Daily editionThursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
Community
Emergency Medical Technician Codi Natelli plans a 'safe parking' pilot in January to provide up to 20 monitored parking spots with restrooms, showers, food and case management for people living in vehicles.
The project, led by Ascending to Health, awaits location approval + seed funding.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
The Resource Exchange (now employing 600 people) aids nearly 13,000 residents in El Paso, Teller and Park counties by partnering with over 200 local organizations to provide disability services.
Facing state budget cuts, it will use ESF funds (essential for retaining staff) to protect staffing levels and streamline work.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Today, local events begin with the 48th El Paso County Search & Rescue Run at Norris Penrose at 10 a.m., while upcoming offerings include Manitou Springs’ Gallery Show, a Winter Adult Reading Program at Pikes Peak Library District, and Denver’s National Western Parade Jan. 8.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Culture
The exhibit Neighbors by photographer John Goddard and poet Kristy Milligan opens tomorrow with a free reception from 4-8 p.m. at Auric Gallery (125 E. Boulder St.) and runs through Jan. 15; an artist talk with a poetry reading is set for Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Government
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced that unincorporated areas remained under Stage I Fire Restrictions starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The restrictions ban open burning (including fireworks and outdoor smoking) until guidelines are updated.
KOAA News5Read more
Sheriff Joseph Roybal reinstated Stage 1 fire restrictions for unincorporated El Paso County last Wednesday at 1 p.m. The measures limited open burning, charcoal grilling, and outdoor smoking, among other activities, and remained until moisture levels improve (fireworks for the AdAmAn Club event are exempt).
11 NewsRead more
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reinstated Stage 1 fire restrictions for unincorporated areas after recent snowfall fell short of forecasts, banning fireworks without a permit and other fire-related activities to prevent wildfires.
The restrictions went into effect at 1 p.m. Wednesday and will remain until moisture levels improve.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Health
Colorado currently has nearly 800 people in hospitals because of the flu, a record high compared to previous weeks.
Health officials reported one child death and urge residents to get their flu shots as cases continue rising.
Colorado Public RadioRead more
Colorado is facing one of its roughest flu seasons as hospitalizations among children rise sharply due to a new strain and lower vaccination rates.
Public health experts advise getting vaccinated and following sanitation measures — officials expect more challenges as the season continues.
Colorado Public RadioRead more
Colorado faced a record flu surge last week with 800 hospitalizations statewide and rising severe cases in Colorado Springs.
Doctors noted an increase in patients with worse symptoms (with numbers higher than last season) and stressed that vaccination and preventive measures protect community health.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Sports
Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews was named to Team Canada for the Olympic Games in Milan in February — his strong season performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off helped earn him the spot.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Blacklight Starry Night Art Party
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 · 8-10 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$48 per person — Use neon paints under black lights for a fun, guided art experience.
Trivia Night at Summa
Sunday, January 4th, 2026 · 6-8:30 p.m. — Summa — Free entry — Gather your brainy bunch for a night of fun and prizes with free trivia.
Japan How I Love Thee
Monday, January 5th, 2026 · 5:30-8:30 p.m. — The French Kitchen — $109.00 — Explore the cozy and colorful world of Japanese home cooking in a creative culinary class.
Trivia Tuesdays
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 · 7:30 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Free entry — Test your pop culture knowledge every Tuesday with themed trivia nights for all ages.
Homeschool Days: Astronaut Training
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 · 10 AM – 4 PM — Space Foundation Headquarters and Discovery Center — Check website for costs — Experience hands-on activities and workshops designed for K-12 students and families in an exciting space-themed environment.
Jazz Thursday with Susan Rissman
Thursday, January 8th, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience the smooth sounds of the Susan Rissman Trio performing jazz standards and contemporary covers.
Cybersecurity First Friday
Friday, January 9th, 2026 · 4-6 p.m. — University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Free entry — Connect with the Colorado Springs cybersecurity community for socializing and networking.
11+ Teens Dungeons and Dragons
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 · 11 AM – 1 PM — Peterson Library — Registration required — Adventurers of all experience levels welcome for a thrilling 5th Edition D&D campaign filled with homebrew magic.
Colorado Springs Pickers Bluegrass Jam
Sunday, January 11th, 2026 · 3-6 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Share your love for Bluegrass and acoustic music in a friendly jam circle.
Mellow Mondays Coloring Night
Monday, January 12th, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Color your way into the week with fun pages and your favorite brews.