🌱 Top Dollar Pawn Investigation + Possible Fireworks Ban

Hello, Colorado Springs! An important announcement for you: Patch has made the decision to temporarily pause the Colorado Springs Daily, so after today, you may not see this newsletter in your inbox for a little while. But don't worry — we won't be away for too long! Until then, we sincerely thank you for your support and patience. Writing your daily newsletter has been truly a rewarding experience, and your loyalty has made it all the better! — Helen Eckhard

First, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 86 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories today in Colorado Springs:

1. The Colorado Springs Police Department served several search warrants on Top Dollar Pawn. The warrants are to find evidence of a "multi-million dollar criminal organization" operating at the stores. The investigation is a joint effort between the FBI, the Pueblo Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. The 29 charges are for racketeering and money laundering. (Colorado Springs Gazette)
2. Ever-increasing gas prices have reportedly led to a volunteer shortage at a local senior center. Silver Key Senior Services relies on volunteers to deliver meals, perform welfare checks, and spend quality face-to-face time with their seniors. Volunteers have to use their own vehicles to provide these services. If you are interested in helping Silver Key Senior Services, please click here. (KRDO)
3. El Paso County is considering a ban on fireworks. Currently, consumer explosives are allowed in unincorporated areas but a recent state statute has County Commissioners reviewing that allowance. Fireworks are a major concern when it comes to preventing wildfires. (KRDO)

Today in Colorado Springs:

• PRINTMAKING-Ramona At The Manitou Springs Library (11:00 AM)
• Old Colorado City Book Group At The Old Colorado City Branch Library (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Did you miss Colorado Springs Fire Department's meeting on wildfire safety? No worries, the full meeting has been posted. Click to watch. (Colorado Springs Fire Department via Facebook)
• The 4th Judicial DA notifies the community that law enforcement is NOT seizing lawfully pawned personal items. If you are concerned about a contract, please contact Top Dollar Pawn. (Twitter)
• Some roads will be closed this weekend downtown for Fan Fest and the Hall of Fame Festival. Click for the full list of closures. (Twitter)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 24)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you around!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.