The Colorado Springs Police Department is investigating a fatal crash Friday afternoon.

The crash took place along Rockrimmon Boulevard at the I-25 overpass.

The area around the crash is closed, including underneath I-25.

Police confirmed that one person is dead and one person was taken to the hospital in an unknown condition.

The intersection is expected to be closed for several hours while an investigation is conducted.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is shared.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Secretary of Defense will visit Colorado Springs over the weekend.

According to the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth will visit Colorado Springs on Saturday as a part of his Send Me Tour.

In a press release, officials said Hegseth will deliver an address to 3,500 cadets, and will also administer the oath of enlistment to new recruits at the Air Force vs. Navy game.

The game is set to kick off at 10:00 a.m. at Falcon Stadium.

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24 hours on a bench- that's what Springs Rescue Mission CEO Travis Williams will be doing once again this October to bring awareness to homelessness in Colorado Springs and raise money for the local organization.

A livestream of the event will be available on the Springs Rescue Mission YouTube page and will take place from noon on Thursday, October 8 through Friday, October 9.

Happening at the Springs Rescue Mission campus along West Las Vegas Street, each hour for the 24-hour livestream, Williams will have an hour to talk with people about how the city can better address homelessness and get more people involved in taking action.

We can't do this work alone, said Williams in a news release. The city, our police officers, employers, churches and the Mission each play a part in addressing homelessness. This gives us a chance to sit, listen to one another, and ask a simple question: what does it look like to love our neighbor well?

Some of the guests will include individuals like Colorado State Senator Marc Snyder, City Council Member Lynette Crow-Iverson, guests, and graduates of Springs Rescue Mission programs.

News5's Liv Wood will also be in attendance to speak with Williams for one of the hours.

Watch our previous coverage from last year's event

The goal is to raise awareness and funding, as a local donor has pledged a $25,000 match if the community can raise $25,000 during the live stream.

For more information about the Springs Rescue Mission, click here.

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For retired Air Force Lt. Col. Thomas Lear, the Colorado Springs Marathon is more than a race. It is a way to stay connected to the running community and support fellow veterans.

Lear has participated in the Colorado Springs Marathon since its first year, completing different distances depending on the year. This weekend, he plans to run the half marathon. He has raced in about half of the 50 states as part of an effort to run a marathon in every state. But the Colorado Springs Marathon is special to him.

Having a race of this caliber right in your backyard where you don't have to get on a plane, fly, Lear explained. Having it right here in town was a plus.

Lear also values the race because it raises money for Team Red, White & Blue, an organization that helps veterans build connections and stay active in their communities. As a member of Team RWB, Lear said the organization's presence is one of the things that makes the race special.

I like the fact that it's the number one fundraiser for Team RWB, Lear said. It's a great cause as a veteran.

Lear later volunteered to become an ambassador for the race, helping promote it in the Colorado Springs community.

It's easy for me to do, Lear said. I love the organization.

For first-time runners, Lear recommends breaking the race into smaller, manageable goals rather than focusing on the total distance.

The best advice I ever got was to take any race of any distance, especially if it's one you haven't, the distance you haven't done before, one mile at a time, Lear said. Just think of it as, I just need to get to the next aid station.

Lear's own running experience extends well beyond traditional marathons. While training for his first marathon as part of an Ironman triathlon, he cross-trained with swimming, cycling, running and weight training. He also once ran 30 miles as part of a 52-mile course while crewing for an athlete competing in the Ultraman endurance race in Hawaii. His best marathon time came in Portland, Oregon, where he finished in just under 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Now, Lear hopes his experience encourages more people to participate in the Colorado Springs Marathon, whether they are ready for a half marathon or simply want to try the 5K. He cautions runners against attempting a long-distance race without proper training but said the 5K can provide an introduction to the event.

It's a great feeling to see the crowds coming out, to see the sellouts continue, Lear said. If you've ever wanted to try a little bit longer distance than you've tried before, this is a great race to do it.

Friday, Oct. 2 Packet Pickup

11 a.m.6:30 p.m. Pikes Peak Center, Studio Bee Participants are asked to pick up their race packets Friday.

