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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red flags when shopping on Facebook Marketplace

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suspects face charges

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

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

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

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

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A serious crash shut down a roadway east of Colorado Springs Wednesday morning.

News5 first learned of the crash just before 4 a.m. At 4:15 a.m. the Colorado State Patrol posted to social media that westbound Terminal Avenue at Conrad Street was closed due to the crash. The area is east of Powers Boulevard and north of Platte Avenue in the Cimarron Hills area.

"Preliminary reports indicate that a motorcycle rider was traveling westbound on Terminal Avenue, west of Conrad Street," part of a news release from Colorado State Patrol reads. "The rider came up to a hard right-hand turn and went through the end of the lane and collided with a large concrete barrier and the motorcycle rider was ejected."

The motorcyclist was only identified as a 24-year-old man. The roadway was back open at about 7 a.m.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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A new flu vaccine using messenger RNA technology is available at some King Soopers pharmacies in Colorado, offering adults 50 and older another option for protection as the state sees signs of an early flu season.

Modernas mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, received approval in August 2026. The vaccine is indicated for adults 50 and older and has demonstrated a stronger immune response than a traditional flu vaccine in clinical trials, according to Cam Phillips, pharmacy practice coordinator for King Soopers Pharmacys Area One, which covers Colorado Springs and the Alamosa area. Click here from more on Johns Hopkins about a clinical study.

The technology behind the vaccine has been in development for several years, Phillips said, but its arrival on the market was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.

It has been shown to actually generate a slightly better immune response as compared to a normal flu vaccine for folks that are 50 years and older, Phillips explained.

King Soopers is among a limited number of divisions within parent company Kroger carrying the vaccine this year. Stores received a small initial supply, Phillips said, although most locations still had doses available at the time of the interview.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment cautions that availability may be limited this fall. State health officials recommend that people not delay vaccination while searching for a specific product, emphasizing that receiving an available flu vaccine is the best way to ensure timely protection.

The mRNA technology could offer an additional advantage in future flu seasons because it allows manufacturers to produce and update vaccines more quickly to better match circulating strains of the virus, according to CDPHE. Moderna reported a relative vaccine efficacy rate of 26.6% based on clinical trial data. While the results are promising, additional data will be collected to better understand the vaccines performance, particularly among adults 65 and older and other populations.

Phillips encouraged people considering mFlusiva to speak with a pharmacist about whether it is the right option for them.

Our pharmacists are a great resource for providing that information and for making sure that you feel comfortable with that choice, Phillips said.

Although the vaccine uses newer technology, Phillips said its safety profile is comparable to that of other vaccines already on the market. Insurance coverage is another consideration for people interested in the new product. Phillips said most major insurance plans cover the vaccine in full, though he encouraged patients to confirm coverage with their insurer. The vaccines arrival comes as Colorado health officials warn of rising flu activity early in the season. King Soopers pharmacies have also seen increased demand for vaccinations, Phillips said.

We have had one of our busiest weeks last week just in terms of the number of vaccines we're giving, he said. We're already seeing flu cases out there in the community.

King Soopers and City Market pharmacies are also offering grocery discounts to encourage vaccination, Phillips said. Customers who receive a flu shot can get $5 off groceries, while those who receive a flu shot and an additional vaccine can get $20 off, subject to program terms.

Additional details about the promotion are available through the grocery chains websites by clicking here.

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Fire crews responded to multiple vehicles on fire near N. Academy Boulevard Monday morning in Colorado Springs, according to fire department.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department was called to 155 N. Academy Boulevard on the east side of the city. Engine 8, Engine 7, and Engine 11 responded to extinguish the fire.

The fire has been put out. Three vehicles are a complete loss, the fire department says.

Roads were shut down in the area at about 5 a.m., but have since reopened.

The cause of the fire and any reports of injuries were not immediately available.

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A military service member died after falling during a rappelling demonstration before a University of Texas at San Antonio football game, Nellis Air Force Base officials said.

The service member, who was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was injured Saturday at the Alamodome and taken to a local hospital, where the service member later died, according to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.

The incident occurred before UTSAs annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game against the U.S. Naval Academy. An investigation was underway to determine what led to the fall.

The service member was identified as U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson from Fort Stewart, Georgia.

The game continued after a brief delay. UTSA and university officials expressed condolences following the incident.

