Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Comic Books for Troops donated 20,000 Digital Lizards of Doom books to military families, with local school districts and nonprofits (including Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center) set to distribute them to support literacy and help connect deployed parents with their children.

Hundreds of teddy bears, Toy Story characters and stuffies will join riders for the 39th annual High Country Toy Run on Oct.

4 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson to Phil Long Music Hall (benefiting Marine Corps Toys for Tots).

A new report shows first-time buyers face a steep affordability gap as a typical 470,000-dollar home needs about 127,760 dollars in annual income while most local families earn 91,009 dollars, with high mortgage rates & a required 20% down payment adding to the challenge.

With fall arriving, local gardeners are urged to remove noxious-thistles early using proper techniques.

Experts recommend mechanical methods for bull, musk, plumeless and scotch thistles and mowing with herbicides for Canada thistle to prevent seed spread.

Mackenzie Cordova, who lost her mother and cousin to suicide, will join the Southern Colorado Out of the Darkness Walk (check-in at 8 a.m.) at Memorial Park this month to honor her family and raise mental health awareness.

The walk aims to help members learn early signs and find support.

Colorado sports empires will face off today at Empower Field as the Broncos play the Rams on Sunday Night Football.

The contest pits the established Kroenke group against the rising Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group + fueling local rivalry.

The Mesa Ridge Grizzlies secured a 48-0 win over Widefield at C.A.

Foster Stadium Saturday, Sept. 26 — scoring 41 points in the first half and earning their 11th straight win as Coach Calip stressed that disciplined play was essential on and off the field.

Air Force beat Nevada in double overtime 36-33 at Mackay Stadium as coach Troy Calhoun celebrated his 60th birthday, with Rocco Conti scoring a touchdown and Liam Szarka running and passing to secure the win.

Colorado native wide receiver Joseph Williams had a standout game Saturday with 11 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown in a Baylor loss at McLane Stadium (Waco), also adding a 49-yard trick play pass.

Colorado Springs' Switchbacks will play Detroit City FC Saturday at 5 p.m. on the road, aiming to secure a playoff spot during a four-match unbeaten run while versatile player Rocha fills in at wing back (injuries have affected the lineup) and Detroit’s strong home defense poses a challenge.