Daily
Colorado Springs
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is hosting dog speed dating at its shelter today, tomorrow, and Sunday to match six dogs with six potential adopters per round. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no fee required). 11 News
- ➤ Hope COS reopened its warming shelter on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at 1930 West Colorado Avenue and will remain open through Sunday at 8 a.m.—its capacity is set at 80, and Mountain Metropolitan Transit will provide free rides as overnight lows drop into the teens. 11 News
- ➤ El Paso County will begin construction later this month on a 1 ½-mile concrete segment of Ute Pass Trail starting off Spring Street in Cascade to connect neighborhoods and provide a safe non-motorized route to Ute Pass Elementary, and the $3 million project is backed by a $2.5 million grant. Colorado Springs Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Colorado Springs teacher Shana Engel was honored with the Milken Educator Award at Mountain Vista Community School in January when students and the education chief celebrated her work with a $25,000 prize. Colorado Public Radio
- ➤ The Widefield D-3 board unanimously appointed longtime educator Steffanie Howell, the current assistant superintendent, as the next superintendent on Thursday, Feb. 19; she will work to close performance gaps, boost graduation rates for students with disabilities, and expand postsecondary opportunities with partners like Pikes Peak State College (supporting community ties). Colorado Springs Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Parks Department’s 2025 report found a slight drop in bird diversity at Stratton Open Space after oak clearing reduced habitat and audio monitoring recorded new nocturnal species including three owls and a poorwill. The report also cites growing noxious weeds (Canada thistle, yellow toadflax, mullein) leading to targeted spraying. Colorado Springs Gazette
- ➤ The City of Colorado Springs launched a free tree giveaway program called Grow Shade Together on Wednesday to replace aging trees and boost shade in the Hillside and Stratton Meadows neighborhoods, using federal grant funds + residents can check eligibility with an interactive city map. KOAA News5
- ➤ Colorado's warm winter is causing plants to wake up early, with daffodils budding and tulips emerging in local gardens; experts advise gardeners to use frost covers (carefully applied) to protect vulnerable blooms if cold conditions return. KOAA News5
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Department of Veterans Affairs paused a rule that local veterans advocates feared might discourage taking medications and will accept public comments until April 20 + leaders at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center plan to relay feedback to Congress. Colorado Springs Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local doctors at CommonSpirit Health urge residents to adopt heart-healthy habits by eating well, exercising, and managing stress. They warned that new or worsening chest pain should prompt immediate care to prevent lasting damage. Colorado Springs Gazette
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Rocks 24 Pizzeria on E. Fountain Blvd serves Chicago-style pizza, calzones, sandwiches, and salads in a spacious setting with many TVs. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant uses local ingredients (including Palmer Lake’s Sara's Sausage) to offer generous portions and friendly service. Colorado Springs Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Senior goalie Kaidan Mbereko will take the ice for his final games at Ed Robson Arena (downtown) on Friday and Saturday when Colorado College faces Western Michigan. The senior, who played 126 games with a .914 save percentage, celebrates a record career as the Tigers push toward a conference quarterfinal. Colorado Springs Gazette
- ➤ Colorado skaters made Olympic history as former Colorado Springs trainee Alysa Liu won gold—becoming the first American woman in 20 years to medal in figure skating—while local Amber Glenn improved to fifth place with a strong free skate; other Colorado athletes competed in skiing events. Colorado Springs Gazette
- ➤ Air Academy wrestlers scored 62 points to lead 4A during the opening rounds of the CHSAA state championships at Ball Arena — six Kadets are set for Friday's semifinals starting at 6 p.m. while Pueblo East steps in as the challenger. Colorado Springs Gazette
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Saturday Bike Ride
6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy an evening ride with the Colorado Springs Cycling Club to Glen Eyrie Castle.
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Birds & Brews: Birdwatching Hike and Brewery Visit
4-7 p.m. — Ute Valley Park & 105 West Brewing — Waitlist available — Search for birds like Bluebirds and Finches before enjoying craft brews at a nearby brewery.
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Early Childhood Development: Music and Movement
6-8 p.m. — Family Success Center - Pikes Peak United Way — Free entry — Discover how music and movement enhance early childhood development in a fun and engaging way.
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Bleating Heart Night for Suicide Prevention
5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Support Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership while enjoying great craft beer.
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Family Swim at Peterson SFB Aquatic Center
10 AM – 1 PM — Peterson SFB Aquatic Center — Active Duty: $2.00, Adults: $5.00, Children: $4.00 — Dive into family fun in a shallow swim area.
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Unplugged at the Lodge
6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy live acoustic performances by local musicians every Thursday evening.
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Just Nesh Comedy Show
9:45 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission: Two item minimum purchase — Experience high energy comedy from Taneshia 'Just Nesh' Rice, a rising star on the circuit.
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Film in the Community: Screening of I'm Carl Lewis
1-3 p.m. — Peak Education — Free entry — Celebrate Black History Month with a documentary exploring the legacy of Olympic legend Carl Lewis.
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Pasta Making with Chef Juwanza
12:00–2:00 p.m. — uva wine bar — All ingredients included — Learn to make delicious pasta from scratch in a fun, hands-on class.
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The Nonprofit Leadership Exchange
5:30-7:30 p.m. — UCCS Downtown — Free entry — Connect with fellow nonprofit leaders while focusing on governance and clarity.
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