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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed with News5 the first reported pediatric influenza-associated death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season in an elementary-aged child from outside the Denver metro area.

State health officials said Friday there is no record that the child received the 2026-27 flu vaccine. The department did not release additional information about the child. The death comes as flu activity increases across Colorado, with hospitals reporting more positive flu tests and flu-related hospitalizations, according to CDPHE.

The state is coming off its most severe pediatric flu season on record. During the 2025-26 season, Colorado recorded 5,931 flu-related hospitalizations, the highest annual total since the state began tracking the data in 2004. Of those hospitalizations, 1,169 involved children, and eight children died from the flu.

Last years record hospitalizations were a sobering reminder of how serious the flu can be, especially for young children, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorados state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer.

Herlihy urged parents to get their children vaccinated before flu transmission increases further.

CDPHE recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Officials say it takes about two weeks after vaccination for full protection to develop. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, doctors offices, community health centers and local public health agencies. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus, cover the cost of vaccination. Free or low-cost vaccines for children without insurance are available at nearly 600 locations statewide.

More information about flu activity and vaccination resources is available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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Colorado diesel prices have climbed to a record $6.31 per gallon on average, as refinery maintenance and global supply disruptions push fuel costs higher, according to GasBuddy.

On Tuesday, News5 saw several stations with diesel prices more than $6.50 in the Colorado Springs area, including one priced at $6.79.

Patrick De Haan, GasBuddys head of petroleum analysis, said the states average diesel price has surpassed previous records, including a high of $5.66 set earlier this year and $5.53 in 2022. The latest spike comes as diesel supplies remain tight both in the United States and overseas. De Haan said seasonal refinery maintenance following the summer driving season is contributing to price volatility in Colorado, where the market is particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Colorado has only one oil refinery, meaning maintenance or other disruptions can have an outsized impact on the states fuel supply and prices.

It's just all about refineries right now and not enough diesel supply, De Haan explained.

Global conflicts are adding to the pressure. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have affected diesel supplies, while disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz and reduced exports from Chinese refineries have further constrained the global market, De Haan said.

Although President Donald Trump recently announced a potential deal involving Russian fuel supplies, De Haan said it is unclear whether Russia can provide additional diesel. He noted that Russia has restricted diesel exports since July amid supply challenges.

The United States already exports about 1.5 million barrels of excess diesel per day, according to De Haan, raising questions about whether a potential deal with Russia would significantly increase the amount of fuel available globally.

Colorado's efforts to ease prices

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently signed an executive order intended to provide relief from high fuel prices by allowing certain changes involving dyed diesel and transportation requirements. Dyed diesel is typically reserved for off-road uses, such as farming and construction, where it receives different tax treatment. Allowing its use on public roads under specified conditions could offer some tax-related relief, De Haan said, but it would not increase the overall supply of diesel. He also cautioned that truckers traveling across state lines could face complications if neighboring states have different rules governing dyed diesel.

The biggest problem here is none of these levers are meaningfully adding diesel supply to the global market, De Haan added.

More price increases possible

De Haan said he does not expect meaningful short-term relief unless global supply conditions improve.

Diesel is also used as heating oil, particularly in parts of the northeastern United States where natural gas is not available. As temperatures drop, increased demand for heating oil could put additional pressure on diesel supplies. If winter weather is especially cold, De Haan said diesel prices could approach $7 per gallon in some areas. He said the outlook will depend largely on refinery operations, global fuel supplies and geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine and Iran.

Click here for more on fuel rewards programs in Colorado to save at the pump.

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The Colorado Heart Gallery is using the power of photography and storytelling to help children and teens in foster care find permanent, adoptive families.

Founded in 2005 as a collaboration between the Colorado Department of Human Services, nonprofit partners and volunteer photographers, the Colorado Heart Gallery features professional portraits, videos and personal narratives of youth awaiting adoption.

The images are displayed online and in traveling exhibits across the state, giving prospective parents a chance to connect with children on a more personal level.

One of the youth looking for a forever family is Troy.

