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• Man dies in train station with $180,000 in briefcase

  May 3, 2012 7:54 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Federal prosecutors want to hold on to $180,000 in cash that was discovered in the luggage of a Boston man who died of a heart attack after getting off an Amtrak train in New York. William Coyman died in August after collapsing at New York's Pennsylvania... more »

• City council to review $1M payout for Memorial CEO Play Video

  April 29, 2012 12:34 AM

  More than a million dollars in taxpayer money is set to go into the bank account of the departing Memorial Hospital CEO, Dr. Larry McEvoy. It's part of an exit package that has the Mayor of Colorado Springs calling for action. City Council got an email from Mayor Bach... more »

• Texas teen accused of faking cancer

  April 26, 2012 8:18 AM

  EL PASO, Texas (AP) - A West Texas teenager accused of faking cancer to steal $17,000 in donations has been released from jail on bond. Court records show a status hearing has been scheduled May 31 in El Paso for 19-year-old Angie Gomez of Horizon City. Gomez on Tuesday night... more »

• Starbucks giving $4 million to charity, you choose where it goes

  April 23, 2012 7:02 AM

  Starbucks is planning on giving away $4 million. The foundation will give the cash to 124 non-profit organizations and Starbucks customers get to vote on who gets what. The votes will be tallied at the end of the month. To cast your ballot, grab your Starbucks card and... more »

• Vatican seeks to explain US money laundering tag

  March 9, 2012 6:49 PM

  VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican is seeking to explain its presence for the first time on a U.S. list of countries that are a potential hub for money laundering. The U.S. State Department this week released its International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, which identified the Holy See as one... more »

• Woman fakes cancer to raise money

  February 28, 2012 5:42 AM

  RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A suburban Richmond woman has been fined $50 after admitting she faked cancer to raise money. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Martha Ann Nicholas pleaded guilty on Monday to two misdemeanor charges of obtaining money by false pretenses. Besides the fine, she was ordered by a... more »

• Expert says reported military cuts may not be too bad at Fort Carson Play Video

  January 26, 2012 12:42 AM

  Some big changes could be on the horizon for Fort Carson and Southern Colorado as a whole. The Pentagon is cutting its budget around $260,000,000,000 over the next five years. Military sources have leaked that as part of budget cuts, the Army plans to reduce the number of combat brigades... more »

• City cuts payroll by 10% over past 3 years Play Video

  January 19, 2012 12:36 AM

  New numbers that list city employee salaries are out for the public's eyes to see. This year city employees are slated to make about $131,000,000. It may sound high but in fact, it's a pretty big decrease. "The decrease was about $14,000,000 from 2009 compared to 2012. Or about 10%... more »

• Pueblo starts new year with rash of robberies

  January 15, 2012 12:19 PM

  PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - Authorities say Pueblo businesses and individuals have already been hit 12 times by robbers this year, and four of the victims were banks. The Pueblo Chieftain reports that the other victims were three convenience stores, two fast-foot restaurants, a music store and two individuals. Three men... more »

• Occupy costs adding up for some cities Play Video

  November 16, 2011 12:32 AM

  As Occupy Wall Street protests grow across the country, so do violent episodes between cops and occupiers. Just north of our area, Occupy Denver has had several heated run-ins with police over camping space and public areas. With those confrontations comes a price. Today Denver Police announced its cost... more »

• Springs Fire Department saves city around $200,000 Play Video

  November 9, 2011 4:18 PM

  The Colorado Springs Fire Department save the city $209,229 by refurbishing an older engine (pumper) instead of buying a new one. CSFD has refurbished seven apparatuses over the past five years, saving the community over $1.2 million dollars. Right now, a ladder truck is undergoing the refurbishing process.... more »

• Greece talks under way in bid to avoid bankruptcy

  November 6, 2011 11:38 AM

  ATHENS, Greece (AP) - A Greek official says talks are under way on the formation of a temporary coalition government to ensure the country doesn't go bankrupt in the next few weeks. But the main opposition party says it's not part of the discussions. Government spokesman Elias Mossialos told state... more »