Saturday, Oct. 3 Race Day

6 a.m. Event site & gear check open 7 a.m. Marathon & Half Marathon start 7:30 a.m. 5K starts 8 a.m. Post-race party begins 9 a.m. 5K awards 10 a.m. Half Marathon awards 10:45 a.m. Kids K starts 11:15 a.m. Full Marathon awards 1:30 p.m. Finish line closes 1:45 p.m. Post-race party ends

TEAM RWB

Team Red, White & Blue is using the Colorado Springs Marathon to build community, promote physical activity and help veterans maintain a sense of purpose after leaving the military.

John Reyes, Team RWBs military installation coordinator in Colorado, said the nonprofit is focused on connecting active-duty service members, veterans and civilian supporters through healthy activities and community events. Reyes, who served 22 years in the military, said many veterans miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose that come with military service.

These events specifically, they bring that aspect back to them, Reyes stated. Now Im surrounded by positive people, same mindset, and were doing it in a healthy way.

Team RWB is a nationwide nonprofit focused on health, wellness and community for veterans, active-duty military members and supporters. At this weekends Colorado Springs Marathon, Team RWB will have about 20 entries participating as a group. Amanda Wood will run the entire 26.2-mile marathon, while other members will join her at different points along the course.

Reyes said the group will grow as the race progresses, with participants carrying American, military branch, 9/11 and POW flags.

At the finish line, its just a group of 20 or 30 people running as one, finishing together, Reyes explained.

Reyes said the organization is open to civilians as well as military members and veterans, with civilian supporters playing an important role in helping bridge the gap between military and civilian communities.

They play a huge part of the role, Reyes said. We need supporters and they need supporters.

This year, Team RWB is also dedicating the final mile of its marathon participation to the service members killed during Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia in 1993, the battle depicted in the movie Black Hawk Down.

Reyes said the final mile is meant to recognize the service members who had to travel on foot back to their base during the battle while carrying heavy equipment.

Team RWB will be at the Colorado Springs Marathon Race Expo from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Reyes said joining the organization is free through its app, where members can find activities including pickleball, paddleboarding and archery.

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The Colorado State Patrol is reminding drivers that October through December is the peak season for wildlife crashes.

According to CSP, animals move to lower elevations for the coming season, and thousands of wildlife crashes are reported each year.

Last year along, there were nearly 4,000 wildlife crashes across Colorado, according to CSP data. It has also increased every year from 2021.

Its Autumn in Colorado - Wildlife is On the Move

(Colorado)While wildlife crashes happen year-round in Colorado, October through December is the peak season due to animals moving to lower elevations (migration) for the coming season.

"Many species of Colorado wildlife are highly vulnerable to being struck at this time of year because it is also their peak mating season. They are more mobile, easily distracted, and more likely to be crossing roadways," CSP said in a press release.

Last year troopers responded to over 3,900 crashes involving wildlife, with autumn as the most active months, explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. While white-tailed deer and elk are the most frequently struck wildlife, we have other species such as pronghorn, bear and marmots that ensure every region of our state is susceptible to wildlife encounters. It is up to all of us to remove distractions and watch out for these beautiful animals.

Some of the highest-risk areas for crashes in the state, according to data, are:

Highway 160 (Durango to Pagosa Springs and Durango to Mancos) Highway 50 (Pueblo to eastern state line, Blue Mesa Reservoir and Gunnison to Parlin) Interstate 70 (Floyd Hill, Mt. Vernon Canyon and Eagle) Interstate 25 (Castle Rock to Larkspur) US 285 (Morrison) Hwy 40 (Craig to Steamboat, Tabernash, and Berthoud Pass) Hwy 24 (Riverside to Buena Vista, Newett to Johnson Village) Highway 550 (north of Durango and from Montrose to Ouray)

CSP also has several tips for drivers to avoid a wildlife crash. They include:

Dont exceed the speed limit. Scan roads (or shoulders) for movement and eye shine. Use bright lights at night when safe. If you have time and space behind you, stop for wildlife on the road/use hazard lights. Be aware of groups: remember that if you see one animal, there may be others nearby. If you encounter an animal and don't have time to safely brake in a straight line, the right choice is to drive through, staying in your lane. If you are traveling in an outside lane with the white stripe to your right or a single lane, angle slightly to hit the butt of the animal. Never swerve or jerk your vehicles wheel. If you are involved in a crash with an animal, call 9-1-1 just as you would in any other emergency. Also, if you see wildlife in distress that may have been struck on or near the side of the road, call *CSP so the right resource can be notified and sent to the scene.