Troy's bio from the Colorado Heart Gallery is below:

Calm, caring, and considerate are just a few words that describe Troy. When a subject catches his attention, he dives in with laser-like focus. Troy is passionate about gaming and loves interacting with horses and other animals. Among his animal friends, pit bulls and reptiles hold a special place in his heart, and forming attachments to them comes effortlessly to him. He finds solace in drawing and enjoys the thrill of sports and video games. Fruits, especially watermelon and mango, are his favorite snacks; he often enjoys them while listening to music. Troy has an appreciation for nature and enjoys going for walks and hikes. If he could choose superpowers, he would pick invisibility and X-ray vision. His favorite colors are red and black. Troy aspires to hit the open road as a truck driver when he grows up.This tenth grader's most liked subject is math.Troy would like to live in a home with pets, where he can have his own room and be the only child; however, his caseworker will consider all family types. He has significant connections to maintain following placement. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services.

Families interested in learning more about Charlie or other children available for adoption and fostering can contact the Colorado Heart Gallery. You can also call (303)755-4756 for more information.

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At least one person is dead after a vehicle crashed into a concrete pylon and caught fire early Monday morning in Colorado Springs, according to police.

The Colorado Springs Police Department received a call just before 3 a.m. Monday about a vehicle fire in the 5300 block of Mark Dabling Boulevard, according to the duty lieutenant.

A person riding a bicycle spotted the burning vehicle after it had struck a concrete pylon beneath the roadway, police said. Officers and Colorado Springs Fire Department crews responded to the scene. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, and at least one person was inside.

Both directions of Mark Dabling Boulevard were closed between Rockrimmon Boulevard and Enterprise Road, just north of Garden of the Gods Road. Local traffic will be allowed through to reach homes in the area. The closure was still in place as of 4 a.m.

The road closure is expected to last for several hours.

As more information becomes available, this article will be updated.

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Two Pueblo officers were injured in a shooting late Saturday night after responding to a reported home invasion, according to police. The suspect died at the scene.

Police received a call about a home invasion at about 11:09 p.m. in the 1600 block of Gaylord Avenue. The neighborhood is northwest of Lake Minnequa. While officers were responding, they learned the suspect had fled in a Dodge Ram, according to a department news release.

Officers located the vehicle near Jones and Brimmer avenues and began pursuing it. The suspect abandoned the vehicle along Regency Boulevard on the west side of the city near Lehigh Park and ran into a nearby apartment complex.

Officers followed the suspect to an upstairs apartment and knocked on the door while identifying themselves as police, according to the release. The suspect opened the door, and an exchange of gunfire followed.

Two officers were injured. One was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life threatening. The other officer's condition was not immediately available.

The suspect received medical treatment but was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pueblo County Coroner's Office identified the person who died as 36-year-old Luis Antonio Morales.

The 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team has been activated to investigate the shooting. The officers involved and dispatchers have been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with department policy.

The investigation remains active. Police said no additional information would be released at this time.

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For Lynne Bartole, retirement didn't mean closing the book on her career. Instead, it meant finding a whole new way to use the ones she already had. Bartole, a former English teacher and avid reader, started Deja Vu Decor in 2020 after finding herself with a collection of books and few options for recycling them. Her solution was to transform those books into handmade works of art.

I was looking for some place to put my books, and a lot of places don't recycle and a lot of them won't take used books, Bartole explained. And so I thought, well, you know, I need to find a way to repurpose.

That idea has grown into a creative business featuring intricate book sculptures, decorative Christmas trees, bookmarks and other book-inspired creations. Some designs follow patterns that help Bartole determine where to cut and fold each page. Others come from a little experimentation and imagination.

I just take books, and I transform them into something that is different from what we are normally used to saying with a book, giving them longer life, Bartole added.

Her husband, Bill, has become an essential part of the operation, handling the cutting that requires power tools, transporting their creations to markets and helping prepare for shows. But don't assume a machine is doing all the work.

The pages are all individually hand-done, Bill Bartole said as he showed of work done on "Sycamore Row" by John Grisham. They're measured and marked, and then those marks get cut and folded into a tab that expands the book so you can see the actual design.

The process takes time and patience, turning each book into a one-of-a-kind piece.

I am a former English teacher. I am an avid reader. I will not destroy books, she said. I'm repurposing them.

Bartole points to an estimated 640,000 tons of hardcover books that end up in landfills, in part because their bindings can make recycling difficult. For her, book art offers a way to give some of those materials a second life. The couple has spent the past six years bringing their creations to local markets, building a following of customers who return to see what's new. Bartole said she introduces new designs each year, including new Christmas trees for this season.