• State approves funding for I-25 widening

  October 20, 2011 2:23 PM

  The money is now place to begin a highway widening project along I-25 between North Academy Boulevard and Interquest Parkway. The Colorado Transportation Commission voted unanimously Thursday to commit $31 million for the construction project which is expected to begin in the Spring. On Monday, the Pikes Peak Area... more »

• Retailers desperation could mean good deals for consumers

  October 19, 2011 7:30 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Retailers are so desperate this holiday season that they're willing to lose money to get you to spend yours. It's a critical time of year for merchants, which can make up to 40 percent of their annual revenue in November and December. And they're so... more »

• Police unveil proposed budget cuts

  October 18, 2011 11:18 PM

  Colorado Springs City Council has begun the process of reviewing the mayor's nearly $380,000,000 dollar "all funds" budget. Mayor Bach has directed all agencies to find more efficient ways to operate, including eliminating 38 vacant city positions from the 2012 budget, and more cost sharing for the city employee medical... more »

• President Obama's campaign still opening wallets

  October 16, 2011 9:42 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's getting financial support from some of the nation's most distressed areas. He has shored up support from mid-level donors in some of the most economically distraught areas of the country, even as his Republican challengers have made jobs a central issue heading into... more »

• Postal workers rally in Southern Colorado Play Video

  September 27, 2011 11:20 PM

  Thousands of postal workers all over the country rally to save their jobs. In Colorado Springs their slogan was "No Bailout, Just get the mail out". All of this comes as jobs are threatened and offices are closing with increased competition and more people using on line services. Last... more »

• Campaign fraud?

  September 23, 2011 8:14 PM

  SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - Sen. Dianne Feinstein has filed a civil lawsuit against a bank that handled accounts for a Democratic campaign treasurer charged with fraud for allegedly looting dozens of political war chests. The lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court names First California bank, the treasurer... more »

• Billionaire Buffett to headline Obama fundraisers

  September 21, 2011 5:43 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Billionaire investor Warren Buffett will headline a pair of campaign fundraisers for President Barack Obama in the coming weeks. Obama's re-election campaign says Buffett will help raise money for the president at an event Sept. 30 in New York City. The longtime Obama adviser will also headline... more »

• Colorado spent $160M on homeland security gear

  September 15, 2011 12:00 PM

  DENVER (AP) - State records show Colorado has spent more than $160 million on homeland security gear ranging from protective gloves to emergency command trucks since the 2001 terrorist attacks. The Denver Post reported Thursday that officials produced the list after the newspaper's previous stories showed the state couldn't... more »

• MDA Telethon brings in more money than last year

  September 5, 2011 9:18 AM

  LAS VEGAS (AP) - Muscular Dystrophy Association officials say this year's telethon garnered nearly $61.5 million in contributions. MDA Vice President Jim Brown says Sunday night's program gained almost $2.6 million more than last year's total. The live broadcast was held without comedian Jerry Lewis, who has ended... more »

• State Fair brings millions of dollars to Southern Colorado

  September 3, 2011 6:36 PM

  As the Colorado State Fair enters its final weekend, things are looking good inside the walls of the fair grounds. "We think our attendance is going to come in somewhere where it was last year. That's about 517,000." says State Fair GM Chris Wiseman. It brings in people from... more »

• Most retailers reporting revenue gains

  September 1, 2011 8:37 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Retailers are reporting solid revenue gains for August, capping what's winding up to be a solid back-to-school season despite wild stock market swings and worries about the economy. But the outlook for September remains murky as Hurricane Irene, which ploughed through the Eastern Seaboard last... more »

• Stocks look like they'll close up to end August

  August 31, 2011 8:40 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stock futures are rising at the end of a wild month in the stock market. Investors are awaiting updates Wednesday on factory orders and hiring at private companies. About 90 minutes before the opening bell, Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 80 points,... more »