A winter attraction in the Pikes Peak region will be missing this year, as the Cripple Creek Ice Castles will not return this season.

The announcement was made Friday, as the City of Cripple Creek and Ice Castles event organizers stated, "operational and business considerations are cited" as the reason behind the decision.

Since 2023, the Ice Castles have been a staple of winter tourism in the former mining town. On top of financial decisions, mild weather and warm temperatures last year also played a role in the decision.

Each year between late December and March, weather-dependent, the castles would open after months of work from "Ice Engineers" working to build the ice structures between late October and November.

Get a Look at How Crews Build the Ice Castles Below

Although the town provided water for the attraction, the city stated that concerns regarding regional water scarcity in Teller County did come up in conversation when discussing whether to host the event this season.

Despite the event not making a return this year, Ice Castles organizers say the working relationship between the city and the event has been great, and they are hoping to bring it back in the future.

We have loved our working relationship with the city and with the community. Thank you for being great partners over the past few years!, stated Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird in the release.

The event would bring thousands out to the casino mountain town and was a large boost to the economy during the winter season. Read the full release from the city below.

The City of Cripple Creek, in partnership with Ice Castles, wishes to announce that the beloved event will not be returning to Cripple Creek for the 2026/27 winter season. City Council has been notified that operational and business considerations are cited by event organizers as the reason behind this difficult decision. Mild weather last season throughout the country were challenges for the organization. As a result, they will be scaling back on the number of sites they will be opening this coming season. In addition, while Cripple Creek has an ample supply of water to host the event, there are areas within Teller County that are facing significant water issues, which was also a concern for Council and Ice Castles while discussing the event for this season. Ice Castles added Cripple Creek as a site for this nationally recognized winter destination experience in 2023. The event has been very well received since opening, bringing well needed positive economic impact to the area in what are typically difficult winter months. Thousands of visitors took advantage of the memorable castle each year. The site has grown and added amenities such as a bar, snack sales, and firepits since opening. Each year, the ice engineers have continuously expanded and changed the design to make the experience unique and exciting even for the repeat attendees. We have loved our working relationship with the city and with the community. Thank you for being great partners over the past few years!, stated Ice Castles CEO, Kyle Standifird. The City of Cripple Creek looks forward to bringing Ice Castles back when the conditions become more favorable.

Ice Castles have also made appearances in Dillon, Colorado, first in 2017. The Scripps News Group has reached out to Ice Castles organizers to see if that event will be paused and is awaiting a response.

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos have the most fourth-quarter comebacks in the NFL since the quarterback entered the league in 2024.

That's proof of his late-game moxie he can work his way out of any jam and, in part, a product of his early-game malaise. The Broncos have been outscored 40-10 in the first half this season.

But after halftime, Nix flips the script. He has 10 career final-quarter rallies on his resume, including last weekend when he led the Broncos back from a 16-0 halftime deficit for a 30-26 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Coming from behind week after week, though, is not exactly a reliable game plan. That's why the Broncos (2-1) are trying to buck their slow-start trend.

I think it's just all about execution right now, said Nix, whose team plays at San Francisco (3-0) on Sunday. We have to sustain drives. We have to get the first first down. Typically, once we do that, we have good success. I think we just have to stay on the field longer. Its just early-down success right now, execution.

To Nix's point: The Broncos have had the ball 15 times in the first half this season and failed to pick up even one first down on seven of those drives. In the second half, they've had at least one first down on 11 of 16 drives.

Obviously, we want to be able to start faster and be able to put together four quality quarters of football, receiver Courtland Sutton said. We are working on trying to be better in that aspect.

We are a really strong finishing team, but if we can pair together a fast start plus finishing strong, that is where I think the magic is going to come from.

Improving the run game could be key to faster starts

The solution may lie with something as simple as revamping the ground game. The team has 243 yards rushing this season, which is second worst in the NFL behind the Green Bay Packers (146). The backfield has been banged up with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey dealing with ailments and Jonah Coleman currently on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

Coach Sean Payton equated lackluster starts with an erratic rushing attack. This season, he handed the play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who said the team needs to run with a little bit more conviction.

We've got to come out the gate obviously a lot faster, Webb added. But man, you cant argue the resiliency and whats been basically the tradition here, in regards to coming out of halftime like their hair is on fire. So hopefully we wake up with that intensity in San Francisco.

It may be tricky given that the 49ers have yet to allow any points in the first quarter. However, they've surrendered 24 in the fourth.