They typically attend four shows a year, giving customers a chance to see the artwork up close and hear the story behind it. That personal connection is part of the appeal, especially in a world where online shopping offers seemingly endless options. For the Bartoles, selling their work in person also means connecting with the community, and spending time together in retirement.

It's been a journey, and we're going to continue the journey, Bill Bartole said.

Lynn said her husband is more than just the person hauling boxes and working in the garage. He's also her biggest supporter and most honest critic.

He keeps me, he's my, he's my best critic, and he's my best fan, she said.

The couple will bring their handmade creations to the Front Range Maker's Market, where shoppers can browse their work and find gifts that are a little more personal than something pulled from a shelf.

For Deja Vu Decor, the goal is simple: take something familiar, give it a new purpose and turn a well-loved book into something worth looking at for years to come.

FRONT RANGE MAKER'S MARKET DETAILS:

What: Front Range Maker's Market When: Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Lewis-Palmer High School, 1300 Higby Road, Monument Admission: $5 per person at the door; children 12 and younger get in free Parking: Free parking is available in the school's parking lots.

The market accepts cash and cards for admission and purchases. Visitors who leave and plan to return must have their hands stamped for re-entry.

CLICK HERE for a list of vendors.

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Shoppers looking for unique gifts, handmade art, and locally made goods can browse more than 140 vendors this weekend at the Front Range Maker's Market in Monument!

The market returns to Lewis-Palmer High School on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, celebrating 30 years of bringing small businesses, artisans and shoppers together in the community. Organizers say the market will feature vendors spread across three rooms, offering everything from pottery and handcrafted jewelry to vintage finds, boutique clothing, glass art and home dcor.

Shoppers can also find yard art, purses and bags, body care products, gourmet foods, baked goods, and other treats.

The event is designed to encourage shopping small and support independent makers and local businesses.

Food and coffee trucks will be parked outside the school both days, serving breakfast and lunch. Inside, shoppers can find additional treats, including baked goods, bread, nuts and snacks.

Event details What: Front Range Maker's Market When: Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Lewis-Palmer High School, 1300 Higby Road, Monument Admission: $5 per person at the door; children 12 and younger get in free Parking: Free parking is available in the school's parking lots.

The market accepts cash and cards for admission and purchases. Visitors who leave and plan to return must have their hands stamped for re-entry.

Organizers note that the doors will close to new shoppers 30 minutes before the market ends each day. Only marked service dogs are allowed inside the building.

For more information, visit the Front Range Maker's Market website.

A list of the vendors taking part:

The Link Lounge Jewelry Co Aidan Hulting Photography Yours Truly Annie McGuires Front Porch Studio The Mountain Mercantile Amy S Christenson Corvidae Designs Pikes Peak Grain Exchange AJ ROASTED CHILE & JERKY NightBloom Name That Bracelet and Clay Creations Sweet Almande Bud's Birdhouses IMAGINE YOURSELF, LLC Carol's Creations Calaveras n Crass Fruit Gravy Trinas Card Creations Fusion Intrusion A Homemade Heritage liondogranch@gmail.com Wagon wheel smoke house Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries/The Woodworking Shop JC Crafts of Monument Two Gems Boutique Sage Winds Dale Rae Designs Cozy Mountain Candles Ethnic Brazil FuzedCrafts Wickersham Enterprises dba Wickersham Woodworks Elegant Creations by Dawn StoryBox Denver Skye Dawn Studio DEE'S GLASS CREATIONS AND MORE It Is Good Dot's Brittle Kitchen WUAMAN Parks Art Collection Lucy's Armenian-Mediterranean Grill Sak Saum Persephone Love Moon Phase Soap Hollybloom Creations Star & Flame Publishing LLC Queen Be's Fruit Hive Jade Christenson Beauty Abounded Wildberger Creations Blu Opal The Nook of Sweet Unbound Voices Bearpaw Mixes MatchBox Candle Co Mountain Cottage Candles GillybugDesigns The Traveling Gypsies Second Wind Pottery Right Round Woods McClusky Nature Photography, LLC Forest Green Pottery Taspens Organics Joseph Caldara, Author Joyce Stafford Sack Collectibles Lilla Rose Flexi Rep Chic Shifters Palmer Divide Quiltmakers Prairie Fire Salsa, LLC Healthy Harvest Gardens Ken's Custom Woodworks Distant Designs Jewelry Reverie Rose Designs/Zuzus Petals Boutique Incredible Creations by Kristin Callaway Paper pinwheels Bunnygirl Designs Dolce de Leti Lovable Creations Sojourn Well Out of My Mind Creations Deja Vu Decor Lyracism Jewelry Rose and Dove Tru Goodness Brands Cream City Market MJK Enterprises LLC dba Sweet Revenge Fancy Pads Plus Classic Bible Art FLANNELABILITY KapKap Co. Midwestern Crafts Melissa Rolli LLC Front Range Pet Supply Michelle's Mojo Mile Artistry Xtreme Coffee Roasters Jimi J. Crochet The Beanibeings LLC Chieko's Creations Blackbird Art Ladybug designs Paula Middlesworth Crafty Sunflower LLC Proverbs & Pens Hart Strings Jewelry Mongoose Design Wonder Mushroom Company, dba Mane Beverages Aribellas Fabrics and Creations LLC Robin's Nest Artisanry Pines' Nut Butter S.E.W. and Company Styria Bakery II 2 Generations Studio Cute-C-Girl Creations Crafts by Sirena sompong's Designs Sonja Peake Designs, LLC (I have also added a new trade name: DBA: Spiral Daisy Studio) Dad's Dork Den AUNT SUES GARDEN Akinz A Little Worn PotTerre Raku & Stoneware Palmer Lake Creative Barrelborn Woodcraft Mountaintop Ceramics Bella Spirit Design Wally's Mom Made It! BoxesbyBill

