Good morning, Colorado Springs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fun Evening at Poor Richard's

6-8 p.m. — Poor Richard's Restaurant — Free entry — Enjoy good food, drinks, and the Wheel O' Crazy game with fellow locals.

Fix & Feast: In The Weeds

5:30 – 8:30 PM — The French Kitchen — $129.00 — Experience an evening of cooking decadent courses paired with refreshing mocktails.

Christian Singles Gathering in Colorado Springs

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.

Sunday Family FUNday | Elephant in Color

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Costs may vary — Get ready to unleash your creativity with a fun and colorful painting experience for the whole family.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

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

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

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.

Therapeutic Thursday Coloring Night

6-8 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unleash your creativity and relax with adult coloring pages every week.

Taproom Sessions: Deuces Wyld

5-7 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy intimate acoustic performances from local artists while sipping on craft brews.

Dina Hollingsworth Quartet Live at Tokki

7-10 p.m. — Tokki — Tickets not on sale — Enjoy a fantastic night of jazz accompanied by delicious food and drinks.