We dont panic, said Nix, who's 26-11 in the regular season as the starter. Nobody really has to say much, but were all just motivating each other and encouraging each other.

Once you do it a few times, you just know you can do it. We all just get in the huddle like, This is our time, guys. This is what weve built and what weve managed to become. ... Its just doing it over and over and knowing I have the guys to go out there and go on a game-winning drive because weve done it against many, many good teams.

Payton wants to win in every month

The Broncos are 10-3 in October under Payton, including 4-0 last season. Not that he puts too much stock in past numbers.

I think the coach in you says, Man, why isnt it better in September? Payton cracked. So hopefully we can continue that.

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Todays Forecast:

Friday will be a transition day to a calmer and warm weather pattern for the start of October. With low level moisture in place this morning after our latest storm, we have areas of dense fog that have filled in from the Pikes Peak Region to portions of the High Plains. The low clouds and fog should clear out between 9 am and noon, leaving us with sunshine for the back half of the day. Highs today will be a few degrees warmer than yesterday, but still below average for this time of the year.

While we aren't expecting any rain or snow today in Southern Colorado, we will see a breezy to gusty afternoon. Peak southerly wind gusts today will range between 20-30 mph, with some stronger gusts east of I-25.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 68; Low: 47. Areas of dense fog this morning will give way to a bright, breezy and mild afternoon. Highs today will be warmer than yesterday, but still a few degrees shy of our average high of 71 degrees.

Pueblo forecast: High: 71; Low: 46. Patchy clouds and fog Friday morning will turn to sunshine and breezy south winds this afternoon, with peak gusts around 20-25 mph.

Canon City forecast: High: 71; Low: 49. Patchy clouds this morning will give way to sunny skies and some very comfortable temperatures this afternoon in the lower 70s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 65; Low: 42. Clear skies and some chilly, fall-like vibes this morning will give way to a bright and beautiful afternoon. Highs today will climb into the middle 60s.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 60s; Low: 40s. Overcast and foggy skies this morning will turn to sunshine and mild temperatures this afternoon. While skies will be dry for the next 12-24 hours, it will be gusty today, with southerly wind gusts around 25-35 mph.

Plains forecast: High: 60s/70s; Low: 40s. Patchy low clouds and fog will give way to sunshine into the afternoon, along with breezy south winds and highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Breezy south winds this afternoon will gust to around 25-35 mph.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 60s/70s; Low: 40s. After a wet and rainy couple of days, our weather will be much calmer and much brighter as we close out the week with sunshine and mild highs on the southern I-25 corridor.

Mountains forecast: High: 40s/50s/60s; Low: 30s/40s. After rain and high elevation snow earlier this week, Friday's forecast in the high country will be absolutely beautiful. With light winds and sunshine, highs today will top out in the

Extended outlook forecast:

In the extended period, high pressure to our southwest this weekend will keep the storm track well north of Colorado. Saturday will be the warmest day of the weekend, with a high of around 80 degrees in Colorado Springs.

A weak cold front will drop highs by around 10 degrees on Sunday, with lower 70s and breezy southerly winds by the afternoon. Temperatures will rebound back into the 80s on Monday and Tuesday, with just a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm by Tuesday afternoon.

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After two years straight with a loss to Navy, the Falcons host the Midshipmen at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Falcon Stadium. On the line: bragging rights and the first step toward winning the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy.

The teams first met in 1960, and Air Force leads the all-time series 3424. Navy won their last meeting 3431 in Annapolis.

The trophy competition began in 1972, with Air Force, Navy and Army each playing the other two. Saturdays winner gets an early advantage, but beating Navy alone does not clinch the trophy. Air Force last won it in 2022.

Learn More about the Upcoming Rivalry Game Below

For Scott Koons, a former Air Force cadet and owner of Colorado Mountain Brewery, rivalry week brings back memories of campus chants and cheering from the stands.

The whole week is geared around beat Navy or, you know, beat Army, sink Navy, these kinds of things, Koons said.

Now, he expects fans from both sides to pack his restaurant. His staff is preparing with extra food, beer, and staffing, while the game brings visiting fans into the community.

Koons says the connection extends beyond academy graduates to veterans who identify with their branchs team. And underneath the competition is a shared purpose.

I think both teams respect each other very much simply because we know were all serving the same purpose, and thats for our country, he said.