• $60 billion lost to fraud and waste in Iraq and Afghanistan

  August 31, 2011 8:22 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - An independent panel that concluded as much as $60 billion in U.S. funds has been lost to waste and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade will release results today of its three-year investigation into wartime spending. In its final report to Congress, the... more »

• Pueblo energy customers could see rate hike Play Video

  August 30, 2011 12:32 AM

  A proposed rate hike by Black Hills Energy in Pueblo has many asking questions. On Tuesday a hearing will be held with local residents to get their thoughts on the proposed hike of nearly 19% a month. "What it amounts to for our average customer which consumes about 600 kilowatt... more »

• Consumer spending up for first time in 20 months

  August 29, 2011 8:46 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumers rebounded in July to lift spending after the first decline in 20 months. The boost is likely to ease fears that the U.S. economy is on the verge of another recession. The Commerce Department says consumer spending rose 0.8 percent in July. Personal income increased... more »

• Stocks could rise this week

  August 22, 2011 8:19 AM

  Stock futures are pointing higher to open this week after fears that the economy could be headed into a second recession, pummeled the major indexes for four weeks in a row. No major economic reports are due out Monday. Crude oil jumped 1.6 percent to $83.58 a barrel in... more »

• Bachmann wants Congress back to restore credit

  August 12, 2011 11:19 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Michelle Bachmann says if she were president, she would immediately call Congress back to Washington with the aim of "getting this AAA credit rating back." Bachmann tells NBC's "Today" show that public officials should e working to begin "reforming entitlements" and get spending under control. Her... more »

• Chihuahua saves the day

  July 19, 2011 8:20 AM

  A small Chihuahua saved the day in Altadena, Calif. Two hooded men, one with a rifle, tried to rob the Ace Smoke Shop on July 7. The men demanded money and when the store owner began putting money in a backpack carried by one of the men, and... more »

• Tips from "Savvy Bloggers" Play Video

  July 16, 2011 10:21 PM

  As unemployment rises and the American economy struggles to recover, many are turning to the World Wide Web to find new ways of making money on the side. This weekend hundreds of successful bloggers are taking part in the Savvy Blogging Summit at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Erin Chase... more »

• Rodeo brings fun, economic boost

  July 13, 2011 11:34 PM

  It's time once again for the 71st Annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. It brings in tens of thousands of fans from all over the country. This year is no exception. "Last year we had just over 27,000 (people) for the duration of the rodeo. This year we're expecting closer... more »

• Obama: We 'need to' get a debt deal in 10 days

  July 10, 2011 7:26 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says he and Congress "need to" agree on a budget deal in 10 days in order to meet an Aug. 2 deadline to increase the nation's debt ceiling and avoid a potentially calamitous government default. Obama spoke as he and the eight top House... more »

• Couponing making a comeback

  July 7, 2011 8:20 AM

  The women sat in eager silence as Monica Knight told them groceries used to cost her $600 a month and now she spends only $100 to $150 a month. Then, she shared her secret: Extreme couponing. The women oohed and awed as Knight, a mother of two, pulled... more »

• Tax revenues up in Colorado

  July 6, 2011 10:48 PM

  DENVER (AP) - The Colorado Municipal League says sales tax revenue increased an average of 6.5 percent across the state during the first four months of this year compared to the same time span last year. The organization says in a survey released Wednesday that 62 percent of cities and... more »

• Update: District 49 to cut nearly 150 jobs

  April 28, 2011 1:14 AM

  Wednesday proved to be a tough night for everyone involved in Falcon School District 49. The school board voted to eliminate nearly 150 jobs district wide. As part of financial shortfalls, the district had to cut about $11,000,000 from its 2011-2012 operating budget. The biggest cuts come in the form... more »

• CU considers ending marijuana celebration to save $50,000

  April 25, 2011 12:04 PM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - University of Colorado officials are discussing the possibility of shutting down an annual marijuana celebration event that costs the school tens of thousands of dollars to manage. Vice Chancellor for Administration Frank Bruno says CU pays about $50,000 annually to hire personnel from the sheriff... more »

