Daily editionThursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
Community
Bear Creek Nature Center will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a special Bear-thday party on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the center.
The event celebrates five decades of environmental education and community bonding in El Paso County (details to come).
El Paso CountyRead more
Business
Barnes & Noble will open its third store in Colorado Springs next week at 3173 Cinema Point in the First and Main shopping center.
Local author Rebecca Yarros and Corduroy the bear will join the grand opening at 9 a.m. on March 4 — featuring Storytime and deals for readers.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Misty Mountain Collective, a new downtown coffee shop, promotes zero-waste by offering drinks in reusable glass jars with a deposit plus its owners plan a two-day music fest at Lulu’s Downtown to honor a local music icon.
KOAA News5Read more
Culture
The Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs will host Sublime on Aug. 6 as tickets go on sale Thursday — the venue was recently named Top West Coast Amphitheater on Billboard’s 2026 list and will also feature shows like Dierks Bentley on July 2.
KOAA News5Read more
Colorado Springs theater picks offer shows this week with comedy by Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice at Loonees Comedy Corner Friday (7:30 and 9:45 p.m.) and musical theater with The Music Man today at 190 S. Cascade Ave., plus a poem-play at Fine Arts Center and improv at Peak Improv Theater.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Economy
Palantir Technologies moved its headquarters from Denver to a Miami suburb last week, a decision that may cost Colorado $178M if 90 employees leave & trigger further tech exits.
Local business leaders say this move deepens concerns over the state’s regulatory climate.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
The UCCS student-run radio station won the international 2026 Best Streaming-Only Station award after a weekend trip to New York City.
It is the second time the college station has earned the title and is known for its 24/7 streaming and 20 student-run shows.
11 NewsRead more
Environment
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported bear sightings in the Pikes Peak area rose 102% in 2025 with 567 bears spotted near Colorado Springs as euthanasia rates dropped.
The increase was linked to bears seeking human food from inconsistent natural sources — urging improved coexistence practices.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Government
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is hiring seasonal staff for summer programs — including day camp leaders, park rangers, and historical interpreters — with roles starting in spring and continuing into fall.
Interested candidates should apply through GovernmentJobs.com.
KOAA News5Read more
The Edison Fire Protection District received over $218K in grants and donations that cut emergency response times by nearly 12 minutes in 2025, strengthening rural services in El Paso, Lincoln, and Pueblo counties (including FEMA and local gifts).
Fire Chief Aaron Hicks said the improvements mark a turning point for the district.
KOAA News5Read more
Sports
Rylee Edmondson scored 32 points as Lewis-Palmer beat Rampart 54-46 in the 5A girls basketball playoffs on Wednesday.
The team will face Palmer Ridge on Saturday in the second round.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Just Nesh Comedy Show
Friday, February 27th, 2026 · 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.
Film in the Community: Screening of I'm Carl Lewis
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 · 1-3 p.m. — Peak Education — Free entry — Celebrate Black History Month with a documentary exploring the legacy of Olympic legend Carl Lewis.
Bright Forest Painting Class
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 · 5-7 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$48 per person — Enjoy a fun painting experience with a complimentary first drink included.
Mellow Mondays Coloring Night
Monday, March 2nd, 2026 · 4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — A creative evening of coloring awaits at this chill brewery tradition.
Sweet T’s Rude Blues Jam
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — PEAK 31 @ Union Station — Free entry — Enjoy a lively blues jam session in the heart of Colorado Springs.
Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge with trivia and enjoy craft beers at one of Colorado Springs' favorite breweries.
Moms Unhinged Comedy Show
Thursday, March 5th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Tickets available — Experience a night of clean(ish) comedy about motherhood and midlife meltdowns.
Mike Stanley Stand-Up Comedy Show
Friday, March 6th, 2026 · 9:45-11:15 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General admission available — Experience the hilarious wit and heart of Mike Stanley, a comedian known for his engaging stand-up performances.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 · 10 AM – 2 PM — Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the Lunar New Year with cultural performances, crafts, and community activities.
Pikes Peak Morning
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 · $12 Bottomless Mimosas All Weekend — 11 AM – 1 PM — Painting with a Twist — $40-$48 per person — Enjoy a guided painting session with unlimited mimosas and coffee refills.