Before you head to Falcon Stadium:

Arrive early: Parking lots open at 6 a.m.; stadium gates open at 8 a.m. Choose your entrance: Use the Academys South Gate for lots 12 and North Gate for lots 46. Lot 3 fans may use either. Bring identification: Starting at 6 a.m., U.S. citizens do not need a base pass or pre-registration. Visitors over 18 must carry a U.S. government-issued ID or passport. Foreign nationals must register with the Pass and Registration Office. Pack light: Clear bags may be no larger than 12 by 12 by 12 inches. Small clutches or fanny packs may be no larger than 5.5 by 7.5 inches. The stadium is cashless, and reentry is not allowed.

As for Koons prediction, theres no hesitation.

Its not if Air Force wins, its when Air Force wins this weekend, he said.

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.

Silver Key Senior Services is preparing for a significant funding gap that could affect transportation services for older adults across the Pikes Peak region.

Beginning in January 2027, Silver Key expects to lose approximately $36,000 a month in transportation funding.

The funding comes through the Colorado Department of Transportation. What that means is it's $432,000 that will be a major gap to our transportation program. Said Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno.

The nonprofit's Reserve and Ride program provides about 34,000 rides each year to more than 1,500 older adults.

But Silver Key says demand already exceeds its capacity.

Before this funding cut, we had to deny last year 5000 rides, and that's about 1100 people overall, said DeaBueno.

He says transportation is about more than simply getting older adults to appointments.

Silver Key is known for being able to make sure that people get access to their medical care, but this is also important because we are the one agency that provides access to social care, connection to community.

Silver Key says its transportation services can help older adults maintain their independence and stay connected to their communities.

The organization has served older adults in the Pikes Peak region since 1970. Its broader services include transportation, nutrition, health and wellness, behavioral health, housing and community navigation.

Silver Key looking for community support

The Abram and Ray Kaplan Foundation has provided a $50,000 challenge grant to help Silver Key address the transportation funding gap.

DeaBueno says matching that grant would provide about two additional months of services while the organization works on a longer-term transportation model.

Silver Key is also looking for additional volunteers, partnerships and funding as it works toward a sustainable transportation model.

The organization says volunteers can help expand its capacity, while trained staff remain necessary for rides involving older adults who use wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen or other supportive equipment.

Silver Key says the goal is to continue providing transportation while developing a model that can keep pace with the region's growing older-adult population.

Breast cancer is blamed for more than 42,000 deaths a year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets underway, health care providers are delivering the message: too many people wait too long to get a mammogram.

Julie Buffenmeyer is a radiology tech who performs mammograms for others her job is also personal.

"I myself got early detection. I had ductal carcinoma. They were able to go in and remove it and then because of my family history, I decided to go ahead and do a bilateral mastectomy," Buffenmeyer said.

She felt an unusual dent in her breast tissue and, because of her family's breast cancer history, got checked early. Standing in front of a mammogram machine, she described the equipment simply.

"The equipment that is behind me is an absolute lifesaver," Buffenmeyer said.

Now she regularly encounters women who have delayed their screenings.

"It is very common. Or you have somebody that comes in, and will come in and they haven't ever had one, and they're in their 70s," Buffenmeyer said.

Patient Amberly Brown's most recent appointment was multiple years overdue. What started as "next week" grew to a month, then a year.

"I'm very much the, you know, typical busy person. We all have a lot to do," Brown said.

She knows someone who is fighting for her life because of breast cancer, and that relationship has become a source of motivation.

"She reminds me all the time that we have to show up for ourselves, and I'm grateful for that reminder," Brown said.

Cynthia Smith with Colorado Springs Imaging said timing is everything when it comes to outcomes.

"The earlier you catch it, the better prognosis you may have," Smith said.

Colorado Springs Imaging is offering a $100 screening this month for people without insurance. Appointments are designed to take less than 30 minutes and are easy to schedule.

"Patients typically call us to get scheduled and we try to get them scheduled the same day, next day," Smith said.

For Buffenmeyer, surviving breast cancer has become a personal mission.

"I don't want to be a statistic. I want to be the one that steps up and says, hey, did you get checked? I got checked," Buffenmeyer said.

Colorado Springs Imaging has multiple incentives through the month of October to encourage mammograms.

