Daily editionWednesday, January 14th, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of January.
Community
Blake Sammann joined 11 News This Morning as a new co-anchor on Tuesday morning with Sophie Erber and Kevin Bloemberg in Colorado Springs.
He has been with the station since February 2024 and has earned awards including a regional Edward R. Murrow award.
11 NewsRead more
Business
KBBQ Wings opened at 8029 N. Academy Blvd to serve Korean fusion dishes in a fast-casual setting that features self-order kiosks and a full bar.
Customers can call ahead, order online, or dine in, with NFL game specials adding extra appeal.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
ALDI announced plans to expand into Colorado with stores planned for Denver and Colorado Springs, which shoppers hope will ease high grocery costs.
Exact locations (and timelines) remain undisclosed.
11 NewsRead more
Culture
Tim David of Colorado Art of Facts in Manitou Springs spent nearly 50 years building a collection of rare Colorado relics and Egyptian artifacts now for sale.
The shop at 934 Manitou Ave is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
New data from Colorado’s education department showed that the graduation rate rose to 85.6% in 2024-25 and dropouts fell to 1.6% in spring 2025 even as statewide enrollment dropped by over 10,200 students.
Local districts like D-11 (proving local strength) experienced gains.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Environment
Firefighters in Colorado Springs rescued an injured deer that fell through thin ice Tuesday at Curr Reservoir at the Country Club; the exhausted animal soon regained strength and bolted back into the wild.
11 NewsRead more
Government
A city assessment confirmed that residents prefer improved park maintenance (including safety, amenities, and trail connectivity) over new park development.
The Park System Assessment findings were presented Monday to City Council as the first step in updating the long-term Park System Master Plan.
City of Colorado SpringsRead more
US Northern Command is set to hold a two-day 11 Cities Summit at Hotel Polaris starting Tuesday to coordinate federal and local preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America.
The event brings over 200 federal, host city, and security officials together in Colorado Springs to validate plans.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Defense announced a 10-year partnership to spend $7.3 million treating 2,000 acres near the Air Force Academy and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station to reduce wildfire risk, with additional treatments planned on 1,000 more acres.
KOAA News5Read more
Health
Tuesday, Jan. 13, Steve Carleton of Porch Light Health explained treatment options during Substance Use Treatment Month.
Local shoppers also remain hopeful that ALDI's planned expansion in Colorado Springs will ease grocery costs as details on store locations and opening dates have not yet been released.
11 NewsRead more
Lifestyle
Mueller State Park has groomed trails available for Nordic skiing after a recent snowstorm left over a foot of snow, with tracks along Black Bear Trail and looping paths near campgrounds (UTVs often prepare the routes).
Enjoy these winter trails with a $10 fee per vehicle at the park.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Sports
Air Force men's basketball fell 70-62 Tuesday night to San Jose State after nearly erasing an 11-point deficit in the final minutes.
The Falcons will host Nevada at Clune Arena on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Rampart beat Cheyenne Mountain 73-67 on Tuesday as Theodore Wilson’s late jumper broke the tie in the fourth quarter, and the Rams rallied with strong plays to secure the win + they overcame earlier scoring runs and kept the crowd cheering.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Accidents
A car crashed into AI Sushi and Grill on Jan. 7, damaging the building's front door, window and wall, but the Lee family cleaned up quickly and reopened the restaurant at 4655 Centennial Blvd. the next day—no injuries were reported and the investigation continues.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Open Bar Comedy Live Recording
Thursday, January 15th, 2026 · 7:30-9 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission and VIP options available — Experience a night of laughter as top comedians film their specials in Colorado Springs.
The Springs Home Show
Friday, January 16th, 2026 · 12-6 p.m. — Colorado Springs Event Center — Free admission — Explore home improvement options and exclusive vendor discounts at this inspiring event.
Christian Singles Gathering in Colorado Springs
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 1:30-3:30 p.m. — Third Space Coffee Roastery Cafe and Events — $20 for Non Hub Members — Enjoy a cozy afternoon with board games and fellowship among local Christian singles.
The Springs Home Show
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 · 11 AM – 4 PM — Colorado Springs Event Center — Free admission — Discover live demos, meet local contractors and designers, and enjoy exclusive home improvement savings.
Mellow Mondays Coloring Night
Monday, January 19th, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Start the week with colors and brews at this relaxing coloring night for all ages.
Bleating Heart Night: Support Women's Mountain Biking
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer while supporting the Women's Mountain Biking Association of Colorado Springs.
Jazz Thursdays with Reid Poole
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange Hotel — Free entry — Enjoy a lively New Orleans jazz performance featuring Reid Poole and his trio in the hotel lobby.
Unplugged at the Lodge
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy local musicians performing acoustic originals and covers each week.
Nancy Norton Live Comedy
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 · 7:30-9 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Two item minimum purchase — Award-winning comedian and nurse Nancy Norton headlines an evening of laughs with special guests.
Colorado on Wood
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 · 2:30-4:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $45-$60 per person — Unleash your creativity with a sip-and-paint experience led by a talented instructor.