• Colorado ranks among top 10 states to make a living

  April 17, 2011 8:13 AM

  Colorado is among the 10 best states in the country to make a living according to a new ranking compiled by the website money-rates.com . The survey compared unemployment rates with average wages, tax rates and the cost of living index in each state. According to the report,... more »

• Tax pros prepare for last minute filings Play Video

  April 17, 2011 12:26 AM

  You've undoubtedly seen the numerous Uncle Sam's directing you to the nearest tax office. It's tax season crunch time and that means procrastinators. Even with tax day being extended by three days this year, many are still waiting till the last minute to file. "The last 3 days of tax... more »

• Pueblo County's financial outlook good this year Play Video

  April 6, 2011 5:41 PM

  We've been reporting for months now the budget crisis facing state lawmakers, school districts and local communities. But there's at least one exception. Pueblo County is bucking the trend. Last year Pueblo County faced a $9.5 million deficit and even required staff to take 12 furlough days, but this... more »

• Possible scam targets Colorado non-profits, businesses Play Video

  April 5, 2011 11:44 AM

  The government is warning about a possible scam targeting non-profits and businesses in Colorado. The Colorado Secretary of State's office says "Corporate Controllers Unit" is sending out a confusing solicitation. The letter asks non-profits to send $225 to file government reports with the Secretary of State's office--which typically only... more »

• Winning Mega Millions tix worth $312M sold in NY

  March 26, 2011 10:29 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - A New York lottery official says a winning ticket for the Mega Millions lottery jackpot worth $312 million has been sold at a variety store in Albany, N.Y. New York Lottery spokeswoman Carolyn Hapeman says the winning jackpot ticket for Friday's drawing was sold at... more »

• Contractors lose thousands on thrift store renovation

  February 8, 2011 11:51 AM

  A Pueblo contractor is out of business after a local nonprofit apparently failed to pay its bills. As we told you last week, Colorado Green Services decided not to move into the old Toys 'R' Us building by the Pueblo Mall, after it was remodeled for them. The large,... more »

• Air Force Academy to accept fewer cadets to save money

  February 7, 2011 11:56 AM

  DENVER (AP) - The Air Force Academy is accepting fewer new cadets under a mandate to reduce the size of the student body by about 9 percent to save money. Lt. Gen. Michael Gould, the academy superintendent, says the Air Force ordered the school to reduce enrollment to 4,000... more »

• Financial help to pay heating bills

  January 31, 2011 3:45 PM

  If you're worried about your utilities bill as temperatures plunge into the deep freeze, there's still time to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). LEAP benefits provide assistance to help families with their heating bills but are not intended to pay the entire bill. You may apply... more »

• Hickenlooper visits Southern Colorado Play Video

  January 16, 2011 11:38 PM

  In a time where Colorado's state budget is uncertain, the state's new governor is taking an untraditional approach to fixing it. "The vision is instead of a bunch of big shots in Denver telling the rest of the state, here's what we think is best for your economy, let's let... more »

• Stocks open mixed as investors weigh data

  December 30, 2010 11:08 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks are starting out mixed as traders sift through the last batch of economic data for the year. Thursday morning, the Labor Department provided some positive news by reporting that initial filings for unemployment insurance in the week ending Dec. 25 fell to 388,000 from... more »

• Holiday numbers looking good for local merchants Play Video

  December 29, 2010 12:30 AM

  New national sales numbers show a rise in holiday spending this year. It's a good sign for merchants in Southern Colorado who say the past couple of years haven't been as kind. "We were significantly down in 2008 and 2009." explains Chris Sondermann, owner of Terra Verde in Colorado Springs.... more »

• More elderly in debt with no way out Play Video

  December 6, 2010 12:18 AM

  More and more, seniors on a fixed budget are turning to credit cards to help them through tough times. "They're using it (credit cards) for gasoline, they're using it for food, they're using it for prescriptions, they're using it for co-payments." explains Eileen Doherty, Director of the Colorado Gerintological Society.... more »