People without health insurance can also get a free or low-cost mammogram screening at more than 100 clinics across Colorado through the Women's Wellness Connection program, offered through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. To learn more about eligibility and to 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 Women's Wellness Connection program.

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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Tonights forecast: Lingering showers across the Plains will taper off and skies will gradually clear out this evening. Overnight lows will drop into the 40s for most, though the high country will be chillier. A Frost Advisory is in effect for the San Luis Valley early Friday morning, with temperatures dropping to near-freezing overnight. Tomorrow well see a chance for some morning fog for Southern Colorado before a warmer, sunnier day. Highs will climb back to near 70 degrees for the Pikes Peak Region, around average for this time of year.

Extended forecast: This weekend brings a warming trend with many jumping back into the low-80s by Saturday under mostly sunny skies. Sunday is trending slightly cooler with a chance for spotty mountain showers or storms. Overall, however, our weather will stay warm and relatively quiet through the weekend and into early next week. Well see highs in the low-80s through Tuesday, when theres another chance of seeing some isolated thunderstorms develop.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 69; Low: 44. Cool overnight tonight with chances for morning fog. Well see temperatures warm to around 70, near average for this time of year, with mostly sunny skies.

Pueblo forecast: High: 71; Low: 46. Clearing skies overnight will lead to a cool morning. Daytime highs will climb back into the low-70s under mostly sunny skies.

Canon City forecast: High: 72; Low: 47. More sunshine in store for Friday with a warmer day expected as our weather pattern quiets down. Highs will reach the low-70s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 66; Low: 37. Clear and chilly overnight, with the potential for morning fog. Sunshine then builds through our Friday with temperatures rebounding into the mid-60s.

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Colorado Springs Utilities is switching from summer to winter electricity pricing today, bringing a nearly 50% drop in on-peak electricity rates for residents and businesses across the city.

The utility provider says the average residential customer pays about five percent less on electricity during winter months. The on-peak rate the premium customers pay during high-demand hours drops from 29 cents in the summer to 15 cents in the winter. On-peak hours will continue to run weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m.

The rate change applies to homeowners, renters, and business owners alike.

Watch the Full Story Below

The timing comes as many Colorado Springs residents are already feeling squeezed. Gas prices are straining budgets, and grocery bills remain elevated.

"Every day I go to the grocery store and I realize that from a year ago my bills have jumped 50%, possibly 30%, you know, and that it weighs on me," Kevin Smith said.

Despite those pressures, Smith, a homeowner in the Papeton neighborhood, said the lower utility rates signal that Colorado Springs Utilities understands what its customers are going through.

"It feels like Colorado Springs Utilities is reading the room and understanding that affordability is affecting all of us," Smith said.

Renter Andy Dolan has also felt the weight of rising utility costs. He said he has had to adjust his daily routine to keep his bills in check.

"We unplugged the microwave we used to use, um, just because we weren't using it," Dolan said.

Each month, the arrival of a utility bill brings its own kind of anxiety.

"Every month, it's kind of like, oh I hope it's not gonna go over what we can afford," Dolan said.

While the lower winter rate is a step in the right direction, Dolan said he wants to see the savings on an actual bill before he gets his hopes up.

"I'll believe it when I see it. I just don't think it's going to go down enough to where I'm going to be like, oh, great. Now, I get some extra money to get groceries for me and my father," Dolan said.

He's also already thinking about what happens when summer rolls back around.

"They might cut it down for the winter months, which, yeah, that's great, but if you're just going to jack it back up in the summer when we really need it, I just don't see how it's going to help your average citizen," Dolan said.

Business owners are also in line for relief.

Aubrey Day, co-owner of Bread and Butter Neighborhood Market, said the seasonal drop in rates is especially welcome after a difficult summer. The store's coolers run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the summer heat meant frequent, costly repair calls just to keep food cold.

"We had a lot of repair issues and having to have our guy constantly come out and work on them just to keep the food cool with the hot temperatures and so in that way we also are always happy about the cooler weather because it's just easier on our equipment as well, so it's a, it's a double bonus. You get the cooler weather and the lower rates that's helpful for us," Day said.

Day said the market's utility bill ran between $1,400 and $1,600 per month during the summer.

"We have pretty high usage here and that's part of running a business like this," Day said.

Even for those with far lower monthly bills, or at least lower than $1,000 a month, any savings are a welcome sight.

"When I see savings anywhere, especially from our utility company, I'm appreciative," Smith said.