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Banking scams are becoming harder to spot as criminals use artificial intelligence to create convincing emails, fake bank websites and even voice recordings designed to impersonate loved ones, according to a banking industry cybersecurity expert.

Paul Benda, executive vice president for risk, fraud and cybersecurity at the American Bankers Association, said consumers need to recognize that some of the traditional warning signs of scams are no longer enough. The ABA is promoting its #BanksNeverAskThat campaign, which aims to educate consumers about common scams and the information banks will and will not request.

Scams are really prevalent, Benda explained. We're seeing them leverage AI. They're writing emails much more clearly right now. They're setting up websites that look just like your bank. They're even deepfaking voices.

Benda said criminals can take a short recording of someone's voice from social media and use it to impersonate that person.

They can take a snippet off of social media of your child, mimic that voice, call you up and pretend to be that child in danger, and try and extort money out of you, he added.

Benda said consumers should be particularly suspicious when someone contacts them unexpectedly and creates a sense of urgency or fear. One warning sign is a caller claiming to be from a bank and saying there are suspicious transactions that require the customer to immediately move money.

Frankly, if they tell you to keep it a secret, it's a scam, Benda said.

Consumers also should not automatically trust caller ID, he said. Criminals can spoof the name and phone number displayed on a phone, making a call appear to come from a legitimate bank. Benda said the FBI estimates losses from scams are increasing about 25% each year. Gallup estimates Americans lost $68 billion to scams, according to Benda.

Check fraud remains a concern

Despite the growth of digital banking, Benda said check fraud remains a significant problem. Checks contain valuable information, including a person's name, address, bank routing number and account number. Criminals have increasingly targeted checks sent through the mail, he said.

Benda said criminals are not necessarily limited to altering stolen checks. Once they obtain banking information, they can use it to print fraudulent checks and attempt to drain accounts.

We're recommending people really move to electronic transactions, use that banking app or use that website to keep their account safe, Benda stated.

What to do if you fall for a scam

Benda said consumers who click on a suspicious link, share banking information or make a fraudulent transaction should contact their bank immediately.

Act quickly and call your bank right away, he said. Minutes, seconds, hours matter.

Contacting the bank quickly can give it an opportunity to secure the account and potentially recover stolen money, he said.

People who lose significant amounts of money also should report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.

The ABA's Banks Never Ask That campaign includes information about common scam tactics, red flags, videos and a quiz designed to test consumers' knowledge. Benda also recommended families establish a secret password that can be used to verify a loved one's identity during an unexpected call. The campaign website encourages consumers to learn what banks will and will not ask for before they encounter a scam. Click here for more on #BanksNeverAskThat.

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The Air Force Academy High School is forfeiting its homecoming football game this week because of a coaching shortage, as it was set to play a school that is under scrutiny for alleged racist incidents reportedly involving people off the playing field.

