated community impact.

The proposal will next go to Colorado Springs City Council, which has final authority to approve the property transfer. Council is currently scheduled to discuss the proposal at its Oct. 12 work session.

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DENVER This past winter season was a bust and its been an unusually hot summer here in Colorado, but that isnt stopping skiers and snowboarders from hoping this season will be far more favorable for shredding powder in the high country.

Thankfully, a strong El Nio forecast could mean wetter, snowier conditions for the Centennial State, which bodes well for drought-stricken ski resorts across the state.

Vail Resorts announces target opening dates for 2026-2027 season

Here are the tentative opening dates for Colorado ski resorts for the 2026-2027 season, with at least one of them happening (potentially) later this month:

October

A-Basin: As soon as possible in October

Key Stone: As soon as possible in late October

Winter Park Resort: As soon as possible

November

Loveland Ski Area: No date set, but Nov. 5 on average over the past five years

Breckenridge: Nov. 6, 2026

Copper Mountain: Nov. 6, 2026

Vail Mountain: Nov. 13, 2026

Powderhorn: Nov. 20, 2026

Purgatory Resort: Nov. 20, 2026

Steamboat: Nov. 21, 2026

Beaver Creek: Nov. 25, 2026

Crested Butte: Nov. 25, 2026

Granby Ranch: Nov. 25, 2026

Aspen Mountain: Nov. 26, 2026

Snowmass: Nov. 26, 2026

Telluride: Nov. 26, 2026

December

Monarch Mountain: Early-to-mid December

Ski Cooper: Dec. 9, 2026

Sunlight Mountain Resort: Dec. 11, 2026

Aspen Highlands: Dec. 12, 2026

Buttermilk: Dec. 12, 2026

Silverton Mountain: Dec. 31, 2026

While these are the targeted opening days, it's worth remembering that opening dates are subject to change based on weather and conditions.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Colorado women without health insurance or with limited insurance who need to get a cancer screening can do so for free or at low cost thanks to a program offered by the state health department.

Womens Wellness Connection offers free or low-cost mammograms and pap smears for eligible individuals ages 21-64 with no health insurance or limited insurance who are also on a limited income.

Generally speaking, those who wish to be part of this program must be earning less than $39,900 per year and about $82,500 for a household of four.

The WWC program welcomes all individuals in Colorado, including those who are transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC) and need breast and cervical cancer screenings as part of their routine health care, according to the states website. Visit the WWC & WISEWOMAN eligibility to learn more about how to qualify.

The program offers these free or low-cost screenings at more than 100 clinics across Colorado.

To learn more about eligibility and find a clinic near you, click here. When you call the clinic, be sure to let them know you would like to participate in the Womens Wellness Connection program.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Police in Colorado Springs are investigating what could have happened to a man who died while in police custody Wednesday.

The incident happened after the suspect was taken into custody following a report of a disturbance on North Prospect Street near the intersection with Templeton Gap Road in the Falcon Division, according to a news release.

Investigators said that before the suspect could be booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center, the suspect suffered an unknown medical event in the back of the CSPD patrol cruiser while it was parked inside the jails sally port, a secured area where vehicles enter the jail, the release states.

First responders tried life-saving measures but to no avail, as the suspect died at the scene.

The CSPDs Homicide Unit was called to begin an investigation, which a spokesperson said is standard practice for circumstances involving a death where the cause or circumstances are unknown.

The El Paso County Coroners Office will determine the cause and manner of death and establish positive ID of the man.

This remains an active and ongoing death investigation. Anyone with information that might help this investigation is asked to call CSPD at (719) 444-7000. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.

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EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. An El Paso County man was arrested last month on several charges, including violating a restraining order and failing to register as a sex offender.

Juvario Holt, 38, was arrested on the evening of Sept. 23 after a woman reported a restraining order violation and the possible need for medical assistance inside a home on Cold Harbor View near the intersection with River Line Grove, according to news release with the El Paso County Sheriffs Office.

Inside the home, located in the Security-Widefield area of unincorporated El Paso County, deputies found both Holt and a woman suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Deputies said Holt did not comply with commands to leave the home. After entering the home, deputies took Holt into custody without incident. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail.

Among the charges he is facing are being a fugitive from justice, failing to register as a sex offender, violation of a restraining order, driving under the influence, third-degree assault and harassment.

He is currently being held on a $27,000 no-bond hold.

Domestic violence incidents often escalate rapidly placing significant risk to victims, responding law enforcement officers, and the public, said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal in a prepared statement. My deputies were able to respond and make an arrest to make our community safer.

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LINCOLN COUNTY, Colo. A two-vehicle crash on Highway 71 in Lincoln County ended with one person dead and another one seriously injured early Thursday morning, according to troopers with the Colorado State Patrol.