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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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. A federal civil rights lawsuit alleges leadership at a Lakewood school did not adequately address racial harassment experienced by a Black student.

Jaylen Davis, who attended Addenbrooke Classical Academy, filed the lawsuit on Wednesday against the school, the principal, and the former executive director.

Denver7 political reporter Colette Bordelon breaks down the lawsuit in the video below:

Lawsuit: Lakewood school leaders did not protect student from racial harassment

The filing says Davis was a 16-year-old sophomore when he began experiencing racial remarks and mockery during the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year. According to the lawsuit, Davis and his mother complained to the principal and then-executive director more than once, but "neither took action to investigate, stop, or prevent the harassment from recurring."

When the school is aware that a Black student is being subjected to vile racist language, unwanted touching, racist jokes they should move heaven and earth to stop it," said attorney Steven Murray, who represents Davis. Just imagine if if the scenario was flipped, that you had Black students harassing a white student. I think the result would have been different.

In May of 2025, the lawsuit claims racist and sexually threatening graffiti appeared on a wall within the boys' restroom.

The lawsuit alleges that one phrase discovered in the bathroom read "Black's for sale" and underneath it were the names of five students, including Davis.

Another portion of the graffiti said "slave auction," according to the filing.

The lawsuit claims the defendants locked the restroom due to the graffiti, and did not tell Davis or his mother about the writing. Davis allegedly learned about the graffiti through a photograph from a classmate.

Davis was not told who wrote the graffiti, what their punishment was, or what action was taken to prevent something similar from happening again, according to the filing.

This is one of the most outrageous cases I've ever seen," said Murray. I think it's a community-wide problem, and I think in the culture we live in today, it's even more important to address this.

Davis finished his sophomore year at the school but completed his junior year "online at home, without classmates, live instruction, sports, clubs, activities, or a social life," the lawsuit reads.

Murray said the goal of the lawsuit is to compensate Davis for his emotional distress and hold the school accountable.

Denver7 reached out to Addenbrooke Classical Academy and the current executive director said all communication about the lawsuit will be coordinated through JeffCo Public Schools. JeffCo Public Schools responded to Denver7's request for comment with the following statement:

<i>Addenbrooke Classical Academy (ACA) is aware of a press release regarding potential legal action against the school. While we have not received formal service of a lawsuit, our policy is not to comment on any potential or pending legal matters.&nbsp;</i> <i>We can affirm that ACA, in partnership with Jeffco Public Schools, adheres strictly to all federal and state anti-discrimination laws and to district policies aligned with those legal standards. The ACA community is guided by upholding the equal dignity and rights of all individuals, and educating students with integrity and virtue to become exemplary citizens.</i> <i>Addenbrooke Classical Academy remains focused on maintaining a safe, supportive, and virtuous learning environment where every student can thrive. We will address this legal matter through the appropriate judicial channels.</i>

The CSU Pueblo football team has climbed to fourth in the national rankings, sitting at a perfect 5-0 on the season and remaining a clear favorite to win the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title.

See our preview in the video below CSU Pueblo week 6 preview

Head coach Philip Vigil said the team's undefeated record reflects more than just wins it reflects a commitment to daily improvement.

"I mean, the first five opponents that we've played are all teams that were either picked in the top half of the RMAC or receiving votes being ranked," Vigil said. "I definitely know that the teams we've played are very good football teams, and, even though the score sometimes may not show it, there's adversity in every game, and I think that being able to overcome that adversity and continue to progress and execute, I think our team has shown that."

Despite the strong record, Vigil said there is still work to be done.

"From a record results standpoint, of course, I think you can't get any better than it is right now, but from like a finite details and where we need to improve, the beautiful thing about football is there's always areas where you can improve and get better," Vigil said. "That's the thing that we challenge this group on is it's not about the scoreboard, it's not about the opponent. It's about us."

The Thunderwolves face Adams State this week in their final game before the bye week. Adams State has yet to find the win column in its first five games of the season, but Vigil said his team is not taking the matchup lightly.

"Adams, you know, has struggled in the first five games, but it's a new staff, and they've done a good job in recruiting some really talented football players, and I know we can't take anybody lightly," Vigil said. "If you make the opponent the focus, then every week you can go like this you can be ups and downs. Human nature is to be complacent. Human nature is to seek comfort, and if we want to be the best at getting better, then we've got to come out and prove that every single day."

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