Daily editionTuesday, March 31st, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 31st of March.
Community
A Colorado Springs teen, Taylor Schreiner (18), is named the 2026 Military Child of the Year for the Space Force by Operation Homefront.
The senior at Discovery Canyon High School has overcome military life challenges and is recognized for her leadership and resilience.
KOAA News5Read more
A Colorado Springs transportation service offering free rides for people in recovery is drawing strong community support after a local news feature today, and owner Danny Bennett said he has received many messages and offers to help amid rising gas prices.
KOAA News5Read more
Business
A person who bought a lottery ticket at Safeway on North Union Boulevard won a $3.12 million jackpot last week with a cash option of $1,560,380.
The winner has 180 days to claim the prize, and funds will support local parks, trails, recreation and wildlife.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
FOX21 News joined with the Colorado Business Forum and Digest to deliver Southern Colorado business news on Monday.
Dirk Hobbs (Founder and Executive Publisher with the Colorado Media Group) discussed how the Conducting Business Leadership event in Denver used precision of the Colorado Symphony to help leaders align teams.
Colorado Springs Business JournalRead more
Culture
Theatreworks announced its new season at the Ent Center for the Arts — opening Sept. 10 with Tony Award-winning 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' — followed by four more plays that will entertain local audiences.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
Colorado’s Universal Preschool program shows record growth with 32,720 applications received for the upcoming school year, though about 29% of eligible children remain unenrolled.
Officials plan improvements to speed and accessibility to drive enrollment to 72% this year and 77% by 2030 — saving families roughly $6,300 per child annually.
KOAA News5Read more
Gov. Jared Polis read aloud to children at Early Connections Learning Centers downtown on March 26 when he handed out the 3 millionth book from the Imagination Library of Colorado, a program that provides free monthly books to kids aged 0–5 across all 64 counties & now offers bilingual options. The program builds early literacy and encourages lasting reading habits.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Environment
Colorado Master Gardener Debra Stinton Othitis advises locals planning to plant a tree for Arbor Day to avoid species that harm the local ecosystem & damage property.
She notes that invasive trees, weak cottonwoods, silver maples, pest-prone ashes, black walnuts, aspen colonies and the Callery pear can lead to issues.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Firefighters reported 86 percent containment on the 24 fire burning southwest of Colorado Springs that started on March 17 and consumed 7,407 acres.
Moisture expected Tuesday evening may boost efforts after an update Monday while investigators determined a car leaving Highway 115 caused the blaze.
KVORRead more
Sports
Avalanche forward Joel Kiviranta (Playoff Kivi) has become a defensive asset for his team, particularly when paired with Parker Kelly and Jack Drury.
Looking ahead to the game against Winnipeg on Saturday, coach Jared Bednar is confident Kiviranta’s consistent forechecking will keep the team competitive.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Pueblo boxer Cecelia Hernandez (11) won three unanimous national boxing titles on Mar. 30 while training to go pro and chase Olympic dreams, sparking inspiration among local youth.
11 NewsRead more
Lewis-Palmer senior Jonas Miller was named the Gazette Preps 6A-5A Boys Basketball Peak Performer of the Year after guiding the Rangers through a challenging season with leadership both on and off the court.
He rallied teammates following setbacks while improving team unity for future contests.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Shallow End Fitness
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Peterson SFB Aquatic Center — Free entry — Work out independently in the reserved shallow end of the pool.
Unplugged at the Lodge
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy acoustic performances from local musicians every Thursday evening.
LIVE at the Lodge - Kelly and Katie
Friday, April 3rd, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy a free concert by the fireplace while sipping on locally crafted drinks.
LIVE at the Lodge - Craig Walter
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening by the fireplace with live music and craft beverages.
Blues Review
Sunday, April 5th, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — $10 cover — Experience an exciting evening with live blues bands on the BIG stage.
Big Band Jazz & Dance Night
Monday, April 6th, 2026 · 6-8:30 p.m. — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — $10 cover — Experience an unforgettable big band jazz show with dance lessons during intermission.
Black Rose Acoustic Society Fundraiser: Bleating Heart Night
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy live acoustic music while supporting a local nonprofit at a cozy brewery event.
Colorado College Music at Midday
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 · 12:15-1:15 p.m. — Sperry S. And Ella Graber Packard Hall of Music and Art — Free entry — Experience the diverse musical talents of Colorado College students showcasing vocal and instrumental works.
Mom's Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of hilarious storytelling about motherhood, marriage, and the joys of life with special comedic guests.
2026 Brew Fest
Friday, April 10th, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — Peterson SFB Hub Community Center — $25 per person — Enjoy craft brews and live music while sampling local flavors.