You can read the full release sent from the Air Academy at the bottom of this article. The only reason the Air Academy cited was not having a full coaching staff, which does not allow them to safely field a varsity football contest. The reason behind a lack of coaches was not shared in the release.

The 3-3 Kadets were set to face 4-2 Lutheran. Lutheran is in the spotlight following two recent games against Colorado Springs-area schools where families from both schools say they were subjected to racist comments. It isn't clear if those comments came from students at Lutheran, but the incidents happened at a game on Sept. 24 for Sand Creek High School and Oct. 2 and 3 for Rampart High School. Leadership at all the schools says they are looking into the matter, and that includes CHSAA. Click here for more on the alleged racist remarks and statements from school districts and CHSAA.

FULL STATEMENT FROM THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY

"

Air Academy High School does not have a full coaching staff that would allow us to safely field a varsity football contest. As a result, Air Academy will forfeit the game scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9. We recognize the importance of Homecoming and the role these traditions play in bringing students, families, staff and alumni together. Air Academy is working to preserve that experience by continuing its planned Homecoming programming, now during a rescheduled flag football game versus TCA that will be held on Oct. 9.Our focus remains supporting our students, staff and school community through uplifting and engaging events. We are committed to a safe and supportive environment for all students.

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A new Subaru car dealership is coming to Colorado Springs, but the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) says it's "not the normal location for car dealerships."

Drivers may have noticed the work taking place along North Gate Boulevard just east of I-25. The dealership is going up near Northgate and Struthers right next to the Starbucks north of the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department is reporting it is a $28.8 million project.

According to planning documents, the Subaru dealership project was approved in late August.

The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department also shared news this week about a restaurant being built not far from the Subaru dealership.

"The Brinkerhoff is now under construction right outside Ford Amphitheater next to the Texas de Brazil," PPRBD posted to social media. "It's popular up in the Castle Rock area and the location will provide some pretty sweet views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range."

The Brinkerhoff is a $3.5 million project, according to PPRBD.

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Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to home price reductions, according to data compiled by Colorado REALTOR Cooper Thayer, but the local real estate expert says the trend does not necessarily mean the state has become a buyer's market.

About 32% of Colorado home listings had their prices reduced in August, compared with a national average of about 26%, according to an analysis by Thayer, a Realtor and spokesperson for the Colorado Association of REALTORS. Thayer said the numbers point to a widening gap between what sellers expect their homes to be worth and what buyers are willing or able to pay.

"\Wwe have the biggest discrepancy between seller and buyer expectations ever, Thayer said.

Thayer said sellers are still adjusting to a market that looks very different from the rapid price growth seen during the pandemic.

We've seen a cooldown in the market from 2021 through 2025, and a lot of sellers, especially those who purchased at the top of the market in 2021 or 2022, maybe struggling to realize that they're not going to sell their home for more than they purchased it for, he added.

At the same time, higher mortgage rates continue to limit what many buyers can afford. The average 30-year mortgage rate recently moved above 7%, adding to the monthly cost of buying a home. Thayer said buyers who can afford to enter the market are gaining negotiating power.

The typical home is closing for anywhere from 2 to 5% below the seller's original asking price, he stated.

Thayer also said seller concessions are becoming increasingly common, with buyers negotiating for help with closing costs and mortgage rates.

Many buyers are using their newfound negotiating leverage to ask for rate buydowns, ask for their closing costs to be covered, he said.

Those concessions can be significant, particularly as buyers face both high home prices and elevated borrowing costs. But Thayer said buyers should not interpret the increase in price cuts as proof that Colorado has suddenly become an affordable housing market. The changing market also creates risks for sellers who initially price their homes too high. Thayer calls the consequences the triple whammy.

1. Longer market times can then lead to additional expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and homeowners association fees.

2. Carrying costs.

3. Skewed perception when a home sits on the market for a long time.

Buyers after the first few weeks are going to start asking the question, why hasn't this home sold yet? Thayer said about reason number three. And even if there's nothing wrong with that house, buyers will ask, what is wrong with it?

Thayer's broader analysis of the Denver-area market found that homes that sell quickly tend to perform substantially better than properties that sit on the market and require price reductions. In the first half of 2026, homes selling within seven days received a median of 100% of their original list price, while properties that remained on the market 61 to 90 days received a median of 94.82%.

