Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Wednesday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
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El Paso County sees 'concerning rise' in incidence rate of COVID-19
After a rise in the incidence rate of COVID-19 in the county, health officials are warning that the county's status could be at risk if the numbers continue as they are. The county tweeted that, according to the El Paso County Health Department, the rate has risen 36.9% over the last two weeks and that "this concerning rise endangers our county's standing in 'Safer at Home Level 1'" and impact capacity limits.
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Heavy smoke blowing into southern Colorado this morning
Smoke is exceptionally thick in El Paso County this morning, and it's all from wildfires burning in northern Colorado. There are about 4 wildfires in northern Colorado and Wyoming sending smoke down south into our region. The largest of the fires, the Cameron Peak, Mullen, and Williams Fork, are the main smoke producers this morning.
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Squatter now refuses to leave prison for court appearance
It's a case our News5 Investigates team has been closely following for several months. A convicted felon and squatter who is currently incarcerated has filed a lawsuit against a Colorado Springs family after he was evicted. Two years later, Jackie "Jack" Cole filed paperwork with the El Paso County Courthouse seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages for injured feelings and mental anguish. Unfortunately, this week's hearing had to be vacated because Cole refused to be transported from the Department of Corrections to court.
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FACT CHECKS: Claims from Trump and Biden's first debate
President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden sparred Tuesday in their first of three debates, hoping to sway undecided voters planning to cast ballots by mail and in person in the final weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 election. Click the link above to see how their statements line up with the facts.
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WATCH: News5's Election 2020 Special
In a debate that featured frequent interruptions, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden sparred for the first of three meetings between the two candidates. News5 is watching out for you with our election special, where our team breaks down what's on the ballot, key races, and you'll hear from experts on how the political landscape is changing in Colorado. Our team will give you the tools you need to make the best decision for you this November. Click the link above to watch the full video.
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