• Pueblo council passes budget, disagrees on spending measure Play Video

  November 23, 2010 1:58 PM

  Pueblo City Council has approved $76.8 million dollar budget for 2011. City Manager Jerry Pacheco says in order to balance the budget, the city had to reduce personnel costs. This means 26 vacant full time positions will remain un-filled in the coming year. In related business, council members were at... more »

• One last furlough day in Pueblo County

  November 17, 2010 3:39 PM

  Pueblo County employees will have one more furlough day and then the money-saving effort is over. Every month this year most Pueblo County employees have had to take one day off without pay. The last day is Friday. The Pueblo County Commissioners voted yesterday to lift the furloughs,... more »

• Does the IRS owe you money? Search our list

  November 17, 2010 1:06 PM

  The Internal Revenue Service owes Colorado taxpayers $2,156,188. The refund checks were returned to the IRS as undeliverable. The IRS compiled a list of taxpayers for NewsFirst5 from the following cities and towns: Air Force Academy Avondale Calhan Canon City Cascade Colorado... more »

• Holiday sales expect to rise Play Video

  November 1, 2010 8:13 PM

  With Halloween now in the books the retail focus shifts to Christmas. With only 54 shopping days left, businesses are already getting into the holiday spirit. "We already have all of our Christmas wrap in and we're ready to go." says Chris Sondermann who owns Terra Verde, a shop in... more »

• National political money pours into states

  October 28, 2010 2:40 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - A deluge of cash from interest groups is pouring into close congressional races coast to coast. And it's flowing to much lower-profile contests far down the ticket as well. According to a state-by-state review by The Associated Press, interest groups have spent at least $185 million... more »

• Complaint ties Douglas Bruce to anti-tax measures

  October 19, 2010 11:35 AM

  Anti-tax crusader Douglas Bruce says a complaint filed with the secretary of state's office that ties him to three anti-tax measures is frivolous and meant to scare people into voting against them. The Denver Post reports the complaint filed Monday by a coalition opposed to Amendments 60, 61, and... more »

• Disabilities no longer a death sentence for pets

  October 18, 2010 10:03 AM

  Cats, dogs and other pets with disabilities that would have once caused the animals to be euthanized are living longer lives, thanks to a growing industry that caters to their owners. From canine chiropractors to companies that make wheelchairs designed for dogs, a segment of the $47 billion pet... more »

• Doug Bruce asks for help passing tax-cutting measures

  October 14, 2010 1:32 PM

  An anti-tax advocate who has tried to distance himself from a trio of tax-and-debt cutting measures is urging supporters to volunteer to get the proposals passed next month. The Denver Post reported Thursday that Douglas Bruce made the pitch in an e-mail last month to backers of Amendments 60... more »

• John Elway invests $15M with alleged Ponzi schemer

  October 14, 2010 11:03 AM

  Former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway and his business partner gave $15 million to a hedge-fund manager now accused of running a Ponzi scheme. The Denver Post reported Thursday that Elway and Mitchell Pierce filed a motion saying they wired the money to Sean Michael Mueller in March. ... more »

• Seasonal hiring for holiday shopping season begins Play Video

  October 11, 2010 7:11 PM

  It may only be mid October, but some stores in Southern Colorado are already hearing "Jingle Bells". "It's definitely the warm up for Christmas." explains Rebecca Berg, the owner of Barracuda Bazaar clothing store in Old Colorado City, "People are starting to look around at the stores to see what's... more »

• Colorado tax-slashing proposals scare GOP, Democrats

  October 8, 2010 8:13 AM

  Businessmen gather at an empty Denver Broncos stadium, with an ominous warning. The more than 70,000 vacant seats around them, they say, represent the number of state jobs that would be lost if three tax-slashing and debt-cutting measures are approved in next month's election. While many states are wrestling... more »