The analysis also found a significant difference among types of properties. Single-family homes in the Denver metro area sold faster and closer to their original asking prices than townhouses and condominiums during the first half of the year.

Thayer said that distinction is important when looking at Colorado's housing market as a whole.

We're still in the tale of two markets here, he said. The condo, townhouse market is completely different than the single-family market.

Ultimately, Thayer said the market may remain in this adjustment period for some time.

Nobody's expecting interest rates to shoot down anytime in the near future. Nobody's expecting a wave of new construction to be built in Colorado, he said.

The question, he said, is how long it takes sellers to adjust their expectations.

The real question is, how long is it gonna take a majority of sellers to understand and accept the fact that this is really our new baseline, at least for the next one, two, maybe three years, Thayer said.

For sellers, his advice is to price a home based on current market conditions rather than past expectations.

Price it to sell, not just price it to list, Thayer said.

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The Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has ended its contract with Flock Safety, removing the automated license plate reader cameras the agency says played a role in several serious investigations. The announcement Wednesday morning comes a week after the El Paso County Sheriff's Office made a similar announcement.

A Flock contractor removed the remaining cameras from the county this past weekend, according to the Custer County Sheriff's Office.

The agency said it decided to end the program after concerns about privacy and how license plate reader databases have been used by law enforcement agencies across the country.

Here are some of the ways the Sheriff's Office said Flock was used in Custer County:

Triple homicide investigation: In November 2023, deputies issued a nationwide Be On the Lookout alert for a suspect in a Custer County triple homicide. A deputy in a neighboring county used Flock to locate the suspect's vehicle at a Walmart in Salida. The suspect had already left by the time law enforcement arrived. Suspect tracked into New Mexico: The following morning, a Flock camera in Santa Fe, New Mexico, captured the suspect's vehicle. Investigators used that information to estimate when the vehicle would reach Albuquerque. Officers intercepted the vehicle and made a high-risk traffic stop, arresting the suspect without anyone being injured. Armed juvenile carjacking: More recently, CCSO used Flock to locate a vehicle stolen during an armed carjacking in Silver Cliff. The vehicle was found in Caon City, where other agencies began and later ended a pursuit. The suspect later fired at officers and civilians while driving north on Highway 115 and carjacked two additional vehicles before being arrested by Colorado Springs police. Local warrants: The Sheriff's Office also said Flock alerts were used to notify deputies when vehicles connected to local warrants entered Custer County.Why the sheriff ended the program

CCSO said it initially had three Flock cameras. The system originally allowed license plate data to be shared with law enforcement agencies nationwide, with data automatically deleted after 30 days. The Sheriff's Office later restricted access to its data to Colorado law enforcement agencies. Colorado law prohibits law enforcement agencies in the state from sharing license plate reader data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The law also prohibits sharing data related to reproductive health care services. The Sheriff's Office said reports of law enforcement officers misusing license plate reader databases for searches unrelated to criminal investigations raised concerns for Sheriff Smith.

The agency also said an increasing number of Custer County residents contacted the sheriff with privacy concerns and asked that the cameras be removed.

CCSO notified Flock on March 24 that it wanted to cancel the contract, according to a post on Facebook.

In early August, a vandal used a reciprocating saw to cut down two Flock camera poles on Highway 69 north of Reed Road. The remaining equipment was removed this past weekend.

The Sheriff's Office said it does not currently plan to install license plate reader cameras from another company. It also does not plan to install photo radar cameras that had previously been discussed.

The agency acknowledged that other companies offer similar technology and said those systems could present similar privacy concerns.

The full post from CCSO can be read below:

The Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has ended its contract with Flock Safety, the company that provides automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. A Flock contractor removed the last cameras this past weekend.A Proven Investigative ToolThe Flock system was important in several serious cases in Custer County.In November 2023, a triple homicide happened in Custer County. While deputies were still working the crime scene, CCSO sent a nationwide Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert for the suspect. A deputy in a neighboring county used Flock to find the suspect's vehicle at the Walmart in Salida. The Salida Police Department and Chaffee County Sheriff's Office responded and searched the area, but the suspect had already left.The next morning, a Flock camera in Santa Fe, New Mexico, recorded the suspect's vehicle. The U.S. Marshals Task Force, along with state, county, and local officers, used that information to estimate when the suspect would reach Albuquerque. Officers got there in time to spot the vehicle and make a high-risk traffic stop. The suspect was arrested and no one was hurt.More recently, an armed juvenile carjacked a vehicle in Silver Cliff Colorado. CCSO used Flock to find the stolen vehicle in Caon City. Other agencies began and later terminated a pursuit. Later the suspect fired at officers and citizens while driving north on Highway 115. He carjacked two more vehicles before the Colorado Springs Police Department caught him.CCSO also used Flock alerts to learn when vehicles linked to local warrants entered the county.Data Retention and Sharing SafeguardsCCSO started with three Flock cameras. At first, the cameras shared license plate data with any law enforcement agency in the country. The data was deleted automatically after 30 days, which is well under Colorado's one-year storage limit. Later, CCSO allowed only Colorado law enforcement agencies to access its data.Colorado law now bars all Colorado agencies from sharing this data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It also bars sharing data related to reproductive health care services.Public Concerns and Contract CancellationAcross the country, news reports accused some officers of misusing license plate reader databases for searches that had nothing to do with criminal investigations. Sheriff Smith was troubled that a valuable investigative tool had been misused. A growing number Custer County residents also told the Sheriff they were concerned and asked that the cameras be taken down.On March 24, 2026, CCSO told Flock it wanted to cancel the contract. In early August, a vandal used a reciprocating saw to cut down two Flock camera poles on Highway 69 north of Reed Road. This past weekend, a Flock contractor removed the rest of their equipment from our county and the contract is now over.Looking AheadThe Sheriff's Office knows other companies sell similar license plate reader systems. The other vendors could still pose some privacy issues. At this time, CCSO does not plan to install license plate reader cameras or the photo radar cameras that had been discussed in the past.

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A popular Halloween event at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park will not return this year.

Boo at the Bridge, an annual Halloween celebration at the Royal Gorge, has been canceled for 2026, according to the parks Facebook page. The post was shared on Tuesday. The event has featured Halloween-themed activities for families, including trick-or-treating, games and entertainment at the Royal Gorge Bridge. The cancellation comes as Halloween approaches, but the park has not publicly provided a reason why this years event was canceled.

News5 is reaching out to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park for more information and is working to find out what led to the decision.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Bullying prevention starts with recognizing when a child may be struggling before that struggle turns into harmful behavior, according to a U.S. Center for SafeSport expert.

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and SafeSport Vice President for Education & Research Monica Rivera is encouraging parents and coaches to look beyond the traditional image of a bully and pay attention to what may be driving a child's behavior.

Real prevention means asking what can lead to bullying in the first place and then getting kids what they need, Rivera explained.

Rivera said children who engage in bullying behavior may be dealing with trauma, stress, changes in their identity or problems at home or school. Some may also lack other ways to cope with difficult situations.

Oftentimes, kiddos might choose bullying behavior as a way to avoid being bullied, Rivera added.

She said parents should also watch for signs that their child may be experiencing bullying, including suddenly becoming reluctant to attend practice, withdrawing from friends or showing changes in mood. Rivera encouraged parents to get curious when they notice something seems different rather than waiting for their child to come forward.

If a parent suspects that their kid might be the one who's bullying, I would say the first thing is don't panic, Rivera said. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent.

Instead, Rivera said parents should take the behavior seriously while trying to understand what is beneath it and helping their child develop healthier ways to respond. SafeSport also encourages parents to make conversations about bullying and respectful behavior part of everyday life instead of waiting for one major discussion. Parents can ask children about their experiences on sports teams, how they would handle conflict with a teammate or whether they have seen someone being left out, Rivera said. The goal is to create an ongoing dialogue so children feel comfortable speaking up when something happens.

Bullying Prevention Month is a great opportunity for parents to engage directly about the topic of bullying, but they don't really need to wait for one big conversation to do it, Rivera said.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent organization focused on preventing sexual, physical and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. The organization establishes safety policies, investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct, provides abuse-prevention education and audits national governing bodies for compliance with safety standards.

SafeSport has also released resources for parents and coaches focused on recognizing bullying, responding to bullying behavior and preventing it in sports. Click here for more on changing the cultural narrative around bullying.

Rivera said preventing bullying requires intervention and support before harmful behavior becomes a pattern.

To truly prevent bullying, we need to recognize when a young person may be struggling and respond to those needs before it shows up as harmful behavior, Rivera said in a SafeSport statement.

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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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