The crash was reported just before 6 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 71 and Highway 94, south of Limon.

A preliminary investigation into the crash revealed that a 2022 Volvo semi hauling a trail was going east on Highway 94 at the same time a 2014 brown Buick Enclave was going south on Highway 71. Investigators said the Volvo semi failed to stop at the intersections stop sign and struck the Buicks passenger side, according to a news release.

Both vehicles went off the roadway and did not block any lane. Emergency vehicles blocked the westbound lane of Highway 94, troopers said.

The driver of the Buick, a 45-year-old man of Model, Colorado, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the Buick, a 17-year-old woman, was airlifted to a metro area hospital with serious injuries.

CSP troopers said the driver of the semi, a 39-year-old man from Washington state, was taken to a nearby hospital with an unknown extent of injuries.

The road was not shut down but traffic was alternating during the investigation, according to the CSP. The road has since reopened.

The CSP Vehicular Crimes Unit is the lead agency investigating this crash.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Temperatures may be a bit warmer than usual for this time of year, but winter is coming and with it, high energy costs.

Luckily, Coloradans struggling to pay their energy bill can receive a bit of help through the Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, also known as LEAP. The even better news? The program will accept applications starting next month.

LEAP, a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs, according to the programs website, will open applications from Nov. 1 through April 30, 2027.

If your income is up to 60% of the state median income level, you may qualify for heating assistance through LEAP, according to the state's website.

Officials say the amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the primary heating fuel costs and income.

If youre looking to apply, click here.

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AVONDALE, Colo. A shelter-in-place has been issued for some residents in Avondale as Pueblo County deputies search for a wanted suspect.

The Pueblo County Sheriffs Office said in a post on X Thursday just before noon that there was a large law enforcement presence along US 50 near the intersection with Avondale Boulevard as deputies searched for the suspect.

Deputies warned residents to avoid the area.

It was not immediately clear what the suspect was wanted for, but deputies said the suspect could be armed.

Please stay in your homes for safety and stay away from doors and windows, a spokesperson for the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. A bear was euthanized by state wildlife officials earlier this week after a homeowner in Steamboat Springs shot at it in self-defense, a spokesperson for the wildlife agency confirmed with Denver7 Wednesday.

The bear entered the home Monday and the resident tried to get the bear to leave before it charged toward them, according to a spokesperson with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Officials said the resident then shot the bear in self-defense and the bear left alive but injured. CPW officers euthanized the bear when they arrived at the scene, the spokesperson said.

It is important for people to keep all food sources secured from bears by keeping doors and windows locked, especially this year due to drought limiting natural food sources and bears preparing for winter by trying to eat as much as possible, the CPW official said.

Colorado bear conflicts have reached high numbers this year

CPW reports that Colorado has reported more than 6,000 bear sightings so far across the state nearly double last years numbers.

As bears begin to enter hyperphagia an instinctive, metabolic change resulting in an almost constant feeding frenzy as the bears prepare for winter hibernation bear activity is expected to increase while they search for 20,000 calories per day before denning, a CPW spokesperson said.

Those bear sightings have led to 12 other attacks so far this year which have prompted CPW to launch a new education campaign to raise awareness about the record bear activity and how people can prepare to reduce the number of bear conflicts that could potentially lead to more dangerous encounters.

Watch Denver7 reporter Claire Lavezzorio's report in the video below:

Colorado wildlife officials ramp up bear safety outreach as record activity continues

Wildlife officials remind the community that preventing conflicts requires a collective effort. CPW recommends the following BearWise tips to keep bears wild:

Never feed or approach bears. Intentionally feeding wildlife or letting them find accessible food is illegal. It teaches them to approach homes and lose their natural fear of humans. Safely store trash, animal feed and other attractants. Lock up trash receptacles and food scraps to eliminate the powerful odors that attract wildlife to residential properties. Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed domestic pets indoors or thoroughly clean up bowls immediately after any outdoor feeding. Clean and store outdoor grills. Burn off grease and food particles after every use, and store grills inside a secure garage or shed. Secure windows and doors. Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including garage doors. Bears are excellent climbers, so this includes any top story exterior windows or doors. Know what to do if a bear does enter your home. If a bear is in your house, leave immediately if you can safely do so. Leave all exit doors open to give the bear a clear escape route, do not block its path, and never try to shoo or corner the animal out of your home. Call 911 immediately and remain outside until wildlife officers have confirmed the bear is out of the home. Know what to do if you encounter a black bear: If you see a bear before it notices you, don't approach. Stop and quietly move away, while giving the bear a clear escape route. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell, "Hey, bear!" until it leaves. If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.

CPW encourages Coloradans to report bear activity and conflicts by clicking here.